Makeba Riddick

Makeba Riddick, an award-winning singer-songwriter and producer, is successful by any standard. She has worked with Rihanna and Beyoncé, collaborated with David Guetta and Tamar Braxton, and produced songs for Jennifer Lopez and Mariah Carey. With nine no. 1 records, three Grammy nominations, and one Grammy to her credit, her star continues to rise.

Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Riddick loved music as a child, and was encouraged to pursue the passion by her grandmother. She attended the Baltimore School for the Arts before moving to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music and study the music business. After graduation, she moved to New York City, where she ended up writing her first no. 1 song, “All I Have,” which Lopez recorded and which led to Riddick’s first publishing deal with P. Diddy. After that success, her talent caught the attention of Beyoncé and Rihanna, and she became a frequent songwriter and vocal producer for both, helping them with albums such as I Am … Sasha Fierce and Good Girl Gone Bad, respectively.

Riddick attributes her success to her faith, but her work ethic and intrinsic talent for songwriting have played a huge role. She says that she relies on her instincts while creating music and usually creates “very bouncy and rhythmic” melodies. Riddick is managed by Roc Nation, Jay Z’s record label and production house.