Darkchild on Making Hits for Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Beyonce for 25 Years (Full Interview)

In this VladTV exclusive, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins sat down for an interview detailing his legendary career, which is responsible for over 1 billion records sold. The producer described signing a million-dollar publishing deal at only 17-years-old, as well as his experiences with other producers such as Sean "Puffy" Combs and Teddy Riley.
Darkchild described producing Jodeci and catching a major break by producing on Mary J. Blige's "Share My World" album. From there, he worked with late greats like Whitney Houston and Aaliyah before creating some of his biggest hits with Destiny's Child, J-Lo, Brandy, and Monica. Darkchild also detailed his working and personal relationship with Michael Jackson.

[@zinfandel1566]

Whenever U heard “Darkchild!” N a song, U KNNNOW IT WAS ABOUT 2 B POPPIN!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼😁

[@lamont28sg]

Yes!!

[@SMAP757]

💯

[@StochasticWolf]

Facts!

[@fastlane6869]

That and Trackmasters

[@lifewithzinnah]

“Darkchild. I like that”

[@gospelcontent115]

Dark child is a living legend...thank you vladTV for such a powerful interview

[@SH-jv5uf]

First time I listened to a VladTV interview. His focus on the death of artists or other gossip greatly distracts from the substance of the interview. Rodney does a good job keeping things on point.

[@marijanetarot9843]

He’s the TR of our time fasho. A mix of Ted and jimmy and terry. I love it!

[@jasonrodgers993]

Agreed!

[@FlukeWayne]

Bro dropping gems 💎

[@williams.matthews2711]

I’m shocked this man only has two Grammys after turning out classic music for 25 yrs. WTF?!

[@SMAP757]

They r literally "jerkin" this man from his trophies

[@dmheron85]

The Grammies suck anyway. The institution isn’t inclusive or based on genuine taste.

[@pezwannah]

same WTF, that' the biggest load of horse shit I've ever heard

[@s.w.4034]

💯

[@bjc4204]

Grammys have always been politically motivated, aka TRASH. Pac doesn't even have one. F 'EM.

[@ez-duz-it]

who remembers the Michael Jackson video for “You Rock My World?” with Chris Tucker? CLASSIC!!

[@rebeccateece9292]

I remember that music video.

[@rebeccateece9292]

@J Crash 😊💕✌👌👑

[@ProducerTSS]

@J Crash Shut the fuck up!

[@mysterystorytress]

@Jay Mamba Jr 5 we received 1t way ahead 1tq1 we we e we w we eq3 we eeqtee3 subterfuge qrrrrqrqqrrrrrqqqrrrerqrqrqqqqrq3q suggested 3q we would rq requesting rqqqqqqqqrqqqqqrrqrrqqrrqq rebuttable rtrqq1rrqqqqrqqqqrqqqqtqqqqéqqqqérrqqéqrrqqrqééqqqrqqqrrqqqrqqqqqrqtqqqqrqrqqqq Williamsburg remotely rqqq111q1r11rrrrr4rrr4rr4yyyqqyqqrqyrq

[@lokey7854]

Just watched the video yesterday! My mom said there's a Tictok challenge to this song but she never saw the video. M.J just brilliant. May he rest easy.

[@franklowe5821]

Rodney Jerkins work with Brandy was astounding

[@Bayo106]

this

[@tiabrown4771]

@Frank Lowe ••• DARKCHILD GAVE BRANDY HER NEW SOUND . . . ❤❤❤❤❤💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@hitzoneproductions7858]

I think his best work.

[@micah5ive490]

Full moon greatest album of all time

[@hitzoneproductions7858]

@@micah5ive490 I have beats that are perfect for you.

[@lamart7820]

I Know His Royalty Checks Stupid! Whenever They Come In

[@JonJon-du9ne]

Every 90 days they roll in.

[@dotmanmide]

Gotta be in multiple millions.

[@Bayo106]

seriously!!!!

[@akeemjones6390]

Not since he sold his catalog

[@KelvinTroyJohnson]

I grew up with Rodney. His father and my father were both Pastors of churches around the corner from each other. Bishop Fred Jerkins was very strict holiness preacher so he took a lot of heat for supporting Rodney making”Rock and Roll” music. So proud of this brother. So happy for any one making it from Atlantic City! Much love!!

[@hitzoneproductions7858]

You should have more views. Great content. Please try using the 'KZbin Buddy' extension. It really helps. Best of luck to you.

[@bobbycanterro1685]

I can understand as Iam also a PK and had inspirations at one time to produce music...but I didn't actively pursue it because of it...I like gospel but I wanted to do other genres more....I guess I didn't have the courage he had....my father also is a Pentecostal pastor...I was born in it...

[@KelvinTroyJohnson]

@@bobbycanterro1685 understood. But look, you life is not over. You may have not done it like Rodney but you can do it like YOU! Somebody in this 6 Billion Person world wants to hear your creations. Some singer is looking for your gift. Stop hiding it.

[@Model_Roe]

His dad is spiritually connected he saw his son was destined for great things why he didn't oppose it

[@claudiakrizay]

More phony Christian stuff.

[@creditscorepoweracademy1738]

He's so humble. I love how he doesn't try to spin the beef up between Brandy and Monica and even goes so far as to direct the conversation in a way that simply makes you happy for the both of them as the successful black women they are!

[@chinoxl5036]

The Holy spirit that is dwelling in him is also dwelling in our bodies as well, that Believe, trust-in, adher-to, rely on

[@ez-duz-it]

A lot of people SLEPT ON Invincible! No it wasn’t Michael Jackson’s best album, but it was a SOLID body of work. People forget that MJ dominated three whole decades of music (70’s, 80’s, 90’s) of course he had to slow down at some point.

[@diamondnova7598]

60s too in a way

[@ez-duz-it]

@@diamondnova7598 oh yeah Jackson 5 had plenty hits

[@ez-duz-it]

@J Crash I included both those decades kid

[@nenep1872]

Invincible is one of my favorites great songs and the first album i bought...

[@mangadolo]

Absolutely right!!! Invincible was his best!!!

[@abdulc5726]

This man is a legend and without him and his contribution to the music industry in the 90s, it simply wouldn't have been what it was. Much respect. Please keep doing what u do Dark Child.

[@ericharrisgmail]

Absolutely!!!

[@lokey7854]

So True!

[@1kennylo]

Him and Trackmasters

[@jump6098]

He started out young as shit, he one of the goats of our time

[@bigolebot]

He's far from the goat

[@jump6098]

@@bigolebot reading is fundamental

[@bigolebot]

@@jump6098 , My reading is fine but if you lived through the days when Quincy Jones, Giorgio Moroder, Gamble and Huff were around then during their primes then Dark child is far from the "greatest of our time" lol. But I almost forgot 90% of millennials weren't there back then when those 3 producers I mentioned were huge.

[@IAMHe777]

@@bigolebot the comment said hes the goat of our time. Learn how to read nigga!! Talm bout Quincy Jones. Smh you hella old 🤣

[@bigolebot]

@Jacqueline Sevilla Why would I be jealous? If anything I feel sorry for your generation. Y'all missed out on the goats to have done it. Gamble and Huff, Giorgio Moroder, Quincy Jones. Ask your parents about them

[@xabun]

Rodney and Michael did an absolute stunning and amazing job with "Invincible". Rodney really tried to bring back the "Off The Wall" Michael Jackson. Throughout that whole album Michael is only "Hee Hee"-ing once or twice and only says twice "shamone" on that whole album. He also holds back on his "hic up"s. All those signature stuff that really came with Thriller and BAD. On Invincible Michael really focuses on his vocal abilities. You can hear that in "Break of Dawn" and "Butterflies". "Whatever Happens" with Carlos Santana is a masterpiece. "Threatened" has - even after 19 years (!) one of the sickest beats ever and "Heartbreaker" is probably one of the first Dub Step songs ever. Invincible was way ahead of his time and people didn't appreciate it, because it was Michael Jackson. But listen to it and you will see, that album is extremly ahead of it's time. Oh one more thing: On "Unbreakable" raps The Notorious BIG ;)

[@Donutsoverdosed]

invincible is trash .

[@adamthomas1246]

This album is extremely underrated.

[@jaimefelix54]

I think it’s his best album, has a bit of everything!

[@nenep1872]

One of the best albums... love it

[@TheSeuloSound]

I have ALWAYS said this. Stuuuuuuupid slept on

[@nicoolio_gp]

Darkchild is truly one of the greatest producers of all time. A true innovator. God bless him 🙏

[@lokey7854]

God definitely blessed him.

[@marijanetarot9843]

A child prodigy!!! Listen to when he took his chances??? He believed in his dream as a boy. In the womb. Destiny.

[@samhaneef7786]

I see Michael Jackson - I click. It's that simple.

[@nenep1872]

Same here

[@KishBish]

👏🏽👏🏽

[@AndrewSmith-td7ig]

I think I’ve seen ‘em all!

[@erikizik5837]

MJ sees boy... He _____?

[@analezaone530]

@@erikizik5837 stfu

[@druzo26]

Verzuz can't handle his catalog!!!

[@xhy20x]

Pharell's catalog can.

[@bjvu9460]

neptunes

[@ez-duz-it]

One of the reasons why Michael Jackson is the Greatest is because he was able to re-invent his sound with every album! His albums took longer to come out for a reason! Quality takes time! You got artists who create the wave, and artist who ride the wave! MJ WAS A CREATOR. He never lost the essence of where the music originated from, that’s why his catalog is untouchable. You go back and listen to other R&B/Pop artists that were relevant during his time and you’ll see they had hits, but they just couldn’t deliver the same way MJ did.

[@bigolebot]

Oh please, MJs only good album's were Thriller, Off The Wall and Dangerous

[@missgigip]

@@bigolebot you obviously need your ears checked

[@bigolebot]

@@missgigip As someone who lived through his era the 70s-80s and saw him live? Nope

[@priiintplayzz6219]

@@bigolebot Whay about Bad ?

[@raydominguez69]

Have u ever heard of the legendary artist Prince? Michael was a great entertainer but???

[@mangadolo]

Mike was ALREADY the greatest in the 70’s!!! The later decades just cemented his legacy.

[@BillBiggs1]

Sorry chum but Elvis was the king in the 70’s. Jackson’s decade was the 80’s through to 90’s

[@williamk6605]

@@BillBiggs1- Elvis is trash.

[@shes_carrybeyond6161]

Michael Jackson actually sang on Brandy's song Not Worth It on FULL MOON

[@Makgame]

and Brandy sang in the background at the end of Unbreakable.... "I WILL NEVER BREAK....UNBREAKABLE.."

[@lateshiachilds3640]

Yup sure did

[@jeanetteterry9386]

Mr. Dark Child this was my first time watching an interview of you. Your energy and humbleness was all over you. Thank you for sharing your iconic journey. You displayed so much respect and elegance. May our Lord continue to bless you and your family.

[@LaSheaT]

Great interview. Didnt realize Rodney started so young. He is gifted and blessed and was supposed to be. He is right about Whitney her vocal range was the best singer I heard. Her tone, range, power and strength was the a gift from God. That woman could sang! I love Mariah too she is the best at high notes soprano notes. Also M.J. was so talented, sweet and smart and I feel like those accusations came from his catalog and half Sony ownership as well.

[@fujisamasensei7314]

MJ was a genius...

[@LaSheaT]

@@fujisamasensei7314 yes he was

[@xabun]

15:19 some facts most people dont know ... Michael Jackson was supposed to be in the buildings aswell. He had a meeting there that morning on 9/11 but overslept. On 10th, one day before 9/11 - MJ and the Jacksons (!) celebrated in New York MJs 30th anniversary as an artist with a shit load of stars including Britney Spears, Beyonce, Usher, Marlon Brando, Whitney Houston, Usher, N Sync, Liza Minelli etc etc etc ... that stuff is on youtube. You can say America and the rest of the world celebrated one last time in peace with Michael Jackson. Next morning BOOM ...

[@diamondnova7598]

Wow

[@mirandajaleisa]

wow I remember watching it on tv but I was a child. I didn't know that happened the day after

[@bradstocker1717]

yeeeeeeeah!!! Micheal Jackson got to live and carry on touching n messing about with young kids .......... that sounds great ....... NOT!!!

[@globalcitizenn]

@@bradstocker1717 you sound so dumb because those allegations were scams.

[@hannaz4617]

Thank you for sharing, I didn't know that! We never had an artist as Michael who brought so many artists together to create music in order to support victims. I can remember that he created "What more can I give". ( for victims of 9/11) Ever since he died, there was never any artists who created such songs to support victims of tragedies!

[@neils9739]

I remember Rodney with his beat machine down the halls of Absegami High School. Everyone knew how talented he was. Shout out Rodney you already know from the 609 Galloway.

[@russellsnead3977]

The best interview on this platform

[@loveone8073]

I agree,so much to learn about this real artist

[@marijanetarot9843]

Fact.

[@Chazcott]

I LOVE hearing these stories about Michael Jackson! They are so meaningful and so ROYAL! Like, he was THAT guy! There is a part of me that just canning believe he did anything to a child. I’m all about believing the victim, but something never hits right when I hear people talk about Michael and the HELL they put him through.

[@bradstocker1717]

TUFF!!! He was a nonce/he used to perv over children ........ DEAL WITH IT!!!

[@fujisamasensei7314]

But they R NOT victims! What U dont understand? Only in sick US media ppl can B anything for money. I could say Im the victim of the Pope and the next day im in the news. But in the law Michael Jackson was found innocent. Speaking of the HBO shit both two actors lost the suit against the Estate. Yes the whole pedophile stuff against MJ was about the Sony publishing. As U hear He was a monster in business and a black man.....many ppl wanted Him dead. Knowing MJ personally he was not that sick man media wanted Him to see. He was overcaring coming fom parentification but its never a sexual thing. Ppl dont understand what is overcaring but instead of getting to know they judge. MJ should have moved from US in the 90's, btw. He was a highly intelligent, wild ,open minded ,strong man with a special kinda humor I loved. He was a girl chaser a very down to earth man with such a golden heart.

[@fujisamasensei7314]

@@bradstocker1717 :))))..U r funny

[@ashleehero9414]

The EVIDENCE of his INNOCENCE is out there if you look! Media don’t touch it cause it don’t make them money, his innocence doesn’t sell a “good juicy dramatic” story like they want, but you gotta remember they SELL STORIES JUST LIKE DR SEUSS AT THE END OF THE DAY THEYRE JUST STORIES

[@hannaz4617]

@@fujisamasensei7314 I agree with you 100%. Everything you said is the truth!

[@mdatx2012]

"It's Not Right, But It's Okay" is one of the greatest reads in history 😂❤.

[@theajayieffect]

One of the GOATS. Like on some Quincy Jones typeness.

[@lilrick456]

I love interviews like this, no shade just dope inside stories. Rodney is iconic n shape us millennials with our favorite artists! 😎

[@justbitza417]

This honestly was one of the best interviews you’ve done so far this year. Very interesting life story and the work that Rodney you have produced this far, is truly incredible. You speak in an extremely genuine manner, it is very refreshing. Good to hear that you continue to have a deep passion for music after such a long successful career. Keep at it!

[@user-vl8sq8rp9g]

One of the best interviews I’ve seen period. And all the shit this dude has done fucking legendary

[@WattsUpTez10mm]

Vlad always has to smut other artist in a interview. People know about details behind Aaliyah and Whitney’s death.

[@starlynnfreeman7909]

You are so right 👉, when l heard Whitney had pass, the first person l thought about was Clive Davis!!!! I have a DISCERNING SPIRIT. August 2022

[@Bribrig4l]

"Did Brandy have an album b4 The Boy is Mine" 😂 wtf

[@williams.matthews2711]

Right!!!! Sir, do your homework and you call yourself a DJ?

[@shawnclark8452]

Lol...i was like wtf..come on vlad ...do ur homework

[@IAMHe777]

He said "but she had already had an album before that righ?" Smh he knew it. It was just a leading interview question. Keep up yall!

[@AskNannyQ]

Everyone that came to watch after May 5.. This the button

[@tauheedahhawkins]

As a Whitney Stan, I loveeeee the amount of respect he put on her name 🙌🏿

[@cecesimone2091]

One day I will make a song with dark child and give off that 90s early 2000s sound💜🙏🏽

[@bjfcmorphil]

He is a Super sonic , super duper ,Bonafide Genius!!!!!

[@mtuitoelau]

Yes, he's so right about Whitney Houston, she could out do a lot of women in vocals... she was different... No one can out do that Nat'l Anthem... Whitney was raw...

[@laffytiffy4730]

I used to think that the artists were saying "dog chow" 😂😂😂😂

[@Winnyfruits]

Hehehehe, im laughing because I would day this to until I learned about him lol.

[@mochamekia]

😆😆😆😆

[@jex8046]

I always thought it said dog child 😅

[@lokey7854]

You should be ashamed to even type that shit!! dog chow...Really? 😆

[@Musicdoctor412]

The very definition of a Musical Genius.

[@nikkinic27]

Catalogue crazy, very humble and talented producer, great interview!!!!

[@t.t.y2dat960]

DJ Vlad is trying to ruin a person's career because a professor told you that the Kendrick vs. Drake beef is not your business. No discord with the person, Just an I'm going to get you fired. # Not Like Us.

[@mekichey129]

facts

[@BigWilt2000]

Manz produced the theme song to The Parkers. Fucking legend 🐐

[@hitzoneproductions7858]

Do you need a film score composer?

[@fujisamasensei7314]

The greatest entertainer of all time..period..Rest in peace King.Invincible is an amazing album take a bow

[@TheBarriMedia]

Such an amazing interview and this guy produced most of the music from my childhood and teenage years.

[@hannaz4617]

Michael Jackson's album "Invincible" wasn't promoted or advertised by Sony. The problem was a long time fight between Michael and Sony. Sony was interested to get the ATV catalog. That was a time when the really bad propaganda about Michael's allegations, false reports, negative articles came to the surface. It was clear if Michael has to pay a lot of money in court because of allegations, at one point he has to sell the music catalog. Rich men of the entertainment industry gave money to the media. The press gave up to 6-numbered amount of money to other people or artists, for any negative reports. Michael openly accused Tommy Mottola, President of Sony in 2002, that he deliberately sabotaged his album Invincible. Invincible was released in 2001 and sold about 10-13 million albums worldwide. It topped in 13 countries but not in the US. It was thus considered a flop. Invincible was the top selling album then. Sony sued Michael for the album’s failure in the pretext he refused to go on a US tour to promote it. Michael was found innocent and was cleared on those charges."Invincible" was very successful in other countries It also hit №1 in 12 other countries around the world. A tour was planned but cancelled due to the conflict between Michael and Sony and the 9/11 attacks. Michael also created "What more can I give" with different artists to donate $50 million to victims of the 9/11 attacks. The songs was not released because of Sony. It was played without permission by radio station WKTU-FM in New York. Martin Bashir, whose double dealing and backstabbing infamous interview triggered the 2005 trial, as he deliberately misrepresented Michael as a child predator, released an album under the record label of Sony. AEG sold the rights of the rehearsals’ footage to Sony. Shortly after Michael died Sony bought the music catalog. Was Michael killed because of the music catalog? Soon after Michael died Sony bought the music catalog.

[@maryke1142]

I’ve always wondered about Darkchild because I’ve always heard his name mentioned on all the cool songs by cool artists. I’m glad you did this interview about this great producer.

[@tyjones1385]

Finally Vlad!!!!GotDamn

[@hoodfellah]

I been saying a verzus between jerkins and dallas 🔥🔥

[@courtneyhall5936]

This man is one of the greatest hit makers of all time..a true genius!

[@martineli312]

Wait a minute , I thought our black folks was not giving this culture pigeon free interviews😕 anymore.

[@ibukayov]

😂

[@bmwbmw8466]

You gay.

[@britanir]

A Musical Genius Right Here❤️

[@user-wd7yu2tp3u]

God gives us all different talents, some are blessed to find theirs and be successful because of it.

[@100divaldo]

Whos here becasuse of Vlad threats to darckchild niece???

[@mekichey129]

[@lokey7854]

Listening to Rodney speak about Whitney makes me love him so much more. He's a musical genius!! Tamia is another artist that I love that Rodney has worked with.

[@KenGayJr]

Incredible, 17 yrs and 7 figure publishing deal! And the Patty quote was hilarious “You can tell me I’m flat baby” Great interview!

[@babiphat20]

Its one thing to be able to sing or rap and have a dream to make it in the industry. But to have a dream to produce and Then actually make it...and still be relevant. What confidence! I wish i had that drive.

[@IAMHe777]

Right ! Plus you fine AF ms Amanda

[@just4dalaughters431]

“I love Kanye... I think he’s a Genius!” ... I love that part

[@Awillii]

I’m glad you finally dropped this Glad!!

[@wokewon1504]

Damn you fine af. IG?

[@CoreHibb]

"Glad".. lol 😂😂 they never gon' let him live that down! 😂😂😂😂😂

[@justjmusic14]

Whenever people talk about top 5/10 producer, no body put Darkchild in that list. Y'all better put some respect on his name. Definitely my top 5 producer.

[@VernonLegacy]

They scared of that man. They know what's up.

[@shawnstrickland7313]

@@VernonLegacy Scared? Babyface, Teddy Riley, R. Kelly, Devante Swing, Timbaland, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis

[@ak-xp4hp]

@@shawnstrickland7313 R. Kelly, scandal aside, doesn't do it for me. His songs sound the same to me. I've always believed that.

[@shawnstrickland7313]

@@ak-xp4hp Honey Love, Worlds greatest, I believe I can fly, you are not alone (MJ), Life (k-ci &jojo), Love letters, Vibe, Bad Man, when a woman loves, I wish...all sound the same? Really? If the scandals truly had no affect on how u feel about his music, u wouldn’t have mentioned it and u wouldn’t have made such a foolish statement about his songs sounding the same

[@ak-xp4hp]

@@shawnstrickland7313 honey love sounds like sex me which sounds like Charlie Wilson's magic (or at least have a similar bass line). I legit get get sex me and honey love confused all the time Happy People sounds like Steppin and Share My Love. I brought up his scandal because I've never been a fan really my entire live save a few songs (The Greatest Sex, Fortunate by Maxwell, and Grub On by Trey) and I'm always met with "you're just saying that because of the stuff he's going thru etc" No need to get so defensive. He doesn't do it for me

[@AlexAtuh]

Respects to Vlad knowing Marvin is the king male vocalist!

[@t-roe421]

@Alex Atuh Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Donny Hathaway, Teddy Penddegrass inluding Marvin are the Vocal Kings of RNB in my opinion

[@AlexAtuh]

@NYC tru tru, Marvin is unorthodox compared to the straightforward music prince and teddy had. I thought their music was very dated but teddy had some classics and I couldn't get into prince at all, I always thought he was a bootleg Michael Jackson lol

[@britanir]

Yes he is. And I’m a youngin knowing this ❤️

[@kensmechanicalaffair]

Nat King sir.

[@blazikenbeats3754]

We NEED a Darkchild Verzuz

[@tenabrighteyes]

God bless you brotha your a very talented man. Applause to you ✌🙏😎🏆🥇 love you love your interview Grace humble down to earth persona. keeping it real. Yes you can build a empire. You have helped build empires emperors empress🎵🎹 play on🥁👍 excellent bio catalogue

[@tenabrighteyes]

Classy and Respectable man he is. Keep it real bro. Stay down to earth. You are a role model too

[@druzo26]

Legendary interview!! So many inside industry jewels!!

[@selassie]

Whitney-Light of the World Music. I can only imagine how epic that could have been.

[@adrianstuds2907]

Without fucking Vladtv I may never have heard about this genius. We keep talling about K. West and Dre as GOATS but no one mentions this brother

[@ashleyfelicia9188]

This man got hitz for dayz and decades!!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽👑

[@AFRICANBRO]

Lets not forget WHITNEY HOUSTON won a GRAMMY for "Its not right" 👆🏾👆🏾👆🏾

[@SlyRedfoxx85]

I need that MTV footage of Brandy and Monica IN THE STUDIO singing "The Boy is Mine" explained. Either something in the milk ain't clean or somebody is forgetting or don't remember.

[@ShawnHazzMcdonald]

Super dope interview Rodney is mega talented

[@slf81]

Here because of whitney

[@MegaLmae]

I danced and bounced to many songs produced by this man when I was as a teenager; all the way in Zimbabwe, where I grew up. In Zim we used to have 'niteclubs' for teenagers. But the teen sessions were done between 12 midday to 7pm. They were called teen scenes. The songs The Boy is Mine and his remix of J Lo's If you Had My Love were my favorite and they were real dance-floor-fillers. That opening bassline on If You had My Love with three pints of lager inside you and full of raging teenage hormones in the middle of a daytime nightclub - man you felt like you were in heaven.

[@chandravinning1933]

I can totally relate to what Darkchild is saying. Growing up in the church the so called rock and roll music was definitely not allowed..😂

[@alxndrlpz]

With the reach that his work has had and the legendary career and influence, I am amazed that this doesn't have more views

[@CoreHibb]

This is a gooood interview 👍🏿👍🏿

[@jetpaq]

53:02. He speaking troof here.... Nobody wants it wit Whitney...nobodaay....

[@gamechanger6048]

So, humble and down-to-earth.

[@mrbrownroyyal]

Great interview! Tommy sabotaged that entire MJ project. "You Rock My World" wasnt supposed to be the lead single "Unbreakable" was. Aaliyah didnt seem like the type to argue. Maybe people around her but I think she wanted to leave early and got on the plane and thought nothing of it. I dont think the pilot shared his reservations about the flight. I wasnt there, but thats my feeling of the situation. "If I Had Your Love" was originally for Chante' Moore. She actually recorded it (her performance of it is on youtube) but Puffy heard it and Rodney gave it to JLo. I wish that was talked about. I wish it was talked about working with TLC on "Turntable" because that song was a tribute to Left Eye. I also wish more was talked about him working with Janet. They did a few songs other than "Feedback". But there was tension between LA Reid and Janet. I'd like to hear more about that. MJ's "Xscape" is one of my favorite songs by him.

[@williams.matthews2711]

I heard that about Chante Moore, but I thought she recorded a similar sounding song and Puff told Rodney to make a similar song. I could be wrong. Appreciate your insight.

[@mrbrownroyyal]

@@williams.matthews2711 Chante recorded a song that Rodney produced called "If I Gave You Love", somehow Puffy heard it and wanted it for his then girlfriend JLo and the lyrics were changed to "If You Had My Love". Chante was not told her song was given away. You can listen to Chante's original version here on KZbin. Tommy Mottola, to get back at his ex Mariah, took a sample she used for her song "Loverboy" and gave the sample to JLo for her song "I'm Real". Mariah also did a song won't Ja Rule and Tommy hurried up and asked Ja to be on a song with JLo as well before Mariah could release her song. A lot of people seemed to look out for JLo....

[@williams.matthews2711]

@@mrbrownroyyal You know all the tea. I have my cup ready. What do you know about Janet and LA Reid? He didn’t say much about this era in his autobiography out of respect for Janet. I heard whispers they butted heads on the direction of “Discipline.”

[@mrbrownroyyal]

@@williams.matthews2711 I dont know too much lol, I wish I knew more, but that was just it, Janet and LA butted heads on the direction and the single release for "Discipline". Janet wanted to pick the singles but LA wanted to pick the singles. Janet wanted to release "Luv" but LA didnt want to. I dont think he wanted "Rock With You" to be a single either. Dont quote me on that, but I remember Janet said in an interview, that she was done trying, and she was just going to go on tour with the album and move on. Oh, now that I am thinking of it, I do remember her saying LA wanted her to not be the "dance girl" anymore and slow it down and more like a Sade. Janet said, that wasnt her, and she is about dance music. So I think that was the initial beginning of their contentious business relationship. Also LA doesnt have the best reputation of treating his artists that well and Janet did good for herself when it came to music, he should've just let her be. In my opinion.

[@williams.matthews2711]

@@mrbrownroyyal Wow thanks for this insight. I know we’re getting way off topic, but our fireside chat continues. The first mistake LA made was telling her not to work with Jimmy and Terry. Bringing in the hottest producers at the time and them handing her songs to sing. Janet hadn’t worked that way since ‘84. I knew the project was doomed from the start. Thank God her and LA only had a one album deal. Janet turning into Sade? WTF!?! She would alienate and lose her core audience. Crazy.

[@chinoxl5036]

Aye! Did y'all hear that man. The church is what we Are it is what it is. He focused

[@cca405]

He needs to do a Verzuz he has so many hits such an amazing producer!

[@elvisyarda1062]

He remembers every single detail!

[@marijanetarot9843]

Literally singlehandedly created the soundtrack to my childhood. Couldn’t here a beat with him whispering his name! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@marijanetarot9843]

Hear

[@kayciv7436]

Absolutely!!!! 90s baby 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼

[@destiney]

26:25 was so damn powerful. He dropped a hell of a gem there.

[@ronlg]

“Once you ice out that watch, it’s WORTHLESS!!” I BEEN trying to tell these fools. All that bragging about the amount you spent on jewelry is TRASH. It’s not even worth what you paid.

[@nathanielsingletary9226]

If Michael Jackson new how much he was really loved he would still be here should have showed him while he was still here

[@hannaz4617]

I agree with you 100%. Ever since Michael died the world has become a dark place. I even think we got karma because we were not standing up for him. Now we all have to wear face masks as Michael did. Some people made fun about that and now they have to wear face masks too. Yes we fans should have showed him our loyalty and love. Can you remember the first appearance he made to announce "This is it". He came very insecure and when he felt that he was still loved you could see it in his face. He was so much in joy when he felt the love of his fans!

[@ParadoxOftheDjinn]

The music industry is full of shit

[@lafrmdalo2530]

Enjoyed this interview. Damn near took me 3 days to finish it🤷🏿‍♂️

[@expertonmyself]

much needed interview! the real question is: what eventually happened to the teacher and the raggedy a$$ school administration and board he originally didn't do anything?

[@therealkoolaidandkale]

Prolly nothing. She was white. 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@hannaz4617]

@@therealkoolaidandkale how do you know?

[@afrench3432]

Definitely one of my favorites. I knew he was a beast, but damn this was informative.

[@ukaosim]

Clicked so fast when I seen this interview. One of the 🐐👑🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@SlyRedfoxx85]

Vlad u missed the Chante Moore's story with J. Lo's "If You..."

[@theajayieffect]

And p.s. - Vlad is annoying.

[@courtneychambersmusic]

What an inspiring interview!

[@kennydominguez3493]

Omg he did Toni Braxton as well “ he wasn’t men enough for me “

[@jayvionworldanimations]

yea if you go back and listen Toni actually sings "Darkchild yea"

[@parislon6036]

Rodney, your parents raised you really well! I always looked at the celebrities who STILL went to Clive Davis party (when Whitney died in the same building on the same day) sideways. You had enough of respect to stay at home & not party while your friend ‘s body lay downstairs. Much respect!

[@jayspeedchannel]

16:59 no cap bro , as a kid in the 2000’s I would hear destiny child , or mj say darkchild and that would Make me Listen extra hard . You tracks always had the best bridges also . Super melodic

[@jaymccolister607]

My favorite interview. He seems like good people.

[@tkkirkland4113]

"I had took dark child under my wing once mj passed"- tk kirkland

[@penzilt6090]

😂

[@la-saint1798]

Interviewer ... Ciara - Cookies..... Rodney - Goodies LMAOOOOO and how you gonna ask if Deja Vu was the first time Beyonce and Jay worked together!!!! Crazy in Love ...