RedOne

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
This article is about the music producer. For the digital cinematography camera Red One, see Red Digital Cinema Camera Company.
Nadir Khayat
Birth name Nadir Khayat
Born 9 April 1972 (age 40)
Tétouan, Morocco
Genres Pop, rock, electronic dance, R&B, eurodance, house, techno
Occupations Producer, Songwriter, Music executive
Years active 2003–present
Labels 2101 Records, Cash Money Records, Interscope, Universal Republic, Island
Associated acts Cher, Cher Lloyd, Lady Gaga, Mylène Farmer, One Direction, Usher, Akon, Jennifer Lopez, JLS, Paulina Rubio, Nicole Scherzinger, MIKA, Darin, Nicki Minaj, Mohombi, Marc Anthony, Kat DeLuna, Michael Jackson, Enrique Iglesias, Paulina Rubio, Dive Bella Dive, Pitbull, Taio Cruz, Lindsay Lohan, Porcelain Black, Havana Brown, Alexandra Burke, Kika(Portugal) Greg Walters, Inna, Alexis Jordan[1] KMC,[2] 7Lions,[3] Britney Spears, Justin Bieber
Website redoneprod.com

Nadir Khayat, professionally known as RedOne,[4] (born 9 April 1972) is a Moroccan born Swedish producer, songwriter and music executive.[5][6]

As a producer and songwriter, he has worked with many other high profile recording artists, including Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Mylène Farmer, Pitbull, One Direction, Enrique Iglesias, Cher, MIKA, Darin, Nicki Minaj, Backstreet Boys and Paulina Rubio. His production discography boasts many Billboard hits, which he also co-wrote.[7] RedOne has established his own record label named 2101 Records as a joint venture with Universal Music Group.[8] RedOne has been nominated for six Grammy awards, winning two. In 2009, he was the number one producer on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, ranking number three as songwriter.[9] Commonly, he produces pop, rock, electronic, R&B, and pop rock genres.

Contents

[edit] Life and career

[edit] Early life

Born Nadir Khayat in Tétouan, Morocco, he left for Sweden at age nineteen to pursue a career as a musician.[9][10] He chose the country because, "There was so much good music coming from there." ABBA, Europe and Roxette were among the most influential to him.[10] Originally, he pursued his musical ambitions by singing and playing guitar in various local rock bands, but, in 1995, changed directions by opting to produce and write songs for other artists.[10] Instrumental in helping him make this change was Rami Yacoub, another fellow ex-rock musician.[11] The Palestinian Swedish songwriter/producer who had worked extensively with Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Westlife and Céline Dion amongst others, taught RedOne about "programming and how the software works," and the pair wrote songs together.[10] According to Yacoub, RedOne worked with him in the studio for a year before Yacoub was asked to join Cheiron Studios.[11] RedOne began his career producing European pop after he and Yacoub split ways. The alias 'RedOne' is a pseudonym of the name of one of Nadir's friends; Redouan.

[edit] Career beginnings

After years of struggling, RedOne finally began to achieve recognition for his work in 2005, firstly with the Darin song "Step Up," which reached #1 in Sweden[12] and later won him and frequent collaborator Bilal Hajji both a Swedish Grammy and Scandinavian Song of the Year award.[13] He went on to produce the Canadian hits "I Wish" and "Little Mama," recorded by Juno Award nominee Carl Henry.[14] He also worked with pop singer Britney Spears and songwriter Michelle Bell on a track titled "Money Love and Happiness" in 2005.[15][16] The track remained unreleased until 2012, when Bell leaked the track in full online.[17]

In 2006, RedOne-produced single "Bamboo" was named "Official Melody" for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. "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, gaining much audio exposure.[18] In addition, The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) made him the main producer and songwriter for the 2006 World Cup Official Music Program.[6]

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 Final in Berlin to an estimated worldwide television audience of more than 1.2 billion.[6]

Although "Bamboo" helped establish him as a notable producer in the global marketplace,[6] RedOne himself claimed that the song didn't have the impact he thought it would, saying:

"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."[10]

Lady Gaga and RedOne produced songs such as "Poker Face" and "Just Dance" in the infancy of their partnership.

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".[10] Initially the move proved unsuccessful; he struggled to secure even a single production and lost all of his money in the process.[10] However, on the brink of giving up and returning to Sweden, his efforts caught the attention of then Epic Records president Charlie Walk. A subsequent meeting led to the producer being given a Jennifer Lopez song to remix followed by a couple of demos for Menudo, and it was the quality of these that resulted in RedOne being given a production role on Kat DeLuna's debut album 9 Lives.[19] When Walk heard the first songs RedOne produced for DeLuna—one of which was subsequent hit single "Whine Up" featuring Elephant Man—he was impressed enough to ask the producer to produce the whole album.[10]

As 2007 came to a close, the former management company of Lady Gaga introduced her to RedOne, whom they also managed.[10] Together, they wrote a song titled, "Boys, Boys, Boys", which was intended as a spin-off of Mötley Crüe's "Girls, Girls, Girls".[20] Together, they produced more popular hits, such as "Poker Face" and "Just Dance". He continued writing and producing for Gaga, Mylène Farmer, Porcelain Black, Sean Kingston, New Kids on the Block, MIKA, Akon, Zander Bleck, Enrique Iglesias, Lionel Richie, and Paulina Rubio.[21]

[edit] 2101 Records

2101 Records flag

In 2010, RedOne founded 2101 Records, a record label, as a joint venture with Universal Music Group.[8][22] In 1 August, RedOne inked 2101 Records in a deal to be distributed via Cash Money Records, new home to both Mohombi and Talkback. Artist DJ Havana Brown is distributed via Universal Republic, Dive Bella Dive is distributed via Island Records, 7Lions are independently distributed, Priyanka Chopra and Midnight Red are distributed via Interscope Records.

[edit] Alex Sparrow

In 2011, RedOne began working together with the Russian singer Alex Sparrow. Now they are still working with each other.

[edit] Mohombi

Swedish-Congolese artist Mohombi was the first to be signed to the label in a deal with 2101. Mohombi released his debut solo studio album MoveMeant on the label on 28 February 2011.[23] Mohombi's first single "Bumpy Ride" was certified 2x platinum in Sweden in February 2011.[24]

[edit] Michael Jackson

Early in 2009, RedOne worked with Michael Jackson on what would be the late singer's final album.[9] Around this time, he produced a remix of "We Are the World”, to raise funds for the Haitian relief effort after the area was devastated by earthquakes.[9]

[edit] Porcelain Black

In March 2011, Porcelain Black (formerly known as Porcelain and the Tramps)[25] released her debut single "This Is What Rock n' Roll Looks Like" via Universal Republic and the 2101 imprint.[26] RedOne introduced Black to her current manager Derrick "EI" Lawrence, manager of Lil Wayne. Through Lawrence, Black met the rap artist, who wanted to be featured on the single. This led Porcelain Black to join Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, and Travis Barker on the North American, "I AM MUSIC II" Tour.[27] "Naughty Naughty", Black's second single was released on 13 December 2011.[28] Answering the cry of impatient fans on his Twitter account, RedOne leaked the single to Youtube on 18 September 2011.[29] Her debut album, Mannequin Factory, will be released through the 2101 label.[25]

[edit] 7Lions

On 19 June 2012, 7Lions released their debut album, Born 2 Run via 2101 Records. RedOne co-wrote and co-produced their debut single "Born 2 Run" with record producer Morgan Taylor Reid. The single "Born 2 Run" has become a sports anthem having been featured on Extreme Expeditions (National Geographic Channel), Breeders' Cup 2011 (ABC), Thanksgiving Day Game 2011 (National Football League), Australian Open 2012 (ESPN), Daytona 500 (FOX) and Major League Baseball on Fox. In May 2012 they released the "LA Kings/Born 2 Run" Stanley Cup theme, a remix of their single "Born 2 Run" that was created in cooperation with Los Angeles radio station 98.7 FM, sister station AM 570 and the Los Angeles Kings. 7Lions was asked to perform it on the KTLA Morning News in Los Angeles to spur on the LA Kings fans just days before the Kings won the Stanley Cup.[3] In 2013 the song became WWE Friday Night Smackdown's theme song.

[edit] Priyanka Chopra

In 2012, RedOne worked with Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra on her debut single, "In My City. The single which features Will.I.Am made its debut on Thursday Night Football on the NFL Network.[30] RedOne produced her debut album which scheduled for release in 2013.

[edit] Other projects

In April 2012, the band Talkback released its debut single, "Laugh Laugh", via 2101 and Cash Money Records.[31] Also in conjunction with Cash Money Records, RedOne produced and co-wrote four songs for Nicki Minaj's sophomore album, Pink Friday:Roman Reloaded, including the Billboard hit, Starships and Pound The Alarm.[32] RedOne also wrote the song "Save You Tonight", for the debut album of UK boyband, One Direction.

RedOne penned many of the songs sung by Alexey Vorobyov, who represented Russia in the Eurovision Song Contest of 2011 and eventually recruited the singer to his record label.[33] He planned to produce the Cher and Lady Gaga duet, "The Greatest Thing".[34] Scheduled to be released at Christmas 2011, the single was set to appear on Cher's twenty-sixth studio album.[35] The song will be the second single from Cher's 26th Studio album.[36]

In 2013 he's working on Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez upcoming albums, he's the producer of some songs on Lady Gaga's ARTPOP album, and he's the executive producer of Jennifer Lopez's upcoming Album #10

[edit] 2101 Songs

2101 Songs is a publishing company administered by Sony ATV Songs (BMI).[37]

[edit] Philanthropy

In 2011, RedOne created 2101 Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to helping disadvantaged youth with big dreams and to inspire and motivate young people to pursue their passion in life through music, arts and education.[21][38] The program aims to assist African American youths win college scholarships. In an interview, RedOne stated that he wanted to prevent youths from growing up as he had.[39] He is also involved with A Place Called Home, a safe house for youth in Southern Los Angeles. The program provides children with food, a safe living environment, and educates them on sports and music-making.[21]

[edit] Discography

Main article: RedOne production discography

[edit] Grammy Awards

Year Recipient Award Result
2011 RedOne Producer of the Year, Non-Classical Nominated

[edit] Latin Grammy Awards

Year Recipient Award Result
2011 Euphoria Album of the Year Nominated

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Red One:Biography". Red One Official Website. Retrieved 2 October 2011. 
  2. ^ "Artists – 2101 Records". 2101 Records.com. Retrieved 2 October 2011. 
  3. ^ a b "ARTIST DIRECT "7Lions Turn Heads Over "L.A. Kings/Born 2 Run" Stanley Cup Theme"". Retrieved 20 June 2012. 
  4. ^ Gundersen, Edna (25 January 2011). "Music producer RedOne achieves monster fame". USA Today. Retrieved 30 September 2011. 
  5. ^ "Nominees And Winners". Grammy.com. 2009. Retrieved 30 September 2011. 
  6. ^ a b c d "RedOne's BMI Artist Roster". Broadcast Music, Inc. 2006–2011. Retrieved 15 October 2008. 
  7. ^ Warner, Kara. "Hit Maker RedOne Introduces New Artists, 'DWTS' Tracks". MTV Newsroom. Retrieved 1 October 2011. 
  8. ^ a b "Universal Music Announces Label Deal with Super Producer RedOne". Universal Music Group. August 2010. Retrieved 30 September 2011. 
  9. ^ a b c d Levine, Mike (9 April 2010). "RedOne | International Hitman". Electronic Musician. Retrieved 10 October 2011. 
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i Bouwman, Kimbel (23 March 2009). "Interview With RedOne". HitQuarters. Retrieved 30 September 2011. 
  11. ^ a b Bouwman, Kimbel (10 August 2009). Eventhough he was born in morocco his father is from palestine and his mother is from lebanon.page=intrview/opar/intrview_Rami_Interview.html "Interview with Rami Yacoub". HitQuarters. Retrieved 8 March 2010. 
  12. ^ "Darin- Step Up (Song)". Finnishcharts.com. Retrieved 1 October 2011. 
  13. ^ "WMC 2011 Schedule Panelist: RedOne". Winter Music Conference. Retrieved 1 October 2011. 
  14. ^ Montgomery-Spencer, Jeunesse (18 September 2008). "Carl Henry [Interview]". HipHopCanada.com. Retrieved 1 October 2011. 
  15. ^ "Money Love and Happiness (Legal Title)". BMI. Retrieved 21 November 2011. 
  16. ^ "ASCAP ACE – Money Love and Happiness". ASCAP. Retrieved 27 November 2010. 
  17. ^ Stern, Bradley (5 April 2012). "Daily B: Songwriter Michelle Bell Leaks "Money Love & Happiness," Talks Lost ‘Original Doll’ Album". Muumuse.com. Retrieved 5 April 2012. 
  18. ^ "World Cup Gets A Kick Out of RedOne’s ‘Bamboo’". Broadcast Music, Inc. 13 June 2006. Retrieved 15 October 2008. 
  19. ^ Bouwman, Kimbel (20 January 2009). "Interview with Brandon Creed". HitQuarters. Retrieved 15 December 2010. 
  20. ^ Reporter, Staff. "Lady GaGa Profile". Contactmusic.com. Retrieved 20 February 2009. 
  21. ^ a b c Ali, Lorraine (June 2011). "RedOne: Gaga, J.Lo, and Enrique may throw him props, but this musicmaker likes being the force behind the fame". LA Times blog. Retrieved 1 October 2011. 
  22. ^ "Gaga producer signs deal with Universal records". BBC News. 9 August 2010. 
  23. ^ Laker, Vanessa. "MOHOMBI: THE INTERVIEW!". MTV.com. Retrieved 1 October 2011. 
  24. ^ "Veckolista Singlar – Vecka 7, 18 februari 2011". Sverigetopplistan. GLF. 18 February 2011. Retrieved 19 September 2011. 
  25. ^ a b Ramirez, Carlos (14 June 2011). "Porcelain Black Says Rock Music Is in Her Blood". Noisecreep. Retrieved 6 August 2011. 
  26. ^ "Meet Lil Wayne’s New Artist Porcelain Black". Rap-Up.com. 18 March 2011. Retrieved 6 August 2011. 
  27. ^ Gayles, Contessa. "Porcelain Black Reveals 'What Rock N Roll Looks Like,' Exclusive Video Q&A". Noise Creep. Retrieved 16 September 2011. 
  28. ^ Caputo, Ashley. "A New Kind of Rock and Roll: Porcelain Black". Z!nk Magazine. Retrieved 13 September 2011. 
  29. ^ Kevipod. "New Music: Porcelain Black – Naughty Naughty". Retrieved 19 September 2011. 
  30. ^ "Priyanka Chopra Unveils Music Single Launched on NFL". Retrieved 4 October 2012. 
  31. ^ "2012 official website". 
  32. ^ Mitchell, John. "Nicki Minaj Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded: Reviews Are In!". MTV Rapfix. Viacom. Retrieved 12 April 2012. 
  33. ^ Siim, Jarmo (28 March 2011). "Sparrow, Pokerface writer have a go for Russia". Eurovision. Retrieved 1 October 2011. 
  34. ^ Warner, Kara. "Lady Gaga And Cher's 'The Greatest Thing' Is 'Timeless' 'It's an event,' co-writer/producer RedOne tells MTV News.". MTV.news. Retrieved 1 October 2011. 
  35. ^ "Cher's New Album To Be Released At Christmas?". Cher News. 13 August 2011. Retrieved 10 October 2011. 
  36. ^ "RedOne's official Twitter page". 2 June 2012. Retrieved 7 June 2012. 
  37. ^ "2101Songs.com". Retrieved 7 April 2011. 
  38. ^ "2101 Foundation". 
  39. ^ Saoud-Easton, Eve-Yasmine (11 June 2011). "RedOne – Lady Gaga’s Producer EXCLUSIVE Interview". Superstar Magazine. Retrieved 10 October 2011. 

[edit] External links

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=RedOne&oldid=552160190"