Teddy Riley "New Jack Swing"

Teddy Riley Part I

Teddy Riley Part II

Teddy Riley Part III

Teddy Riley IV

Teddy Riley Part V

Teddy Riley Part 6

When I was a little boy running around the house I distinctly remember these words blaring out of my parents stereo system, "You can have a piece of my love, it's waiting for you, girl it's true, I do love you..." It wasn't until a few years later that I started to read production credits on albums that were being released. With these albums I noticed that a lot of the records I really got into (R&B wise) were produced by a young brotha' from Harlem, New York named Teddy Riley. 

Teddy had a way of keeping the music street but still very melodious. His drums hit hard while being surrounded by lush and often times somber instruments like strings and pads. His production credits were sprawled out over everywhere. From Hi-Five (The Kissing Game) to the gospel group The Winans and Heavy D. Teddy was shaping the sound of black America...better yet urban America. I believe Teddy Riley's work as a producer changed the game and his sound is still very relevant today. Teddy laid the foundation for today's producer's without even knowing he was doing so (most likely). 

Beside DJ Premiere, Pete Rock and J Dilla...Teddy Riley has probably had the most influence on me as a producer. The reason for this is because he could produce both hip hop and soul records successfully without missing a beat! Remember Teddy produced "The Show" for Doug E. Fresh and "Rump Shaker" for Wrecks-n-Effect. Teddy used the sample for "Rump Shaker" way before Just Blaze cut it up for the Jay-Z record "Show Me What You Got". Teddy also produced some of the greatest R&B records that we'll ever hear. I know your remember the Guy record "Let's Chill". You were probably conceived to this record. What about Bobby Brown's "My Prerogative" or Blackstreets "No Diggity"? Yeah, this cat has done it all musically. He even produced Michael Jackson's "Dangerous" album and the tune "Black or White". Teddy Riley is a beast man. A real giant musically. 

I just wanted to solute Mr. Riley for his musical contributions because he's truly made me a better producer/artist. One day I hope I will be able to walk in Mr. Riley's foot steps and touch as many people as I know he has. Big up's to you TR! You are a legend.