Michael Jackson and Mary J. Blige Collaborator Is Releasing Highly Anticipated Memoir
As a self-proclaimed music historian, I can say without question that the 90s were one of the most important eras for hip-hop and R&B. From Biggie Smalls to Mariah Carey to 2Pac to Janet Jackson to Boyz II Men, the decade had some of the most prolific artists ever with a laundry list of hits. And behind the big artists and the big hits are some brilliant producers, one of whom is Teddy Riley, who is releasing a new memoir on February 16, 2026.
For those who don’t know, Teddy Riley is a bona fide artist in his own right as a member of Black Street and Guy, but he’s also an award-winning producer who has worked with many of the greats, including Whitney Houston, Bobby Brown, Mary J. Blige, and the king of pop himself, Michael Jackson. It’s Riley’s work with Jackson that clearly inspired the title of his memoir, Remember the Times. Although this suggests his work with Jackson (in particular, writing the smash-hit Remember the Time) will be discussed in the new book, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
What Is Teddy Riley’s 'Remember the Times' About?
Looking to Amazon, here’s a synopsis of the memoir:
“Grammy Award–winning R&B and hip-hop legend Teddy Riley recounts his journey from growing up in the projects in Harlem to inventing the genre New Jack Swing, selling out shows at Madison Square Garden, and creating music for Michael Jackson, Snoop Dogg, Pharrell, and more.
“Since the early ’80s, Teddy Riley has revolutionized the music industry, from his creation of New Jack Swing to his work in R&B, hip-hop, gospel, soul, and pop that forever changed the industry. His profound influence still resonates today, and he has been inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame, awarded the Soul Train Legend Award, and given his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Now, Riley—with coauthor, award-winning biographer Jake Brown—lifts the curtain on his fascinating and inspiring journey with this unforgettable memoir of talent, resilience, collaboration, betrayal, and creativity.
“With heart and humor, Riley reflects on his beginnings as a musical prodigy growing up in Harlem and the highs and lows of working with some of the biggest names in the industry. From masterminding his own acclaimed groups, such as Guy and Blackstreet, to producing groundbreaking hits such as Bobby Brown’s ‘My Prerogative’ and writing and producing with legends like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, Lady Gaga, and more, Riley takes us on a remarkable journey that parallels the explosion of new genres and Black influence in the contemporary music landscape.”
What Are Some of Teddy Riley’s Biggest Hits?
Again, Riley is a history-maker and has written and produced more songs than I have time to list. However, below are some of his biggest. Feel free to stream them on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube Music when you get a chance.
- “Make It Last Forever” performed by Keith Sweat
- “Before I Let You Go” performed by Black Street
- “Remember the Time” performed by Michael Jackson
- “Right Here (Human Nature Remix)” was produced by Teddy Riley and performed by SWV
- “My Love (Single Remix)” produced by Teddy Riley and performed by Mary J. Blige
- “I Like” performed by Guy
- “I Like the Way (The Kissing Game)” performed by Hi-Five
- “Step by Step (Remix)” produced by Teddy Riley and performed by Whitney Houston
- “Stutter” produced by Teddy Riley and performed by Joe
- “Dangerous” performed by Michael Jackson
- “Don’t Leave Me” performed by Black Street