Richard Christopher Harrison (born 1979) is an American record producer and songwriter specializing in R&B and hip hop music. 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). 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.

Early life and education

A classically trained pianist and trumpet player, 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.

Career

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", 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." Harrison is currently involved in projects with 50 Cent, Tweet, Missy Elliott, Eve, Brandy, Young Steff and Dawn Robinson. 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. 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. There is a possibility that he may be appearing on Toni Braxton's forthcoming album. 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.

Production discography

1999

Mary J. Blige – Mary

2001

Mary J. Blige – No More Drama

2002

Amerie – All I Have, producer and songwriter Kelly Rowland – Simply Deep

2003

Tha' Rayne – Reign Supreme Beyoncé – Dangerously in Love

2004

Usher – Confessions Destiny's Child – Destiny Fulfilled

2005

Jennifer Lopez – Rebirth Christina Milian – Be Cool soundtrack Amerie – Touch Missy Elliott – The Cookbook Pussycat Dolls – PCD Toni Braxton – Libra

2006

Christina Milian – So Amazin' Christina Aguilera – Back to Basics Beyoncé – B'Day 3LW - Point of No Return (unreleased) Do Ya & Up To You Diddy – Press Play Mos Def – Tru3 Magic

2007

Che'Nelle – Things Happen for a Reason

2008

Jean Grae – Jeanius

2011

Marsha Ambrosius – Late Nights & Early Mornings Jennifer Hudson – I Remember Me Eric Roberson – Mister Nice Guy RichGirl – RichGirl RichGirl – Fall in Love with RichGirl

2016

Amerie - Drive

2020

Tiffany Haddish

Unreleased

3LW Amerie Cynthia Lissette Gwen Stefani Janet Jackson Mary J. Blige Natasha Ramos RichGirl Se7en Usher Young Steff