Ryko-J

In the artist's words:

Ryko-J has been making a name for himself as a rapper since 2017: for five years, the Essen-born rapper has been releasing rap tracks that cause a stir with their dominant attitude and uniquely dirty vocal color. This was followed by his first major successes, missteps and a debut album, until Ryko-J turned his back on German rap in 2022 and found a new home in pop-punk. Far away from trap beats, but with an electric guitar and grungy drums, he uses music as an anchor in his life, which is not exactly free of hurdles. With the launch of his pop-punk career, it is now clear where he wants to go in the future: out of old patterns and onto the scene of German pop-punk instead, where his raspy voice is combined with pop melodies and honest lyrics to create his very personal style. In collaboration with new and old companions, Ryko-J takes his personal lyrics and lays them over pop-punk instrumentals for the first time in 2022, ultimately writing a new album. The classic punk songs are joined by modern rock & pop elements that allow Ryko-J to reinvent himself while utilizing the strengths he learned during his rap years. Some may call it pop-punk with a chanting element - for Ryko-J it is the musical identity he has been searching for for so long and which is now finally opening new doors for him.

Why you should discover Ryko-J

Ryko-J is one of those artists you see live once and then feel like you're part of an early chapter that might later become really big. His combination of honest rap, creative experimentation and audience appeal makes him an exciting act for anyone who doesn't just want to listen to music, but wants to experience it.

Sound and style of rapper Ryko-J

Ryko-J started out in the classic rap and battlerap environment, but then switched to pop-punk in 2022. He deliberately turned his back on German rap in order to gain a foothold in a genre that combines his rough, scratchy voice with melodic, rock elements. He continues to use elements from his rap days, such as chanting, but integrates them into modern punk and rock arrangements. He describes his new direction as finding a musical identity that he had been searching for for a long time. His songs tell of self-doubt and a spirit of optimism, of big city life and the firm belief that art must be an outlet. There is both urgency and warmth in his voice, which makes his music approachable and appeals to people who are looking for fresh, genuine impulses.

Frequently asked questions about Ryko-J

1. where does Ryko-J perform live?

Ryko-J mainly plays in smaller and independent cultural venues, for example youth centers or local venues. There are also interesting crossovers, such as his joint performance with Stramorten and Sir Preiss at Manege Lintorf, where hip-hop and punk fused together.

2 Where does Ryko-J come from?

Ryko-J is a real Ruhrpottler and comes from Essen. The local scene in the Ruhr area played a key role in shaping the beginnings of his music.