Rodney Jerkins

Rodney Jerkins (born July 29, 1977), also known by his stage name Darkchild, is an American record producer, songwriter and musician. He has collaborated with a broad range of popular artists, including Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Luther Vandross, Jennifer Lopez, Toni Braxton, Destiny's Child, Lady Gaga, Spice Girls and Britney Spears.

Songs and albums which Jerkins has produced have sold over 160 million records worldwide. Jerkins has also won four Grammy Awards. Among his most successful productions are "The Boy Is Mine" for Brandy and Monica, "You Rock My World" for Michael Jackson, "Holler" for the Spice Girls, "It's Not Right but It's Okay" for Whitney Houston, "Say My Name" for Destiny's Child, "If You Had My Love" for Jennifer Lopez, "Déjà Vu" for Beyoncé, "He Wasn't Man Enough" for Toni Braxton and "Telephone" for Lady Gaga.

Early life

Jerkins' father was an Evangelical pastor. Jerkins began playing piano at 5 years of age, following his brother and father who both played at church gatherings. At age 14, Jerkins was mentored by his idol, Teddy Riley, but he did not accept a contract offer to work with the producer due to an aspiration to build an "empire" without such support.