Devonte Spivey, known by his stage name Jody Ribera, has pursued his dream of becoming a musician. He grew up in Chicago surrounded by gang activity and found an escape through music. At a young age, he began combining his talents in rapping, singing, and acrobatics in public performances. Jody has since worked tirelessly recording music, networking, and striving to reach the top as a performer.

1. [DEVONTE` SPIVEY]

2. Breaking into the music industry has always been a dream for Chicago’s southsider Devonte A. Spivey
(aka Jody RIbera). Born on June 24, 1993, Devonte showed extreme talent at an early age and never
seemed afraid to compete on any level from state gymnastic meets to martial arts competitions; he has
always been active putting his big personality on display for all to see.
Growing up surrounded by the gang activity in the streets of Chicago, Devonte knew he wanted more for
his life. He found a way of escaping his reality by submerging himself in music. Listening to performers
such as LL Cool J, Avril Levine and the Black Eyed Peas, Devonte became inspired to follow his dream of
becoming the next big artist to hit the scene.
Combining his gift of rap and singing with his acrobatic and dance training, Devonte was given his first
chance to perform publicly at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry in 2002 at the age of 9. It was at
that point he decided to never look back; he continuously looked for ways to perform wherever he could,
even opening up for a local band. At the age of 12 Devonte took on the stage name “Jody Ribera” and
began addictively writing songs and vigorously performing; showing versatility by combining his
acrobatic skills with his talents.Jody has worked tirelessly to record his music and post his performances
on networking websites such as YouTube and Facebook. Jody dropped his first mixtape entitled
“Intricacy” in July, 2012. Being an up and coming artist in Chicago pr
oved to be a major task, however Jody still managed to network with Grammy award winning artist
Rhyme Fest, who took him under his wing and mentored him - helping mold him into a potential star.
Jody RIbera was given several opportunities to mingle back stage at nearly every Hip Hop or R & B
concert or industry event hosted in Chicago. He was allowed to not only experience a behind the scenes
look at what it takes to be a professional performer, but he was also able to network with several industry
promoters and artists.Because of his hard work and perseverance, Jody was invited to the 2012
Grammys, which he describes as “…one of the most mind blowing experiences for a young teen from
Chicago”. Jody continues to strive to reach the top and give his fans what they want; music and an
outstanding performance.

6. FROM THE SOUTHEAST SIDE OF
CHICAGO

7. Hobbies
● Photography
● videography
● Electronic Music Composing
● Exercising
● Wine Tasting
● Writing/Composing
● Cooking
● Reading
● Martial Arts
● Digital Design and coding
● Cigar enthusiast
● Movie watching
● Reading

8. Volunteered For Urban Access Television for
a documentary of chicago’s most dangerous
neighborhoods. The purpose was to find troubled teens with talent giving them a
chance to display their gifts; showing them it’s another route to take besides
embracing the streets.

9. Won nationwide step competition to raise money for school books and made
over a million dollars worth of scholarships with Darius Quarels the million
dollar scholar our senior year at Kenwood Academy High School.

10. I worked at Caffe` Rom as a Barista at the the Hyatt Building
in the financial district under IBM. The caffe` offered an
energetic European vibe centered around sleek Italian
designed bars, providing an engaging environment where you
can enjoy your espresso at the bar while visiting with your
favorite barista. Relax at a table with business associates, or
enjoy the outdoor seating. I worked for 8.50 an hour with 30
dollars worth of tips on a daily basis.

11. I.C.STARS
To my knowledge, this program is very competitive, attracting
highly motivated interns, but I am convinced that my
motivation makes me a strong candidate. This program is
teaching me the required fundamentals in IT to become an
efficient tool sort of speak. i.c.stars not only teaches you the
technical side but, combines 101 business skills and
networking tactics which will make me dexterous. I’m an
i.c.stars member because I want to make a difference in not
only my community but all the struggling communities in the
world.