RedOne
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RedOne (born Nadir Khayat) is an award winning Moroccan-Swedish producer/songwriter.[1]
RedOne began his career producing in the European pop music scene that became synonymous with the pop music of the 21st century. After years of struggling, RedOne received acclaim in Canada for the hits "I Wish" and "Little Mama," recorded by Juno Award nominee Carl Henry, as well as in his home country, where he won both a Swedish Grammy and Scandinavian Song of the Year award for "Step Up," working with frequent co-writer Bilal Hajji. In 2006 RedOne entered the global marketplace with his smash hit "Bamboo," which was named "Official Melody" for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Selected from over one thousand submissions, "Bamboo" was featured for the branding and promotion of the event during television broadcasts and advertising campaigns, branded cross-promotions, and as a part of the World Cup Official Music Program.[1] In addition, The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) was so impressed with RedOne's talent that he was made the main producer and songwriter for the 2006 World Cup Official Music Program.[1] RedOne also produced a "mash-up" remix of Shakira's "Hips Don't Lie" featuring Wyclef Jean and RedOne's "Bamboo." The remix was performed by Shakira and Wyclef Jean at the World Cup's FinalinBerlin to an estimated worldwide television audience of more than 1.2 billion. Although "Bamboo" certainly helped establish the young producer as a notable producer in the global marketplace [1], RedOne himself has said that it didn't have the impact he thought it would,
"It was a good thing for me as a personal achievement but in terms of business or attracting labels to get more work, it didn't have a big impact, especially not in the US. It opened a few doors that closed quickly after."[2]
After the success of Bamboo, RedOne moved to New York with the aim of breaking his career in the USA, believing it to be "now or never". The move initially proved unsuccessful as RedOne struggled to secure a single production, losing all of his money in the process.[2] However, on the verge of giving up and returning to Sweden, his efforts caught the attention of then Epic Records president Charlie Walk, and led to a production role on Kat DeLuna's debut album '9 Lives (album)'. When Walk heard the first songs RedOne produced for DeLuna - one of which was the subsequent hit single "Whine Up" featuring Elephant Man - he was so impressed he told the producer to finish the whole album.[2]
In 2007, RedOne began writing and producing for New Kids on the Block, Akon, Brandy, Enrique Iglesias, Lionel Richie, The Cheetah Girls, Menudo, Varsity Fanclub, Robyn, Tami Chynn, Flipsyde and RBD.[3] He also produced Kat Deluna's debut-album 9 Lives, which included the hit single "Whine Up" featuring Elephant Man.[1]
2008 proved to be another big year for RedOne with his work on "Just Dance" and "Poker Face", both by Lady Gaga, and both garnering the No. 1 spot in several countries worldwide. In addition, RedOne produced 7 tracks from New Kids on the Block's album The Block, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. It was also announced that Michael Jackson hired RedOne to produce his new album. The trio began working together at the Palms recording studio in Las Vegas.[4] RedOne also lent his production talents on Swedish pop singer Darin's album Flashback. On December 4, 2008, he received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Dance Recording for his production on Lady Gaga's "Just Dance."
In addition to his production credits, RedOne has written for Christina Milian, 3LW, Enrique Iglesias, A*Teens and Tiffany Evans, and has worked alongside writers and producers such as Gordon Chambers, Teron Beal, Mary Brown, Desmond Child, Akon, The Clutch, Bilal Hajji, Lady Gaga, Pixie Lott and Sean Kingston.[1] He is also the co-owner of RedOneKonvict with Akon.
Throughout 2009 RedOne has continued to produce hit tracks including Sean Kingston's "Fire Burning". He has worked with 2008 X Factor winner Alexandra Burke on her debut album Overcome, UK pop group Sugababes on their upcoming album Sweet 7, and the debut album from American Idol season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert. He has recently set off SpaceCowboy's career with "Falling Down. In addition, RedOne recently produced the singles Straight Through My Heart from the Backstreet Boys' 2009 album This Is Us, "Lets Get Crazy", from Cassie's sophomore album, Electro Love, and "Bad Romance" from Lady GaGa's The Fame Monster. RedOne also produced the single "Give it all you got" from Lil Jon's upcoming album Crunk Rock.
Artists often credit RedOne with a namecheck in the opening vocals on tracks he has produced.
