The Breakfast Club INTERVIEW: Teddy Riley On His New Memoir ‘Remember The Times’, Relationship With Michael Jackson + More
Feb 10, 2026
Teddy Riley, Grammy-winning producer and New Jack Swing pioneer who worked with Guy, Blackstreet, and Michael Jackson, talks about his memoir and musical origins. He revisits leaving hustling for music, building community studios, close moments with Michael Jackson, rebuilding after bankruptcy, discovering Pharrell, and fights over publishing and recognition.
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Early Public Moments Shaped His Path
- Teddy Riley remembers being picked up on stage by Gladys Knight at age five and carrying a Casio while hustling as a teen.
- Those early public moments and street life pushed him toward music as his only real choice.
Sheltering Michael During Visits
- Teddy moved Michael Jackson from an exposed hotel room into a private condo he provided to protect his privacy.
- Michael often stayed at Teddy's places and used the studio or bus while they worked together.
Music First, Business Later Costly
- Teddy admits he had no protection as a young producer and focused on music over contracts.
- He credits learning business later for reclaiming publishing and rights as a mature artist.
