TobyRaps

TobyRaps is the stage name of Ryan Tobbe, a Cleveland rapper and songwriter known for improvised songs, witty writing and a habit of cheering people up. He grew up in Chagrin Falls, the son of acoustic singer-songwriter Jim Tobbe, started rapping in high school and studied communications at Cleveland State University, where he met his producer, Chris DiCola. After college he spent about three years busking in downtown Cleveland, making up songs on the spot for passersby.

His albums carry the same idea: Make People Smile (2018), Make More Friends (2020), written about a year in Los Angeles, and Make Yourself Happy (2021). Back home in 2020 he became a Clean and Safe Ambassador with the Downtown Cleveland Alliance, helping people downtown, including people experiencing homelessness, find food and shelter.