Rodney Roy Jerkins[3](born July 29, 1977), better known by his stage nameDarkchild,is an American record producer, rapper, and songwriter. He has collaborated with a broad range of popular artists.
Rodney Jerkins | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Rodney Roy Jerkins |
| Also known as | Darkchild |
| Born | July 29, 1977 Pleasantville, New Jersey,U.S.[1] |
| Origin | Orlando, Florida,U.S.[2] |
| Genres | |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1993–present |
| Labels | |
| Spouse | |
| Website | www |
Jerkins has won two Grammy Awards from 19 nominations.[4]Among his most successful productions are "The Boy Is Mine"byBrandyandMonica,"It's Not Right but It's Okay"byWhitney Houston,"Say My Name"byDestiny's Child,"If You Had My Love"byJennifer Lopez,"Déjà Vu"byBeyoncé,"He Wasn’t Man Enough"byToni Braxton,"Telephone"byLady Gaga,and "As Long as You Love Me"byJustin Bieber.[5][6][7]
Early life
editJerkins' father, Frederick, is anEvangelical pastorand his mother was a housekeeper. Jerkins began playing piano at age five. He would follow his brother and father, who both played at church gatherings.
Raised inGalloway Township, New Jersey,Jerkins is one of four children: two boys and two girls. His brother is fellow producer Fred Jerkins III.[8]Jerkins attendedAbsegami High School,and identifies as aChristian.[9]
At age 13, he was offered a chance to work at a studio inAtlantic City,but declined.[10]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.[11]He was also offered a chance to work atBad Boy Records,but declined.[10]At 16, he was approached by James Jones, formerly ofUptown Records,and moved in with him toHackensackto work with him. One of their first sessions was withPatti LaBelle.[10]
Career
editJerkins' first recorded output was a "gospel rap"collaboration with his brother,Fred Jerkins III,entitledOn the Move.He later incorporated the name "Darkchild", at the age of 17, subsequently accepting a worldwidepublishingdeal with theEMI Music Corporation.The producer then proceeded to establish a commercial music career, initially working with artists such asJoe,Mary J. BligeandBrandy.[11]Jerkins' stated his first big projects were Blige'sShare My World,Whitney Houston'sIt's Not Right but It's Okay,and Brandy and Monica'sThe Boy Is Mine.[10]
Over the course of his career, Jerkins has developed a "camp" of successful topline writers, includingLaShawn Daniels,Kenisha Pratt,Toni Estes,Anesha & Antea Birchett,Jordan Omley,Jon Jon Traxx,Tommy Brown,Delisha Thomas,Marvin Hemmings,Michael Mani,Kalenna Harper,Keli Nicole Price,Nora Payne,Michaela Shiloh,Isaac Phillips,Japhe Tejeda,LeToya Duggan,Mischke Butler,Andre Lindal,andVictoria Monét,among others.[12]
Production
editJerkins has produced and written forBrandy,Patti LaBelle,Joe,The Saturdays,Toni Braxton,Vanessa Williams,Will Smith,Keyshia Cole,Monica,Michael Jackson,Ayumi Hamasaki,Cher,Jessica Simpson,Jennifer Lopez,Ashanti,Aaliyah,Amerie,Ariana Grande,Britney Spears,Mary Mary,Kirk Franklin,Kierra Sheard,The Black Eyed Peas,Destiny's Child,Spice Girls,TLC,Janet Jackson,Danity Kane,Beyoncé,Linda Király,Lady Gaga,Cascada,Tamia,Pussycat Dolls,Whitney Houston,Natasha Bedingfield,Mary J. Blige,B5,Lionel Richie,Tiffany Evans,JYJ,Wonder Girls,Austin Brown,Kanye West,Katy Perry,Hikaru Utada,Keke Palmer,Hala Al Turk,Nelly Furtado,Justin Bieber,Brian McKnightandLMFAO.[13][14]
In the 2010s, he produced songs forMariah Carey,Leona Lewis,JLS,Kylie Minogue,Ayumi Hamasaki,The Saturdays.Jerkins was a music executive and mentor on season 10 ofAmerican Idol.
In 2013, Jerkins was hired on to be a producer for Michael Jackson's posthumous albumXscape.He originally worked on the title track for the album from 1999 to 2001. He is the only producer to work on the original version and reworking version of the title track.
When asked by Ryan Seacrest in 2013 the favourite people he's produced for he said "DefinitelyThe Saturdays.Without a doubt. I had a lot of fun working with them and was really impressed with their voices. They were very down to earth and I like that a lot in an artist. I wish them all the best in America and think they could end up as big as The Spice Girls. "[15]
In preparation for the 2014 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony, Jerkins produced a song featuring the Palestinian 2013Arab IdolwinnerMohammed Assaf.
In 2017, he producedBlindandMakings of YouforTamar Braxton.
Record labels
editIn 1999, Jerkins joinedSony/Epic Recordsto promote singerRhona Bennett,Pop/R&B girl groupSo Plush,and rapper Fats. Fats appeared on two tracks on which Jerkins produced forMichael Jackson's albumInvincible,and So Plush released the single "Things I've Heard Before". Subsequently, So Plush's singles, "Damn" and "Things I've Heard Before", were pressed and made available aspromos,and Rhona's album was released in Japan. In 2005, Darkchild Records reemerged when Jerkins signed acts includingShamari Fears,formerly of R&B groupBlaque,female MC Asia Lee,dancehallartist Atiba, crossover act Natasha Bradley, and gospel singerAnesha Birchett.
In 2006, he was appointed VP ofArtists & repertoire(A&R) forThe Island Def Jam Group.Jerkins released his wifeJoy Enriquez's second albumAtmosphere of Heaven,which features a religious direction, on his independent gospel imprint JoyFul Child Records. The Darkchild name has been loaned to Darkchild Gospel, a record company run by Jerkins' brother,Fred Jerkins III.[16]
Music Mogul, Inc.
editIn late 2008, Jerkins joinedNicholas Longano,Ray Brown, and Jonathan E. Eubanks in creatingMusic Mogul,Inc.[17]MusicMogul was an online portal where artists can communicate with their fans. Each quarter, members vote for the best video performances.[18]The top performers were then flown to Los Angeles to compete in front of a panel of celebrity judges. The winner would get a demo deal with Darkchild Productions.[19]
The site appears to be defunct as of 2024.
Personal life
editJerkins has been married to singerJoy Enriquezsince April 4, 2004. The two met when he worked on her debut album.
The couple has four children:[13][20]Rodney David Jerkins Jr. (28 May 2008); Heavenly Joy Jerkins (17 November 2009);[21]Hannah Joy Jerkins (19 October 2012);[22]and Royal David Jerkins, in early 2015.
In 2015, his five-year-old daughter Heavenly Joy was a contestant onseason 10ofAmerica's Got Talent.[23]
Singles discography and other charted songs
editAppearances and production discography
editNotable productions
edit- 1995: Intro - "Strung Out On Your Lovin'"
- 1996: Aaliyah - "Everything's Gonna Be Alright"
- 1997: No Authority - "Don't Stop"
- 1998: Brandy and Monica – "The Boy Is Mine"
- 1998: Brandy – "Angel in Disguise"
- 1998: Monica – "Angel of Mine"
- 1998: Whitney Houston – "It's Not Right but It's Okay"
- 1999: Destiny's Child – "Say My Name"
- 1999: Chante Moore - "If I Gave Love"
- 1999: Jennifer Lopez – "If You Had My Love"
- 2000: Toni Braxton – "He Wasn't Man Enough"
- 2000: Spice Girls – "Holler"
- 2001: Michael Jackson – "You Rock My World"
- 2001: Michael Jackson - "Unbreakable"
- 2001: Britney Spears – "Overprotected" (The Darkchild Remix)
- 2001: Jessica Simpson – "I Never"
- 2001: Jessica Simpson – "Imagination"
- 2002: Brandy – "What About Us?"
- 2002: Monica – "All Eyez on Me"
- 2002: Monica - "Ain't Gonna Cry No More"
- 2002: TLC – "Turntable"
- 2004: Destiny's Child – "Lose My Breath"
- 2004: Tyra Banks – "Shake Ya Body"
- 2005: Destiny's Child – "Cater 2 U"
- 2006: Beyoncé (featuring Jay-Z) – "Déjà Vu"
- 2006: Ciara (featuring 50 Cent) – "Can't Leave 'em Alone"
- 2008: Tiffany Evans (featuring Bow Wow) - "I'm Grown"
- 2008: Janet Jackson – "Feedback"
- 2008: Brandy – "Right Here (Departed)"
- 2008: The Pussycat Dolls – "When I Grow Up"
- 2008: Beyoncé – "Scared of Lonely"
- 2009: Lady Gaga featuring Beyoncé – "Telephone"
- 2011: The Black Eyed Peas – "Just Can't Get Enough"
- 2011: Kelly Rowland (featuring Lil' Playy)- "Work It Man"
- 2012: Justin Bieber – "As Long as You Love Me"
- 2012: Leona Lewis – "Shake You Up"
- 2014: Mariah Carey – "You're Mine (Eternal)"
- 2014: Mary J. Blige – "A Night To Remember"
- 2014: Ariana Grande (featuring ASAP Ferg) - "Hands on Me"
- 2014: Sam Smith – "Stay with Me"
- 2014: Michael Jackson - "Xscape"
- 2017: Tamar Braxton – "Blind"
- 2018: Chromeo (featuring French Montana and Stefflon Don) - "Don't Sleep"
- 2017: Tamar Braxton – "The Makings Of You"
- 2019: Baekhyun - "Diamond"
- 2021: NCT 127 - "Favorite (Vampire)"
- 2022: SZA - "Shirt"
- 2023: Kali Uchis - "Endlessly"
- 2023: Tori Kelly - "Cut"
Guest raps
edit- 1995: Hodge – "Head Nod" (Darkchild Remix)
- 1996:New EditionwithAZ– "Something About You" (Darkchild Remix)
- 1997:Tasha Holiday– "Just The Way You Like It"(Darkchild Remix) withLil' Cease,Peter Gunzand Mike Nitty
- 1997: MQ3 – "Everyday"
- 1997:Immature– "I Can't Wait" with Mike Nitty
- 1997:Mary J. Blige– "Everything" (Darkchild Remix) withFat Joe
- 1997: K-Ball – "On the Weekend", "Love Matters"
- 1998:Kirk Franklin& The Nu Nation Project – "Revolution"
- 1998: Keith Washington – "Bring It On" (Darkchild Remix)
- 1999:Brandy– "Top of the World" (Darkchild Remix) withFat JoeandBig Pun
- 2000: Natalie Wilson & The S.O.P. Chorale – "Act Like You Know" withLaShawn Daniels
- 2001: So Plush – "What You Do to Me" with50 Centand Fats, "Ain't My Fault"
- 2001:Rhona– "Satisfied" (Another Darkchild Remix) with Fats
- 2002: Jay Mathis – "Kiss" with Pain and Fats
- 2002:Mary Mary– "He Said" with Fats
- 2002: K-Young – "Ballinest Player" with Lil' Zal
- 2002: K-Young – "Ooh Wee"
- 2002: Shawn Desman – "Sexy"
- 2003: Natalie Wilson & The S.O.P. Chorale – "Good Life"
- 2004:Kierra "Kiki" Sheard– "You Don't Know"
- 2005:Joy Enriquez– "Don't You Let Go"
- 2005: Anesha Birchett – "Get Ready" withMase
- 2005: Atiba – "Flossin" withFrancisco
- 2006: The Darkchild Allstars – "We Are Family"
- 2007:Linda Király- "Can't Let Go"
- 2008:The Pussycat DollsWithDiddy,Lil Wayne,&Fatman Scoop– "When I Grow Up"(Darkchild Remix)
- 2008:Lady Gaga- "Reloaded"(unreleased song)
Unreleased tracks
edit- 1999:Destiny's Child- "Life Like This"
- 1999:Michael Jackson- "Rampage"
- 1999:Michael Jackson- "A Deeper Love"
- 2000:Destiny's Child- "Girl Like Me"
- 2000:Destiny's Child- "Everything"
- 2001:Michael Jackson- "Cheater" (Reworked)
- 2001:Michael Jackson- "Chicago 1945" (Reworked)
- 2001:Michael Jackson- "Get Around"
- 2001:Michael Jackson- "Get Your Weight Of Off Me"
- 2001:Michael Jackson- "Kick It"
- 2001:Michael Jackson- "Maybe We Can Do It"
- 2001:Michael Jackson- "Pressure"
- 2001:Michael Jackson- "Seduction"
- 2001:Michael Jackson- "The Pain"
- 2011:Jennifer Lopez- "This Cannot Be Love"
Video cameos
edit- 1995: Hodge – "Head Nod" (Darkchild Remix)
- 1996:Gina Thompson(featuringMissy Elliott) – "The Things That U Do (Bad Boy Remix)"
- 1997:No Authority– "Don't Stop"
- 1998:Kirk Franklin& The Nu Nation Project – "Revolution"
- 1998: J'Son - I Should've Cheat on You
- 2000: So Plush – "Things I've Heard Before"
- 2001:Rhona– "Satisfied"
- 2002:Brandy– "What About Us?"
- 2002:Monica– "All Eyez on Me"
- 2006: Natasha – "Hey, Hey, Hey" and "So Sick"
- 2006:Shareefa– "Cry No More"
- 2006: J. Holiday – "Be with Me"
- 2008:Brandy– "Right Here (Departed)"
Web series
editJerkins is currently starring withJohnny Wrightin a number of episodes of the YOBI.tvTake the Stageweb series.[24][25][26][27][28]
References
edit- ^"Home".darkchild.
- ^"Jerkins Is Back, Busier Than Ever".Billboard.October 1, 2004.
- ^"You Rock My World - ACE Repertory".ASCAP.RetrievedMarch 25,2019.
- ^https:// grammy /artists/rodney-jerkins/13604
- ^Daw, Robbie (July 28, 2010)."Rodney" Darkchild "Jerkins Working on Unreleased Michael Jackson Material | Music News, Reviews, and Gossip on".Idolator.RetrievedMay 17,2012.
- ^"Rodney" Darkchild "Jerkins – Vision".Darkchild. Archived fromthe originalon June 4, 2012.RetrievedMay 17,2012.
- ^"Rodney Jerkins Nominated for a Grammy"(Press release). New York: Prnewswire.RetrievedMay 17,2012.
- ^Jackson, Vincent."MUSIC / Jerkins Brothers Have Shot At Winning Grammys Tonight",Press of Atlantic City,February 23, 2000. Accessed December 28, 2010. "Local record producer Rodney Jerkins – who had a half dozen hits in 1999 – should walk out of the Grammy Awards ceremony tonight with either a Grammy award or a certificate... The Galloway Township resident, whose DarkChild recording studio is in Pleasantville..."
- ^Jackson, Vincent."(Rodney) Jerkin's Journey / How Hometown Musician Got To The Grammy Awards",The Press of Atlantic City,February 21, 1999. Accessed January 31, 2011. "Six years ago, record producer Rodney Jerkins, 15, was an Absegami High School sophomore trying to sell cassettes of his Christian rap album. Now, Jerkins is the producer of the No. 1 pop song in the country, has his own record label and has been asked to work with Michael Jackson."
- ^abcd"'We have to understand: Without the song, there is no artist.'".June 27, 2019.
- ^abLowenstein, Felicia (October 31, 1999)."Rodney Jerkins Passing the Freshness Test".BMI.Broadcast Music, Inc.RetrievedApril 21,2012.
- ^"5 Songwriters and Producers Explain Their Unreleased Beyoncé Collaborations".February 12, 2016.
- ^ab"Rodney Jerkins Music Videos".Ovguide.RetrievedMay 17,2012.
- ^"Max-Schneider.Org // The Largest Max Schneider Fan Resource on the Web // Daily News // News Content & Much More".Max Schneider.RetrievedMay 17,2012.
- ^"NELLY FURTADO Announces New Album & Releases 'Big Hoops' Lyric Video".The Daily BLAM!.RetrievedMay 17,2012.
- ^"Darkchild Gospel".Darkchild Gospel.RetrievedAugust 5,2011.
- ^Billboard.bizArchivedSeptember 16, 2008, at theWayback Machine
- ^Iwatani, Yukari (November 14, 2008)."Web Start-Up Targets Music Wannabes".Wall Street Journal.New York City:Dow Jones & Company.RetrievedAugust 5,2011.
- ^"Virtual World News".Virtualworldsnews. November 14, 2008. Archived fromthe originalon July 8, 2009.RetrievedAugust 5,2011.
- ^Stiehl, Christina (October 19, 2012)."Rodney Jerkins and Wife Joy Enriquez Welcome Daughter Hannah Joy".Hollywood Life.
- ^"Joy Enriquez's marriage and family".PeopleRetrieved 2010-10-05
- ^"Rodney Jerkins and Joy Enriquez Welcome Daughter Hannah Joy".People.Archived fromthe originalon October 21, 2015.RetrievedDecember 8,2015.
- ^"Rodney Jerkins' 5-Year-Old Daughter Heavenly Joy Auditions for 'America's Got Talent': Watch".Billboard.
- ^Shaw, Lucas (June 5, 2012)."MySpace Meets 'American Idol' In New Singing Competition 'Take The Stage'".TheWrap.RetrievedAugust 28,2012.
- ^Hampp, Andrew."Johnny Wright, Rodney Jerkins Talk New MySpace Competition Series 'Take The Stage'".Billboard.biz. Archived fromthe originalon June 13, 2012.RetrievedAugust 28,2012.
- ^Wieselman, Jarrett."Building the Perfect Reality Competition".TheInsider. Archived fromthe originalon August 6, 2012.RetrievedAugust 28,2012.
- ^"Take The Stage Singing Contest Webseries".Archived fromthe originalon September 5, 2012.RetrievedAugust 28,2012.
- ^"Take The Stage".RetrievedAugust 28,2012.