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.
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]
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]
