Tyler Ribich

Tyler Ribich, known on air as "Ty the Ray Man," was a DJ with the Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program (AZYEP) from 2012 to 2016. He began at a young age alongside longtime DJs Nat Crawford and Miles Craft, later hosting his own show and collaborating with his friend "Jay Bone Jeremy." What set Tyler apart was his love of writing his own raps. On his monthly show, he performed a "Recap Rap" that highlighted local events and world news, and he wrote thoughtful pieces about the environment, bullying, and teen issues, including an archived favorite titled "Kids Rap." Tyler loved AZYEP and KDNK, and his passion for community radio was clear in every show and during membership drives. Beyond radio, he was a stand-up comedian and visual artist who supported AZYEP through fundraisers, including selling his own cartoon magnets and organizing a youth comedy event. He also left a lasting legacy by designing the AZYEP logo and creating the slogan "We’re Talkin’ AZYEP." Tyler is greatly missed.

Roberta McGowan wrote this remembrance article about Tyler in the August 19th, 2020 edition of the Sopris Sun.