Teddy Riley Shares the Story Behind His Memoir Release After 12 Years

Teddy Riley, the influential R&B musician and producer, recently shared a meal at the SLS Hotel restaurant in Beverly Hills, opting for lemonade and two orders of French fries—one regular and one truffle. The esteemed artist is recognized for hits including Keith Sweat’s “I Want Her,” Bobby Brown’s “My Prerogative,” Michael Jackson’s “Remember the Time,” and Blackstreet’s “No Diggity.” In recent years, however, he has grown particular about his diet.

“I don’t eat beef, I don’t eat pork, I don’t eat chicken,” Riley explained, emphasizing his preference for healthy options. “The cleanest of all the poultry is turkey, so I’ll do white-meat turkey or I’ll do sea bass. No dirty fish—no shrimp, no catfish, no tilapia. And I do my herbs every day.” Among the herbs he takes are vitamin C, zinc, key lime, and black walnuts, which he says help eliminate parasites from the body. He also noted his decision to decline the COVID vaccine, stating, “I’m more into natural things.” Dressed in a black ski cap, Riley appeared both healthy and alert, proudly noting, “Gonna be 60 in October.”

Reflecting on his six-decade career, Riley recently released a memoir titled “Remember the Times,” co-authored with Jake Brown. The book details the creation of new jack swing, a genre that emerged in Harlem, characterized by its blend of smooth vocals and programmed beats—a sound that defined Black pop during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The term “new jack swing” was first coined by writer Barry Michael Cooper in a profile of Riley in the Village Voice. Cooper noted that the synthesized orchestral punches in Sweat’s “I Want Her” were unapologetically bold. “They scream, they shake, they frighten you,” he wrote.

New jack swing propelled artists like Sweat, Al B. Sure!, Heavy D & the Boyz, and Riley’s trio Guy into stardom, while also rejuvenating the careers of established performers like New Edition and Janet Jackson. Riley’s collaboration with Jackson on her 1991 album “Dangerous” marked a significant milestone in his career, contributing to a portfolio that includes two Grammys, four No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Hot 100, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, awarded in 2019.

“Remember the Times” was reportedly completed 12 years ago, but Riley had been waiting for the right moment to publish it. “I’m on spiritual time,” he mused. “I felt like it was the right time because this is the Year of the Fire Horse, and I’m a Libra.”

The influence of new jack swing continues to resonate in contemporary music. Artists like Justin Bieber and producer Dijon have drawn inspiration from Riley’s signature sound, most notably on Bieber’s Grammy-nominated album “Swag.” Riley is optimistic about the genre’s resurgence, stating, “R&B is coming back to a good place—coming back to real artists.” Currently based in Dallas, he expressed mixed feelings about his move from Las Vegas, citing challenges with Texas’ climate and commutes.

Riley’s memoir also revisits his childhood in Harlem, where a babysitter brought him to experience a Gladys Knight performance at the Apollo Theater. “Everything in my life was like, ‘You can’t make this s— up,'” he recounted. As a young man, he initially dabbled in music while also engaging in drug dealing until a pivotal encounter with law enforcement changed his trajectory.

After focusing on music, Riley produced groundbreaking tracks for Doug E. Fresh and Kool Moe Dee before establishing the group Guy in 1987. Their success led to a production deal with MCA Records, ultimately paving the way for his work with Jackson.

In “Remember the Times,” Riley reflects on his deep musical ambition and the competitive landscape of the industry. While he praises industry peers like Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, he acknowledges a lingering sense of being overlooked, particularly regarding Grammy nominations.

Despite challenges, Riley remains engaged with the music community, recently gathering with friends and fellow musicians like Dr. Dre. “We were just listening to records,” he recalled. “We all inspired each other.” He highlighted the recognition he has received, specifically his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, although he hopes for acknowledgment in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as well.

Riley has ambitious plans for the future, including a new iteration of Guy, dubbed Guy 2.0, and potential collaborations with artists such as Chris Brown and Usher. He is also considering reviving the Uptown Records label, which originally introduced acts like Jodeci and Mary J. Blige. In a more controversial move, Riley has discussed working with R. Kelly, currently serving a lengthy prison sentence. He believes that “everybody deserves a second chance,” emphasizing his commitment to bringing R&B back to the forefront.

Despite the complexity surrounding Kelly’s legacy, Riley stands firm in his belief that music transcends past actions. “I’m a true believer of God, but I’m also a true believer of forgiveness,” he affirmed. As he navigates his own journey, Riley remains focused on creating a positive impact, eyeing initiatives to support youth in his community.