Richard Preston Butler, Jr. (born December 3, 1982), better known by his stage name Rico Love, is an American singer-songwriter and record producer. Love wrote and produced hit records such as Usher’s “There Goes My Baby” and “Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home)”, Nelly’s “Just a Dream” and “Gone”, as well as Beyoncé Knowles’ “Sweet Dreams”.[1][2][3] and has contributed to works which have gone on to win Grammys such as Beyoncé’s 2009 Best Contemporary R&B album I Am… Sasha Fierce,[4] Usher’s 2010 Best Contemporary R&B album Raymond v. Raymond,[5] and Usher’s 2010 Best Male R&B Vocal Performance “There Goes My Baby”.[5] In addition Love has written and produced records for Kelly Rowland,[6] Diddy – Dirty Money,[7] Chris Brown,[8] Alexandra Burke, Keri Hilson,[9] Fergie,[10] and Fantasia.[11] Love is also the CEO of Division1, a record label which partnered with Interscope Records in 2013.[12] Love has appeared as a featured artist on records with T.I.,[13] Usher,[14] Jermaine Dupri,[15] Jamie Foxx,[16] Rich Boy,[17] and Fat Joe.[18]
Love was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and his parents divorced at early age.[19] As a result of the divorce Love spent his childhood growing up in two different cities, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with his Mother and Harlem, NY with his father.[20] Love’s mother encouraged him as a child to write poetry.[21] Love wrote his own poems and went on to join the African American Children’s Theater where he recited Langston Hughes and acted.[20][21] Love had already been writing his own poems before he was introduced to rap in his early teens.[22] By the end of high school Love had decided to pursue a career in rap but would go to college simultaneously, “I’m [going] to go to school instead of just sitting on the block. If I hadn’t gone to college I would’ve been a drug dealer.”[21] While in college at Florida A&M University Love stayed involved in his music by winning many rap battles and talent shows.[21] On the weekends Love would leave for Atlanta, Georgia for the benefit of its studios and popular music scene.[21] While visiting Atlanta Love met members of Jagged Edge who were an influence on Love’s songwriting development.[21] Love eventually left college because of a paper work error made by the college’s administration’s office.[21] Love went to live with some local Atlanta producers the Corna Boyz.[21] This relationship provided Love the opportunity to rap on a remix the producers were creating for Usher.[21] Usher liked Love’s work on the remix and eventually signed him to US Records/J Records. Usher requested Love compose lyrics for a song written by Just Blaze.[21] This song eventually became “Throwback” and was featured on Usher’s Diamond-selling (10× Platinum) Confessions album.[21][23] Love next toured with Usher where he met and connected with many music industry players.[21] Usher encouraged Love to become a songwriter and requests for Love’s compositions began coming from artists Chris Brown, Omarion, and Marques Houston.[20][21] Love currently lives in Miami with photographer Robin Thompson known as Robin V. They have one child together, a son Carys Preston.
As an artist Love is both a vocalist and a rapper.[24] Love was asked by Usher to contribute to the sound track to Usher’s film In the Mix.[25] Love contributed “Settle Down”, “Sweat” featuring Usher, and “On the Grind” featuring Juelz Santana and Paul Wall.[26] Love recorded a solo album in 2007 titled The 5th Element but ultimately decided to focus on his songwriting and not release the recordings.[27] Though Love may not be recording as a solo artist he still contributes his vocals and rhymes to other artists. Love has appeared as a guest artist on songs by Fat Joe,[18] Juvenile,[28] Rich Boy,[17] Jamie Foxx,[16] T.I.,[13] and his own artist, Young Chris.[29]
Follow Rico Love on Twitter – https://twitter.com/IamRicoLove
2014 Stone Soul Artist: Rico Love was originally published on praiserichmond.com
