Richard Christopher Harrison (born 1979) is an American record producer and songwriter specializing in
R&B and
hip hop music.[1] The winner of a
Grammy Award, Harrison is well known for producing songs such as "
Get Right" (performed by
Jennifer Lopez), "
1 Thing" (performed by
Amerie) and "
Crazy in Love" (performed by
Beyoncé and
Jay-Z).[2] Harrison is the founder of Richcraft Entertainment, a label that housed artists such as singer
Amerie, R&B girl group
RichGirl, and rapper
Young Steff.
Early life and education
A classically trained pianist and trumpet player,[2][3] from an early age Harrison demonstrated the ability to play music he heard on the radio, later attending
Howard University in Washington, D.C., majoring in history and hip-hop music.[3]
Career
Harrison's first big music deal came in 1999 when Harrison worked with
Mary J. Blige on "Beautiful Ones" for her album Mary. In 2001, he created his own production company, Richcraft Inc., and immediately wrote and produced
Amerie's debut album, All I Have. In 2004 he won a
Grammy Award for
Beyoncé's "
Crazy in Love",[4] and a nomination for his work on
Usher's Confessions album.
Harrison was back in the spotlight early in 2005 to work with Amerie, and produced Amerie's "1 Thing", from her album Touch, known for its infectious breakbeats and Amerie's unconventional vocals. A similar beat was used by Harrison for
Toni Braxton's "
Take This Ring" from her 2005 album Libra both tracks include elements of
go-go (mainly in the strong,
funky drumming with added percussion). In 2005, The New York Times called him "one of R&B's most exciting producers."[5]
Harrison is currently involved in projects with
50 Cent,
Tweet,
Missy Elliott,
Eve,
Brandy,
Young Steff and
Dawn Robinson.[citation needed] Harrison has worked with Janet Jackson, Usher, Alicia Keys and Jennifer Lopez, and is still assisting the South Korean pop singer
Se7en with his first American album, assisted by his producer Lionell Davis.[4]
Harrison has been approached by many artists to assist with album productions, but it appears he is now focusing his time on his own artists, such as Young Steff and girl group
RichGirl.[citation needed] There is a possibility that he may be appearing on
Toni Braxton's forthcoming album.[citation needed]
Other works include tracks for
Claudette Ortiz's solo album,
3LW's latest and as yet unreleased album and tracks that may appear on
50 Cent's next album.[citation needed]