Rico Love fell in love with writing after penning his first poem at the age of 4. He later wrote raps in high school and eventually signed with Usher Raymond’s US Records. But after a career in rap didn’t pan out, he decided to write songs for Usher and other top-notch R&B singers. He has since earned writing credits on Usher’s “There Goes My Baby,” Beyoncé’s “Sweet Dreams” and Kelly Rowland’s “Motivation.” Love recently spoke with rolling out about the art of writing and the future of the music industry. –amir shaw
You started off rapping. How was writing a rap different from writing an R&B song?
Writing raps and writing for other people is different because you have to establish your own style and know which notes work for a particular artist. I know which levels Usher likes to sing at and Beyoncé is comfortable in certain areas. You become gifted once you can adapt to the artists you are working with.
Do you have a routine before writing a song?
I can write alone, or I can sit in the studio and write with the artist. I can work either way. The best way to do it is to write a song and let the artist find themselves in it. But you still have to be able to stand up to the pressure of writing with an artist in the studio. Like a boxer, if you box every day, you don’t have to worry about your opponent. That’s why I like Floyd Mayweather. He says he doesn’t train for a particular boxer, he trains to box. I write every day, so I am able to create once an artist and I begin to work together.
What was the motivation for Kelly Rowland’s hit, “Motivation?”
I wrote “Motivation” in 20 minutes. When she jumped in the booth, it was magic. We came up with the chorus together and put it down.
What are the biggest changes that have occurred in the music industry since you first started recording?
The accessibility of the music is too easy. There is no build up to an album because it often gets leaked before the release date. I don’t feel like kids respect the music anymore. There aren’t a lot of people true to the art, either. Back in the day, you had to really work hard at it and put in the time to be successful. Music is now easier to get and easier to make.
