It all started as a college student when Grammy award-winning producer Khris Riddick-Tynes would mix tracks for Ariana Grande’s debut Album Yours Truly. A time where he mentions that is a highlight for him til this day. Khris tells EBONY, “The first groundbreaking moment was probably doing Ariana’s first album, which solidified that I can do this on a professional level. We were kids, I was in college and I was 20 years old. You have a number one album, and you produced the majority of it. So that time period was a very vital moment for me, and that I will always appreciate and cherish forever. It was like the rookie season.”

Prior to delving into his roles as a producer and songwriter, Khris reflects on the inspiration behind his career choice. He traces this motivation back to his grandmother who was a songwriter and producer at the legendary Uptown Records and his father being a musician to his artistic journey. “I think it was just in my blood, bro. My grandmother was a songwriter, and she played keys and she produced records. She was signed to Uptown Records back in the day in the 60’s and she released music I’ve been collecting, her vinyls finding them online and collecting them, but she was a big musical influence. My dad is also a musician.When you’re born around it, it just becomes natural, right? It’s like being an athlete.”

Working with artists from Babyface, SZA, Drake, Ella Mai and beyond, Khris Riddick-Tynes sheds light on his unique creative process. Emphasizing the significance of conversations, he articulates that a song to him, is essentially a dialogue. while asking EBONY “What’s your favorite R&B song”?  Khris suggests that the lyrics from the mentioned song can seamlessly be integrated into a text message, transforming the artistic expression into a personal conversation—a testament to the dynamic and communicative essence of his approach to music creation.  

“That’s the whole goal of trying to help artists with producing and producing out their story. How do you take this conversation and make a piece of art about it? Whether it’s that, I’m trying to get back with you text, whether it’s that I love you, I’m breaking up with you text, but the hard conversations.”

Khris Riddick-Tynes

Khris Riddick-Tynes’s mentorship with the legendary Babyface has been a defining element in his illustrious career. The dynamic collaboration between these two musical powerhouses extends beyond mentorship, showcasing a harmonious partnership when the two work together. Mention the guidance on how Babyface has contributed to his way of songwriting and producing. “That technique and learning how to communicate feeling and that’s how he’s been able to do it for so long and I want to do that. I want to be able to be 60 years old still writing records.”

Here we are in 2024 and Khris Riddick-Tynes finds himself in the spotlight, nominated for co-producing SZA’s chart-topping track “Snooze,” which dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for every week of 2023. Simultaneously, his contributions extend to Babyface’s Grammy-nominated album Girls Night Out. A pivotal moment unfolds when Babyface calls him to LA for a recording session on SZA’s project. Without hesitation, Khris boards the next flight from ATL to LAX, commencing his creative journey. Upon arrival at the studio, the magic unfolds as Khris lays down the drums, joined by Leon Thomas, BLK on the piano, and Babyface on the guitar. The atmosphere becomes electric when SZA, passing by the studio room, is captivated by the beat and expresses she wants to get on the song immediately.

“So we loaded up and the song was done in 20 minutes, she went in and did everything and BOOM.”

Khris Riddick-Tynes

Khris shares with EBONY an exclusive about a full-circle moment with SZA’s producer, Rob Bisel. Reflecting on a conversation held in his own backyard where the duo envisioned the remarkable journey that would lead them to collaborate with SZA and ultimately clinch a Grammy nomination together. 

“So it feels like it was written. I didn’t know it was gonna be “Snooze” because we also had other records but I knew that this was special. I knew she was special. I knew what she was doing was special. I knew that the energy towards it was just undeniable.”

Khris Riddick-Tynes

As the VP A&R/Co-Head of Urban at Artista Records, Khris Riddick-Tynes shares his visionary goals, expressing a commitment to amplifying the diverse voices within black and urban music. Khris’s vision reflects a dedication to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and cultural representation within the realm of black and urban music under the umbrella of Artista Records.

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