Karriem Riggins

If jazz and hip-hop passionately and cleverly intertwined with one another, the hybrid result would be a musically gifted lovechild. Or, perhaps, if ones bloodline is to blame father, Emmanuel Riggins is a musician and used to perform with guitarist Grant Green a musical rarity is nonetheless the result. Whatever the reason, whatever the description, a musical talent by any other name is still well a musical talent. And such a musical talent has manifested itself into musician, producer Karriem Riggins.

Born August 25, 1975 in Detroit, MI, Riggins parents realized their son was gifted at an early age: not only would Riggins dig through his parents record collection as a young child but he would also accompany his father to the studio and play with instruments in the likeness of a musical great. Riggins continued his ongoing affair with music by studying it in school and making hip-hop music during his middle and high school days. Riggins turned his love into a profession, moving to New York City in 1994 at the age of 19. He joined Jazz Ahead, the band of renowned jazz singer Betty Carter, as a drummer.

While Riggins strengthened and developed his forte, the jazz world became enraptured with such an exceptional performer. After working with Betty Carter and Jazz Ahead, Riggins went on to perform with and appear on recordings with various jazz greats such as Hank Jones, Ray Brown, Oscar Peterson, Milt Jackson, Donald Byrd, Cedar Walton, Bobby Hutcherson, Kenny Burrell, Benny Green, Mulgrew Miller, Ron Carter, Gary Bartz and Diana Krall . Karriem has made major accomplishments within the hip-hop world as a musician and producer. Riggins produced tracks on some of Commons albums such as 1997s One Day Itll All Make Sense, 2000s Like Water for Chocolate, and 2005s Be.

Riggins has also done production work for artists such as Slum Village, producing tracks on albums such as 2001s Trinity and 2002s Dirty District and for The Roots, producing "Quills" on 2002s Phrenology. Riggins has produced and collaborated on tracks with Jay Dee aka J Dilla, and worked with Dwele on Truth/Subject, many of Commons albums as well as touring with Common for Electric Circus and BE. Additionally, he has worked with Talib Kweli, The Detroit Experiment, and songtress, Erykah Badu.

Currently, Riggins is in the process of developing his first self-titled album, showcasing his unique range as a producer, drummer, and MC. With this album Riggins will continue to embark on a musical voyage, developing and creating music that will captivate audiences and entice the musical senses.