Tell us a little about your history and how you got into the profession of songwriting?
At the age of 16, I began writing for local artists in my hometown of Gary, Indiana. I graduated high school in 2007 and attended Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, majoring in music education with a concentration in vocal performance and choral ensemble and minoring in Ethnomusicology. In Spring 2010, I left school the following semester to prepare for American Idol.
After being eliminated in the Hollywood round of season 10 of Idol in 2011, I relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to elevate my music career. Since then, I've had the opportunities to write for major artists including Chris Brown, 112, Usher, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Johnny Gill, BBD, Chante Moore, Tamia, Queen Naija and of course, K. Michelle. I was blessed to receive 2x Platinum and Gold RIAA certifications for work on Chris Brown’s Heartbreak on a Full Moon album and hit single, “To My Bed,” respectively.
Comment on the inspiration behind K. Michelle's "Scooch" and how it came to be?
K. Michelle is one of the most fun artist to work with because you never know what mood she’s going to be in. If she’s angry...she’s extremely angry. If she’s happy...she’s extremely happy. If she’s sad she’s sad and if she wants to make a love song, dammit we’re going to make a real love song. That’s the space we were in when we did "Scooch". She wanted to be cute and flirty but still with the swagger of a woman who knows what she wants. Gotta give a shoutout to Lil' Ronnie (producer) Sick Pen (songwriter) who also help guide the ship. The three of us have a certain chemistry. We trust each other, and none of our egos get in the way.
Why do you think this song is the one that went #1 considering the fact you've written many records for her before?
God lol. Ironically Ronnie knew that it was going to be a number 1 record. So I’ll steal his answer. He said " it’s because of timing." The state of music, what’s going on right now and what’s about to happen. As a real member of the music industry, you gotta stay current and ahead of the curve. Thanks to my big bro, we landed right where we needed to be, #1.
Who are some of the writers you idolize and why?
My favorite writer of all time is Kenny Babyface Edmonds. His combination of melodies and simplicity while still being genius is unmatched. He actually tapped all the accolades that you can have as a writer: Grammys, platinum plaques, successful label etc. He was also able to maintain the integrity of songwriting, passion storytelling love, while still selling millions and millions and millions of units. I’m also a huge fan of Jay Z. When it comes to writing, he always has something for the listener in his verses. I listen to Hov before business meetings. I listen for swagger and confidence in myself. Shawn Carter Kenny Edmonds lol that’s where I wanna land on the writing spectrum lol.
Also I’ve been working with Jermaine Dupri for the last two years. He is top-five greatest writers that I’ve seen. It’s literally magic when he figures it out. The funny thing is, is that for him to be the juggernaut of a writer and producer that he is, he leaves room for the human side of what he does. He allows himself to make mistakes as a writer. But as a collaborator, from my perspective, everything he writes just sounds like the right thing to say. Lol I’ve learned a lot from him.
Comment on some of the misconceptions of songwriting industry?
Some of the misconceptions in songwriting, is that everyone can do it. The Art of storytelling is a craft, that people put years and years into developing. It’s very difficult to continue to deliver product that an Artist wants to attach their name to. Definitely not luck, but the constant study of pop-culture politics music fashion etc. and figuring out how to include those things that may be Fads while still making timeless music. Whenever I get stuck I always say “we ain’t bagging groceries at the grocery store” lol meaning this isn’t easy to do.--
What should the fans expect from you next?
I’ve been studying the greats when it comes to building their legacy. Creating and cultivating the sound for artists is the most natural progression for me, I think. Using this forthcoming Usher album as a springboard is an incredible opportunity that I don’t take likely… It’s the most songs I’ve ever submitted for one artist/album. I’m just gonna learn and apply… That’s the formula. Developing myself as an artist/executive and Memphisonian "Ashley Ave." are my top priorities.