Why is Teddy Riley finally releasing his memoir after sitting on it for 12 years?

by

Teddy Riley was relaxing at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, and when the server came, he simply ordered a lemonade and French fries. We ended up sharing two orders of fries – a plain one and one with truffle oil.

As a huge music fan, I’ve always been amazed by Teddy Riley’s work – he’s behind some absolute classics! Think Keith Sweat’s “I Want Her,” Bobby Brown’s “My Prerogative,” even Michael Jackson’s “Remember the Time” and Blackstreet’s “No Diggity.” It’s interesting to hear he’s really focused on his health now and being careful about what he eats and drinks.

He explained that he avoids beef, pork, and chicken. He prefers either white-meat turkey, which he considers the cleanest poultry, or sea bass. He’s careful about seafood, steering clear of shrimp, catfish, and tilapia, and makes sure to include herbs in his diet every day.

He listed a variety of herbs and supplements he takes, including vitamin C, zinc, key lime, and black walnuts, which he believes help eliminate parasites. He also mentioned supporting his bees and taking glutathione. Riley stated he chose not to get the COVID vaccine, preferring natural remedies. He appeared healthy and energetic, with bright eyes and a well-groomed beard.

“Gonna be 60 in October,” he says, not bragging but not not bragging.

In his new memoir, “Remember the Times,” Riley looks back on his sixty-year career. Written with Jake Brown, the book tells the story of how Riley created new jack swing – the distinctive and energetic soul music sound that originated in Harlem and became hugely popular in Black music during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

×

New jack swing, a sound first named by writer Barry Michael Cooper in a Village Voice article about Teddy Riley, combined smooth vocals with beats built from samples and programming. It blended R&B and hip-hop, and reflected both the aspirations and struggles of city life during the time of the crack epidemic.

In his article, Cooper described the powerful orchestral bursts in Sweat’s song ‘I Want Her’ as intentionally jarring, not calming. He explained that the music is meant to be intense, even frightening, rather than soothing.

New jack swing launched the careers of artists like Johnny Kemp, Al B. Sure!, Heavy D & the Boyz, and Guy. It also helped established stars such as New Edition and Janet Jackson stay popular – both worked with producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who were rivals of Riley. Even Michael Jackson recognized Riley’s talent, bringing him on to produce half of his 1991 album, “Dangerous.”

Riley recalls being financially secure at that point in his life. He’s now a father of nine and has earned numerous accolades, including two Grammy Awards, four songs that reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which he received in 2019.

Riley states that he and Brown finished writing “Remember the Times” twelve years ago, but he waited for the right time to publish it.

He paused between bites of his fries and explained he was following his intuition. He felt the moment was right, citing the current Year of the Fire Horse and his astrological sign, Libra, as contributing factors.

He likely knows that the distinctive, rhythmic sound of new jack swing is making a comeback. This is especially noticeable in the work of Justin Bieber and producer Dijon, who both drew inspiration from Riley’s signature style last year. Dijon used it on Bieber’s Grammy-nominated album, “Swag,” and also on his own critically acclaimed album, “Baby.”

Music

For Subscribers

After funding cuts, KCRW laid off beloved DJs. It hopes new voices can save the music

KCRW is facing challenges that could change its role as a unique, independent source of diverse music for listeners in Southern California. These challenges include financial difficulties and increasing competition from music platforms that rely on algorithms.

Riley believes R&B music is experiencing a resurgence of genuine talent. He’s currently visiting to promote his book, having recently relocated to Dallas from Las Vegas, a city he preferred.

He admits he’s alright with staying home in Texas, but finds the distances frustrating. ‘Everything just takes so long to get to,’ he explains. He also doesn’t enjoy the humidity, even though he loves the heat. His friend Michael got him used to extreme temperatures – he’d happily walk or jog even in 110 to 120 degree weather, and has done so many times, joking it ‘puts years on your life’.

In his memoir, Riley recalls growing up in Harlem, where his school playground was next to the famous Apollo Theater. When he was five years old, a babysitter took him to see Gladys Knight perform. During the song “Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye),” Knight asked a stagehand to bring Riley onstage to dance, giving him a taste of the spotlight he would later seek out.

He says looking back on everything that happened felt unbelievable. Eventually, he had the chance to tell Gladys about it, and she vaguely remembered it happening.

In the early 1980s, Riley was involved in music and street life. He played in bands, including one called Kids at Work, which was put together by music executive Gene Griffin and aimed to emulate the style of New Edition. At the same time, he also sold drugs. He later recalled getting the inspiration for Johnny Kemp’s 1988 hit song, “Just Got Paid,” while on a street corner one busy Friday night.

Riley eventually ended up in jail, where a police officer gave him a serious talking-to, as he recalls. The officer asked him about his dreams and what he wanted out of life. Riley told him he wanted to be famous, and the officer bluntly responded that jail wasn’t the place to achieve that.

After refocusing his career, Riley created popular rap songs for artists like Doug E. Fresh and Kool Moe Dee. In 1987, he formed the group Guy with Aaron Hall and Timmy Gatling, later joined by Aaron’s brother Damion. They signed with Andre Harrell’s influential Uptown Records and quickly achieved R&B success with songs like “Groove Me,” “My Fantasy” (featured in Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing”), and “Let’s Chill.” Riley’s creative leadership within the group led to a production deal with MCA Records – Al Teller, the company’s chairman, called him “one of the special ones” in 1990 – and an invitation from Michael Jackson to contribute to the album “Dangerous.”

So, the author details a fascinating pre-production period for Michael Jackson’s music. He spent a week getting everything ready in New York, then flew out to Neverland Ranch to work with Jackson himself. And get this – he says the inspiration for the beat of “Remember the Time” came from a pretty… unusual personal experience. Apparently, a girlfriend of his acted out a fantasy he had about, well, let’s just say an intimate moment in an elevator! It’s a surprisingly candid detail about the creative process.

Riley describes Jackson as an incredibly unique singer and also highlights his role as an advocate for social justice. He emphasizes that during the year and a half he knew Jackson, he never witnessed any inappropriate behavior involving children. Riley feels strongly about defending Jackson’s legacy, believing his life was important for everyone, regardless of race. He argues that attempts to create division and fuel conflict are driven by those in power who profit from it.

He wondered if police would even be necessary in a truly peaceful world. He explained these ideas often, and people disliked it because he was simply speaking honestly.

In late 1990, Riley used earnings from his song “Dangerous” and a record deal with MCA to move to Virginia Beach. There, he established Future Studios in 1991 and began mentoring up-and-coming producers such as Rodney Jerkins and Pharrell Williams. He also created the group Blackstreet, whose 1996 album, “Another Level,” went on to sell over 4 million copies.

Despite the generally positive tone of “Remember the Times,” there’s a hint of frustration running through it. Riley seems to feel his contributions haven’t been as fully recognized or remembered compared to other successful R&B producers like Jam and Lewis, or Babyface and L.A. Reid, who also played a key role in blending R&B with hip-hop.

Riley jokingly said he saw Jam and Lewis’s move towards new jack swing for Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation 1814” as them simply following a popular trend. However, it’s worth noting that of the five producers involved, Riley is the only one who has never won a Grammy for Producer of the Year.

Riley recalls Michael really wanting to win the Grammy in 1993. (He ended up losing to Babyface and Reid, who shared the award with Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois.) Riley remembers Michael being upset, saying, ‘This feels unfair!’

So, I heard from Riley that he was just hanging with Jam and Reid last night at Jimmy Iovine’s place. Apparently, Dr. Dre was there too! They were having a real vinyl listening session – they put together stacks of my songs and songs by those guys and just listened to records. He said it was super inspiring, and honestly, he even admitted to ‘borrowing’ some ideas!

Riley starts singing the catchy part of his song “Let’s Chill,” then smoothly transitions into the hook of “Tender Love” by the Force M.D.’s. He points out that both songs share the same underlying chord progression, noting that Jam and Lewis, the producers of “Let’s Chill,” actually wrote and produced “Tender Love” a few years earlier.

Have you received the recognition you deserve? I’m working on it. I’ve already achieved a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and I’m hoping to be considered for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I believe my musical contributions are as significant, if not more so, than many current Hall of Fame members.

From what I gathered in the book, you believe the media didn’t always treat you fairly. I remember when I lived in Virginia Beach, the newspapers sometimes published negative things about you.

What kind of bad things?
“Teddy Riley is broke.”

Actually, I wasn’t. I even went through bankruptcy once, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re financially ruined – it just means you’re shutting down a business and dealing with those you owe money to. Still, after everything I’ve done for Virginia, you’d think things would be different. It’s impossible to get fair coverage from any publication in Virginia.

They’re still making plans for me, even now. They’re organizing a street naming ceremony and building a museum – a museum called ‘The Future’.

We’re planning to renovate the studio and turn it into an after-school program run by the Boys & Girls Club. I believe this will be a meaningful way for me to give back and help provide a safe environment for children.

Pharrell Williams has a special connection with Virginia Beach; he’s practically a local hero. That’s because he grew up there, unlike me, who’s new to the area. I’m glad the city is honoring him – someone had to be recognized, and he’s certainly earned it. However, I feel I deserve recognition as well.

Having told his story up till now, Riley has big plans for what’s next.

He’s reinvented his artist persona, now calling it Guy 2.0. He’s also in talks about potential collaborations with Chris Brown and Usher. Beyond that, he aims to honor the legacy of the late Andre Harrell by reviving the Uptown label, which launched the careers of artists like Jodeci and Mary J. Blige.

“I think it’s gonna be the talk of the town,” he says.

I was really shocked to hear him mention potentially collaborating with R. Kelly. It’s hard to believe, considering R. Kelly is currently in prison for 30 years after being found guilty of serious crimes like racketeering and sex trafficking. It just feels wrong to even consider supporting him in any way.

Last month, Riley shared a short clip on social media of what seemed to be Kelly performing R. Kelly’s song “It Depends” over the phone. The post praised Kelly as an R&B legend and hinted at upcoming new music.

Riley mentioned at the SLS that he and Kelly have spoken on several occasions, and he’s currently seeking investors to help release some of the 25 albums Kelly reportedly recorded while incarcerated.

Why?

Riley believes everyone deserves forgiveness and a fresh start, pointing to the idea that God offers redemption to those who seek it. He also feels people are missing a certain style of music, and sees himself as the artist who can revive R&B.

Riley acknowledges that some people see Kelly as unforgivable. He’s asked if he’s worried about the potential negative consequences of being connected to him.

He confidently states that fear wouldn’t allow him to work in this industry. He points out that everyone faces challenges and controversy, using Rick James’s comeback after prison as an example of forgiveness. He believes the potential sentence for R. Kelly, extending to 2045, is excessive and that Kelly has already received sufficient punishment.

“I’m a true believer of God, but I’m also a true believer of forgiveness,” he adds.

Has Riley forgiven the people who’ve wronged him?

He acknowledges he had issues with Gene Griffin, his former manager, whom he details financial wrongdoing by in the book. However, he insists he acted respectfully after Griffin’s death, attending the memorial and even placing a flower on the grave, rather than showing disrespect.

Regarding R. Kelly: Will Riley collaborate with the singer on music, or is their relationship strictly business, considering Kelly is currently in prison?

“I haven’t,” he says. “I’m not on any of the albums.”

But is that something he’d do if asked?

He says he would, explaining that this is simply music – a departure from anything he’s done previously. While he’s made gospel records and done many other things, this music is about inspiring people to improve and seeking forgiveness. He believes the artist has shown remorse and is asking what that means to everyone.

Read More

2026-02-18 14:33