J-RIZZO

The journey started back in high school just writing poetry as a release for a shy but very independant teenager. Music was the other passion in a life that was constantly being bounced around from place to place. J-Rizzo was born in Santa Ana California but family later moved to American Samoa which is a lovely island within the South Pacific. Being in the islands was basic training for a career that he would soon follow as an adult. Many of his musical influences were from the radio but especially from album crates that his uncles & aunt's would let him use to record mix tapes. He and his friends would beat box or pound beats on school desks while taking turn rapping as a past time in high school.
He would later move back to California and began hanging out with his brothers who started a group originally from Compton called "Village Crew Production". Music was not the only influence but also gang life also entered J's world as well. It wasn't too long before "V.C.P" fell apart because most of the members were being incarcerated for crimes.
After a night in the slammer, J decided to straighten up and fly right. He had made an oath with God that night and promised, if the Lord will get him out of this mess he will pursue the will of God for his life. He was released and shortly after started up a group of his own called "Prophet's Of Peace". After releasing a couple of independant projects with "P.O.P" he moved on and took a break from music. But it didn't take long before the rap bug bit and he started up "Priesthood" with two of his friends.
Now J-Rizzo aka J-Raw (real name: Les Moaalii Jr.) is the founder of the popular Hip-Hop and R & B group "Priesthood". As part of the group he has traveled across the U. S, Internationally and played in every type of venue imaginable. This profile is set to just introduce "The Man" and his vision.
Began back in 1994 but actually started in "89" J-Rizzo's roots can be traced back to the Compton Hip-Hop Gangtsa sound. Big fan of the Ol' School 70's & 80's Funk/Soul/R & B has surfaced in a lot of the hook's and songs that J has composed. Also being Polynesian or Samoan to be exact has a added a twist in the "Island Rider Music" style as he calls it. J has now also partnered up with the guy's of Priesthood to start their own record label "High Life Inc." which will be releasing their next project "THUGG WORSHIP". Other projects include; Solo albums by J-Rizzo, Chico Breeze, Tapasu, Kartoon & Mr. Swift.
No secret about J-Rizzo's inspiration and influence is his commitment to the biggest change in his life is his relationship with his Lord, Jesus. Not one to force his faith on any man but to use it to bring healing thru it has built strong relationship's with people who would otherwise never would have anything to do with it. The music is the extension of his heart & passion.