E22: Interview with Rodney 'Darkchild' Jerkins: Teddy Riley, Michael Jackson, the Music Industry & More

The Darkchild instinctively knows how to showcase the best attributes of each artist that he works with. CEO of his Darkchild Productions, Inc., Jerkins has been responsible, through his numerous hit productions, for over 170 million in record sales worldwide.  Born the youngest son of a minister father and choir director mother in Pleasantville, New Jersey in 1977, Jerkins began taking classical piano lessons as a child and combined that with the gospel music that he heard in church. Rodney's God‐given gifts quickly blossomed, as the young phenomenon diligently worked on his music and began recording demos for local talent.  When New Jack Swing's Teddy Riley came across one of those early demos and opened the first door, Rodney's career took off like a rocket. 

Subsequently, his first professional writing and producing job came in 1994, for an artist named Casserine and at the tender age of 15, he and his brother, Fred Jerkins III, wrote and produced his gospel rap album, "On The Move." Since that time and continuously into present day, the Jerkins discography reads like a Who's Who of Hit Music.  In 1997, Jerkins continued his ascent to legend status by working with Mary J. Blige; he co‐wrote, arranged and produced five songs for her four‐time platinum CD, "Share My World," including the hit single "I Can Love You." That year, Billboard magazine touted him as one of the hottest R&B producers in the country, and again bestowed that moniker on him in 1999. He re‐teamed with Blige in 2006, with his production of her huge hit, "Enough Cryin," from her record‐setting CD, "The Breakthrough."   

Rodney's 2006 production of Beyoncé’s Number One smash "Deja Vu," dominated the airwaves and garnered him another Grammy nod in the process. A testament to its greatness and his genius, the perennial, memorable tune was highlighted during Beyoncé’s 2008 Grammy Awards telecast performance.  Happily married to Lifestyle Music artist, Joy Enriquez, Rodney is also the father of four children, Rodney David Jerkins III, Heavenly Joy, Hannah Joy and Royal David Jerkins in Los Angeles. Jerkins also produced her latest Contemporary Christian album and debut of his Christian label, Lifestyle Music, titled “The Call” in partnership with Capitol Christian. He says "this is what the world needs right now, and we are happy to be the ones that God is using to deliver it."   

A devout Christian with strong moral values, Rodney has not forgotten his roots in the church, nor does he compromise in order to conform to today's music landscape; instead, he consistently uses his myriad talents to shape ground-breaking music on his own terms.  

Recently, Rodney has completed work on Rihanna, Ariana Grande, Jessi J, Justin Bieber, Ciara, Keyshia Cole, Alicia Keys, and Sam Smith.  

Hosted by Music Broadcaster, Psychotherapist and Life Coach, Nnamdi E.S. Okoye (PGDip (CBT), PG Cert (Low Intensity Psychological Interventions)

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