Teddy Riley, Songs, Producer, Age, Wife, Children, Brother, & Riley Group
Teddy Riley Biography
Teddy Riley is an iconic American record producer, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, widely credited with pioneering the new jack swing genre. Known for blending R&B, hip-hop, and pop, Riley has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Michael Jackson, Bobby Brown, Keith Sweat, Samantha Mumba, and Doug E. Fresh. He also led the highly influential groups Guy and Blackstreet, helping to shape the sound of late ’80s and ’90s R&B.
Teddy Riley Age and Birthday
Teddy Riley is 57 years old as of 2025. He was born Edward Theodore Riley on October 8, 1967, in Harlem, New York, USA. He celebrates his birthday every year on October 8.
Family Background
Riley was born and raised in the St. Nicholas Houses in Harlem, New York. Information about his parents is currently unavailable but will be updated once confirmed.
Teddy Riley Wife
Teddy Riley is married to Donna Roberts. However, specific details about their wedding or relationship timeline have not been publicly shared.
Children
Teddy and Donna are proud parents of nine children—four daughters and five sons. His children include:
Daughters: Nia Riley (stepdaughter), Taja Riley, Dejanee Riley, and Bobbie Riley
Sons: Samar Riley, Lil Teddy Riley, Dante Horne, and TJ Riley
Brother
Teddy Riley had an older brother named Markell Riley, who was also involved in music and was a member of Wreckx-N-Effect, the group behind the hit “Rump Shaker.” Markell and Teddy collaborated closely, especially during the peak of the new jack swing movement.
Teddy Riley Daughter
Teddy Riley is the father of nine children, including three daughters who are active in entertainment:
Taja Riley – Dancer, choreographer, and singer
Deja Riley – Fitness personality, former dancer and music artist
Bobbie Riley – Reality TV star and fashion stylist
Together, the three daughters formed a short-lived girl group called R.I.L.E.Y. in 2010.
Is Melvin Riley Related to Teddy Riley?
Despite the shared surname and musical backgrounds, Melvin Riley (former lead singer of the R&B group Ready for the World) is not related to Teddy Riley. Melvin is known for 1980s hits like “Oh Sheila” and “Love You Down,” while Teddy carved out his legacy in a different musical era and genre.
Net Worth
As a celebrated producer and artist, he has accumulated an estimated net worth of $5 million, thanks to decades of work in the music industry and numerous production credits on iconic albums.
Teddy Riley and Michael Jackson
Riley co-produced Michael Jackson’s eighth studio album, “Dangerous,” alongside Bill Bottrell and Bruce Swedien. Released on November 26, 1991, by Epic Records, the album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and topped charts in ten other countries. It featured nine singles, including international hits, and marked a significant shift in Jackson’s sound toward new jack swing.
Teddy Riley and Soulja Boy Controversy
Teddy’s stepdaughter Nia Riley was previously in a highly publicized and turbulent relationship with rapper Soulja Boy. Their on-and-off relationship included moments of emotional distress, one of which was captured on the reality show “Marriage Boot Camp”. In one troubling episode, Soulja Boy attempted to snatch Nia’s phone and physically confronted her, prompting widespread concern. The incident reportedly ended their relationship for good.
Gene Griffin
Teddy’s early exposure to the music industry came through his uncle, who owned the famed Harlem club The Rooftop. The club housed a recording studio where Riley honed his craft. Under the mentorship of producer Gene Griffin, Riley formed a short-lived group called Kids at Work. At just 18, he produced Kool Moe Dee’s single “Go See the Doctor,” which reached #89 on the Billboard Hot 100. Riley had also previously contributed to Doug E. Fresh and the Get Fresh Crew’s hit “The Show” in 1985.
Teddy Riley vs. Babyface: The Instagram Live Battle
He made headlines in 2020 for his much-anticipated Instagram Live battle with legendary producer Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds. Unfortunately, the event was plagued by technical difficulties on Riley’s end, including poor audio and echo issues. Riley appeared to have set up a full production stage, while Babyface streamed from a simple studio setup. The problems disrupted the event and led to viral memes and jokes across social media. Despite the hiccups, both artists were praised for their legendary catalogs and impact on music history.
Songs
He has been instrumental in creating some of the most iconic R&B and hip-hop tracks of the late ’80s and ’90s. As an artist, he performed hits with his groups Guy and Blackstreet. Some of the most notable songs include:
“No Diggity” – Blackstreet ft. Dr. Dre & Queen Pen
“My Prerogative” – Bobby Brown
“I Like” – Guy
“Piece of My Love” – Guy
“Before I Let You Go” – Blackstreet
“Remember the Time” – Michael Jackson (produced)
Teddy Riley as a Producer
He is globally recognized as a pioneering music producer, especially known for developing the new jack swing genre—a fusion of R&B, hip-hop, and pop with digital production. His polished, rhythmic sound revolutionized late ’80s and early ’90s urban music. He’s produced for legends like:
Michael Jackson
Bobby Brown
Keith Sweat
Heavy D & the Boyz
SWV
Janet Jackson
Songs Teddy Riley Produced
His production catalog is extensive. Here are some standout hits he produced:
“Remember the Time” – Michael Jackson
“My Prerogative” – Bobby Brown
“Rump Shaker” – Wreckx-N-Effect
“I Want Her” – Keith Sweat
“Get Away” – Bobby Brown
“I Like the Way (The Kissing Game)” – Hi-Five
“Is It Good to You” – Heavy D & the Boyz
Teddy Riley Group
Teddy Riley has been the driving force behind two legendary groups:
Guy – Formed in the late 1980s with Aaron Hall and Timmy Gatling (later Damion Hall). Known for hits like “Groove Me” and “Let’s Chill.”
Blackstreet – Formed in the 1990s, best known for “No Diggity.” This group helped solidify Riley’s crossover success in both R&B and hip-hop.
Songs Written by Teddy Riley
Riley has songwriting credits on numerous influential songs, including:
“My Prerogative” – Bobby Brown
“Piece of My Love” – Guy
“No Diggity” – Blackstreet
“Remember the Time” – Michael Jackson
“I Want Her” – Keith Sweat
“Make It Last Forever” – Keith Sweat
Alicia Etheredge and Teddy Riley
There is no known romantic or professional relationship between Alicia Etheredge (Bobby Brown’s wife and manager) and Teddy Riley beyond their mutual connection to Bobby Brown. Alicia is often mentioned in relation to Bobby’s career and personal life, while Teddy Riley played a major role in shaping Bobby’s sound during the “Don’t Be Cruel” album era.
Teddy Riley & Guy
Guy was Teddy Riley’s first major group, formed in 1987 with Aaron Hall and Timmy Gatling (later replaced by Damion Hall). The group is credited with popularizing the new jack swing sound. Notable albums include:
Guy (1988) – Featuring hits like “Groove Me” and “Teddy’s Jam”
The Future (1990) – Featuring “Let’s Chill” and “Do Me Right”
Guy III (2000) – A reunion album after years apart
Book
As of 2025, he has not released an official autobiography or memoir, but he has hinted in interviews that a book chronicling his musical journey—from Harlem to hit-making legend—is a future possibility. Fans are eager for a behind-the-scenes look at his life, career, and industry influence.
