Joseph Rivera, known in the music scene as DJ GI JOE, was born on the vibrant lower east side of New York City, truly embodying the essence of an 80s baby. Raised in a lively Puerto Rican family, he was surrounded by the rich sounds of music, particularly influenced by a grandfather whose love for rhythms ensured that not a single day passed without the speakers resonating with the lively beats of classic salsa. Growing up in the dynamic 80s, the hip hop influence permeated his life from the very beginning, laying a strong foundation for his future passions.

After relocating to Massachusetts as a young teenager, Joe was characterized by his energetic spirit; he was always in motion and quickly earned a reputation as the life of the party, perpetually dancing and bringing joy to those around him. He eventually became a notable member of several dance crews, including the legendary Lords of Illusion, Turntable Annihilists, Full Circle, Supreme Beings, and the revered All Mighty Zulu Kings. With his impressive power moves and captivating headspins, Joe was able to travel across the country as a dancer and even secured a spot in a national commercial for Target before he made the pivotal decision to pursue his DJ career full time.

As he navigated his way through the world of DJing, Joe began participating in battles and showcasing his skills at breakdancing events. It was at one of these events that he was introduced to the renowned artist Immortal Technique through DJ DP ONE, an encounter that would remarkably lead him to tour for several years alongside legendary underground artists such as Diabolic, Chino XL, (rest in peace), Punkin Head (rest in peace),and many more showcasing the skills of turntablism to audiences all over the world.

After taking a step back from the touring lifestyle, Joe shifted his focus toward music production. He has thrived in this realm, producing and co-producing records for a variety of artists, with his scratches featured on numerous projects within the underground hip hop genre. Currently recognized as the best Breakbeat DJ in Boston, Joe collaborates with the non-profit organization The Flavor Continues, where he was honored with a lifetime achievement award in 2023 in recognition of his contributions to the music community.

In addition to his thriving career, Joe is the proud owner of Vibe Red Studio, where he has meticulously built his own recording space. He produces music both for himself and alongside his son, Vik Vendetta. Throughout his journey, Joe’s path has continually evolved, and even during times when life made him feel like giving up, the pull of music has always called out to him. This passion has kept him driven to inspire people wherever his journey leads him, reaffirming the importance of resilience in the pursuit of one's dreams.