Teddy Riley Names Black Celebrities Michael Jackson Warned Him About

Teddy Riley, the legendary producer behind iconic music projects, recently came forward with revelations about his time working with Michael Jackson.

During a period when Riley was experiencing challenges in the music industry, Jackson became a key figure in his life. Known for his cryptic comments about Hollywood, Jackson reportedly warned Riley about the darker side of the entertainment world, advising him to be cautious of certain people and forces within the industry.

Riley, best known for his work with Guy and Blackstreet and for pioneering the New Jack Swing genre, reflected on the critical turning points in his career, particularly his work with Jackson on the Dangerous album.

Jackson, recognizing Riley’s talent, reached out to him in 1991 to work on the album. Riley describes the call as life-changing, setting him on a path toward greater success.

Michael Jackson wasn’t just a collaborator, he was also a mentor and protector. According to Riley, Jackson warned him about the shady networks in Hollywood that could harm careers.

Jackson’s cryptic warnings about “shadowy gangs” were echoed by Riley, who spoke about the exploitation of black artists and the injustice they face in the industry. Riley revealed that despite earning $2,000 per song, he often only saw 5-10% of the revenue, a stark contrast to the industry’s glamorous facade.

Jackson not only recognized Riley’s worth but also ensured that he was properly compensated, marking a revolutionary move in an industry often known for exploiting its talent.

Riley described Michael as a source of both financial and moral support, one who was deeply invested in his well-being and success. Jackson was a constant source of wisdom, urging Riley to be cautious of who he trusted and aligning himself with the wrong people in the industry.

In an interview from 2008, Riley shared details about his work on Dangerous, describing his experience in the studio with Jackson. Riley recalled that the production process was unlike any other.

Jackson would bring ideas to the studio, and Riley would work to develop them further. One notable track, “Jam,” started as an idea from Jackson, with Riley adding additional instruments and enhancing the sound. Riley also brought in rapper Heavy D, who was Jackson’s favorite at the time, adding a special touch to the song.

Riley’s contribution to Dangerous extended beyond just producing tracks. He was proud of his guitar playing on “Why You Wanna Trip on Me,” a track where Michael specifically wanted Riley to perform the guitar work instead of bringing in another artist.

Riley’s use of vintage instruments and analog equipment contributed to the warm, classic sound of the album.

One of the standout moments from their collaboration was “Remember the Time,” which featured elements of New Jack Swing, a style that Riley had pioneered.

Riley was instrumental in bringing the New Jack Swing sound to Dangerous, and Jackson loved it from the moment he heard it. Riley’s approach to production was hands-on, with most of the sounds coming from self-made samples and riffs. It was a unique approach that set the album apart from others in Jackson’s catalog.

Riley also discussed his work on other tracks like “Can’t Let Her Get Away” and “Heal the World,” sharing how he contributed to the percussion and overall feel of the songs.

On “Heal the World,” Riley worked with wood percussion and shakers to give the track a more acoustic and live feel. While he didn’t produce the song, his contributions helped enhance the track, adding layers of depth that elevated it.

Throughout his time working with Michael Jackson, Riley learned invaluable lessons about the music industry. Jackson not only helped Riley navigate the complexities of the business but also offered guidance on how to maintain integrity while pursuing success.

Their collaboration was a testament to the power of mentorship and the importance of standing up for oneself in an industry known for its exploitation.

Teddy Riley’s revelations about his experiences with Michael Jackson offer a rare glimpse into the challenges faced by black artists in the music industry and the powerful impact of mentorship in overcoming these challenges. Jackson’s cryptic warnings and genuine concern for Riley’s well-being may have helped the producer navigate the treacherous waters of Hollywood, ultimately ensuring that he was able to achieve the success he deserved.