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Remember the Times: A Memoir

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256 pages, Hardcover

Published February 10, 2026

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101 people want to read

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Teddy Riley

10 books8 followers

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5 stars
28 (38%)
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23 (31%)
3 stars
19 (26%)
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Gemini.
1,775 reviews
February 13, 2026
Put Some Respeck on His Name

I’m biased. I’m a music girly. I’m a deep cut girly. I’m a 90s R&B/hip hop girly. I went into this literally starving for the music history he would drop. This man is a musical genius. He is an absolute musical treasure. He’s my favorite artists’ favorite producer. This book was a dope résumé rundown for anyone that didn’t see, nor acknowledge his greatness. This book was a reminder that Teddy Riley is a generational talent. He created some of the greatest songs that you’ve ever chosen for the soundtrack of your life. This was Teddy’s story, but it was also the setlist for the best times of my life. Let me go update my playlists.
Profile Image for Tina.
103 reviews3 followers
February 16, 2026
All I have to say is that you mean to tell me Teddy Riley could have been on the “Bad” album & we were robbed of that?!

Also, I knew how influential in the music industry Teddy Riley was, but I also didn’t know. The man is a legend.
Profile Image for Full of Lit.
633 reviews30 followers
February 22, 2026
While I listened to this book I could hear the sounds of New Jack swing playing in my head. I would say this book was like being taken to the past if I didn’t listen to this style of music almost daily.

I was able to learn so much from Teddy’s book. He was from humble beginnings and has maintained that humility throughout his life. His mom always knew he’d be a star and she was right.

I loved learning where the new Jack swing sound came from and how he developed it. There were so many artists sounds (MJ, and Pharrell) and songs (Make it Last Forever, and Remember the Time!!!) that I had no idea were Teddy Riley. He has his hand in so many songs and albums that are solidified as songs that will be played forever.

I loved hearing about how Guy, Blackstreet and so many other things were formed. I was blown away when I learned that Keith Swear’s Make it Last Forever album was developed by Teddy Riley. It explained so much.

I loved his honesty about issues he has had legally with not getting money he was owed and having people put their name on songs that were his that they had no part in. He spoke about issues he’s had with his children, even having to take one to court. He gave credit to Gene Griffin for being the reason he never went down the wrong path the way a lot of artists do. This was after essentially having to start over because Gene signed him to a deal where he was taking all of his money. Then years later at the end of Gene’s life when he was dealing with Alzheimer’s, Teddy still showed up.

Teddy Riley is without a doubt a musical genius that has left one or the biggest marks on music and he is owed all the credit.

The only thing I would change is I wish he had narrated this himself!
Profile Image for Eartha Hicks.
Author 18 books45 followers
February 23, 2026
Teddy Riley is the pride of Harlem! Before reading Remember the Times: A Memoir by Teddy Riley and Jake Brown, I thought Teddy Riley was merely the mad scientist behind GUY. GUY was fly, so fly I had zero tolerance for GUY knockoffs, trying to dress like GUY, move like GUY, or sound like they were trying to mimic Aaron Hall. So, I knew Teddy was that guy who made GUY hot and later Wreckx-N-Effect, Blackstreet, and would later lend his talents to produce Michael Jackson’s eighth studio album, Dangerous. Little did I know, Teddy was the genius behind Doug E. Fresh’s “The Show” and the secret sauce, creating the soundtrack to the most fun years of my life.

Now, Teddy’s Remember the Times: A Memoir offers so much insight and context. I didn’t realize Teddy was so young at the time. Or that he wasn’t reaping the full benefits from the fruits of his labor, (and why), while his sound was righteous, the money was funny. Or that despite a proper church upbringing and an adoring, overprotective mom, even Teddy could have succumbed to the lures and threats of his environment. Even though those same Harlem streets helped him forge elements of Gospel, Soul, Funk, Blues, Swing, Go-go, Jazz, and Disco into something magical.

The collaboration between Teddy and Michael Jackson only made sense. Back then, I was a kid, too! All I could say to that was, “Michael Jackson’s next album is going to be HOT! Better than BAD!” I’m probably in the minority, but “Can’t Let Her Get Away” was my favorite jam. I am not a basketball fan, but to me, “Jam” was almost equally hypnotic.

Now that I have read his memoir as an overprotective mom myself, certain details of Teddy’s journey were deeply troubling. Despite that, I am glad his music never suffered and that his pain somehow fueled his ingenuity. New Jack Swing remains his very own legacy, immortalized in 2019 with a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. From Harlem to Hollywood! Bravo, Teddy Riley!
Profile Image for Book Reviews by Tara aka Queen of Memoirs.
344 reviews84 followers
March 22, 2026
Remember The Times is the prototype for a perfectly executed entertainment memoir. The chapters are short. Each highlighting a different time in Teddy’s career. There’s no unnecessary details. Teddy’s story is told in 231 pages, the sweet spot for memoirs. Teddy Riley takes readers behind the velvet rope of the music industry as he shares engaging stories about his experiences working with recording artists including:

Michael Jackson - Teddy spent over a year living with Michael Jackson. During this time he never witnessed Michael doing anything inappropriate to any child. As a matter of fact, Teddy even left his two year old daughter alone with Michael. That’s how much he trusted the King of Pop. Teddy and Michael shared an amazing relationship. It was heartwarming to read about their journey together.

Bobby Brown - Did you know at the end of the song “My Perogative” when Bobby declares, “I made this money you didn’t. Right Ted? We outta here!” Bobby was actually talking to Teddy Riley?

Guy - Back in the day there was a lot of jealousy in the group, and apparently that jealousy still lives on.

Jane Child - Jane Child’s song “I Don’t Want To Fall In Love” is my jam! I still have the remix in heavy rotation on my playlist. I was surprised to learn Teddy is the producer of the remix.

New Edition - Teddy shares a tragic story of a life lost. It broke my heart to read. Especially because it involved my babies New Edition. #NE4Lifer / #Ronswarrior 💚

Himself - Did you know Teddy was swindled out of his fortune not once, but twice? The first time to Gene Griffin. The second time to conman Troy Titus who was featured on CNBC’s television show American Greed. Titus took Teddy for over 20 million dollars🤯. Teddy lost his home, his studio, his cars, and pretty much everything he owned. He eventually had to file bankruptcy to recover.

Gene Griffin - I had a mixture of emotions while reading this story. In the beginning of the book I was heated. Gene did Teddy wrong on so many levels. He totally robbed Teddy beginning when Teddy was just a teen. Reading that story served as a reminder to always do what you love regardless of the pay. Eventually you will be rewarded and the money will come…But then, while reading one of the final chapters titled Forgiveness, my heart went out to Gene, and I was reminded of another lesson. Peace often begins the moment we decide to forgive.

There were just so many good stories in this book. Teddy even shares his thoughts on the reality show Love & Hip-Hop. Admitting he regrets going on the show with his daughter Nia because the show was so messy. He didn’t like how his family was portrayed.

As a music lover it’s little fun facts such as these that attracts me to memoirs. I find reading behind the scene stories very entertaining. Teddy served this memoir just the way I like it. Straight no chaser. Even the stories involving his childhood had everything to do with music. There were no dull moments. It gave everything a great memoir is supposed to give.

Remember The Times is my kind of memoir. It’s filled short stories, no excessive details, and most importantly, page upon page of memorable accounts that I’d never heard before. I credit the co-author Jake Brown for building this amazing body of work. Jake spent years writing this book with Teddy Riley! He put in the work and successfully completed the assignment.

Now that I’ve reached the end of this journey, I’m missing Teddy already. I came home to him every night. Together we snuggled on the couch with a warm blanket and a mocktail as I listened to him share exciting stories about how he became the musical genius that we see today. We spent quality time together every night for a week. Now our journey is over.

I’m sure going to miss him.

Oh…one more thing…I just have to say this😂.

At the end of the book Teddy informs the reader (and I’m paraphrasing 🤣) Listen up readers! If y’all looking for me to tour again with those jealous a$$ negros from Guy and Blackstreet, y’all can miss me with that! It ain’t happening! I can make way more money on my own. Plus I can do sh💩t the way I want it done without having to deal with other people’s opinions, attitudes and drama. So be on the lookout for The Teddy Riley Experience! I’m about to do it big, and I won’t be carrying them joka’s along for the ride no mo! 🤣🤣🤣

Again that was me paraphrasing. If you want to know his exact words…read the book.
Profile Image for Madlyn.
884 reviews6 followers
March 9, 2026
A very good read. I’d enjoyed learning what life was like for him living the life of an musician.
Profile Image for Sue - Recos and Reads.
244 reviews37 followers
February 12, 2026
I happened to read this book a week or two after watching a Quincy Jones documentary, and there were interesting echoes throughout, particularly around innovation, studio culture, and the shaping of modern Black music. Like Quincy, Riley comes across as both craftsman and cultural architect.

The book traces Teddy’s journey from a child prodigy growing up in Harlem, immersed in church and neighborhood music scenes, to becoming the pioneering force behind New Jack Swing, the seamless fusion of R&B, hip-hop, and pop that defined late ’80s and early ’90s radio. He recounts his early days with Kids at Work, his breakthrough production with Keith Sweat (Make It Last Forever), the formation of Guy, and later Blackstreet. Of course, a major highlight is his work on Michael Jackson’s Dangerous album, where his harder-edged, rhythm-driven sound helped reshape MJ’s musical direction in the ’90s.

It’s an easy, accessible read. The chapters are short and tightly structured, each offering a self-contained memory or studio story. The format makes it highly digestible so I moved through it quickly, which is always a good sign. There are plenty of name-checks, quotes, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes involving major figures in the industry, giving readers small but satisfying glimpses into pivotal cultural moments.

What stands out most is Riley’s quiet confidence in his craft. He doesn’t overstate his influence, yet the cumulative effect of the stories reminds you just how deeply his sound shaped popular music, from Bobby Brown’s Don’t Be Cruel to SWV, Heavy D, and beyond. You can hear the lineage of New Jack Swing in so much of what followed in contemporary R&B and pop production.

If I have a reservation, it’s that the memoir sometimes feels a little glossy. Given the volatility of the music business, the financial disputes, label politics, group tensions (particularly around Guy), and the pressures of rapid fame, I suspect the lived reality was harder, more stressful, and more complex than the book fully captures. The edges occasionally feel smoothed over. I found myself wondering about the emotional and personal toll behind the achievements.

That said, as the story of a musical innovator who helped define the sound of a generation, it’s absolutely worthwhile. Riley isn’t just recounting a career — he’s documenting the birth of a genre and the evolution of modern R&B. For anyone interested in music history, studio culture, or the mechanics of influence in popular culture over the last 30–40 years, Remember the Times is an engaging and valuable read and I thank the publisher and author for giving me a copy of this book to read and review.
Profile Image for LeeTravelGoddess.
944 reviews61 followers
February 17, 2026
*SINGS: JAM, OOOOH JAM, JAAAAAAM— TEDDY JAM FOR MEEEE, YEAH!!!*

-HUUUNEEEEY, I HAD NO EARTHLY IDEA!!! Wake me up TED cause ya girl Lex has been ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL!!

-I’m living for these little nuggets about the stars we love L-I-V-I-N-G!!!

-Teddy’s first Grammy being MJ’s Dangerous is NUTS! They didn’t even nominate “Remember the Time” UGH!

-Teddy sounds like such a sweetheart, wow!
-Whitney produces herself. IKTR, Tuh 💚!
-So Teddy gave us Rodney AND Pharrell?!?! I love it!! Technically Robert, Blackstreet, Guy, Kool Mo Dee, Heavy D 😍 and the Keith that we love (+) too. A LEGEND!!!
-Not, he frequently sang flat… 👀 ouch! I was never into him IYKYK.
-YOU BETTER RUN YOUR CREDITSSSSSS TEDDY!!! PURRR.
-I love Snoop Dogg. FOREVER.
-Ted went from 150K to 1M followers… nice!!
-“Teddy doin too much” is HILARIOUS!!!

Above are my realtime notes lol! I loved this memoir GR fam. Ted is a jewel that we MUST CHERISH!! I remember the verzus and thinking to myself… he can’t hold a candle to THEEE FACE but he shut me UP. While she’s an AVID musician and music head… keeping it a buck, I NEVER knew he produced/wrote Remember The Time— arguably one of MJ’s biggest songs. I was simply enamored by the video like the rest of the world. Plus, he gave BOB all that ‘Tude as if we couldn’t love him more lol! TED’s name drops… immaculate!!! The best part tho, is that he’s STILL moving and shaking in the industry. Humble. Sweet. With a gang of HITS! I wish you many many more blessings & successes Ted, you deserve brother!!!
Profile Image for booksandbrownskin .
93 reviews8 followers
April 16, 2026
I love a good memoir, especially on audio. But this one missed the mark a bit for me. Teddy didn’t narrate it, and the voice? Yeah…wasn’t my favorite. And honestly, with a catalog like his, this audiobook should’ve had MUSIC. That would’ve taken it to another level.

That said…baby, the talent?!

Watching Verzuz is when I realized just how deep Teddy Riley’s bag really is. When I found out he did The Show…I had to pause like WAIT A MINUTE. Sir, you’ve been shaping the culture this whole time!

I also appreciated the behind-the-scenes look at Guy, one of my favorite groups from the 90s. The breakup story though…whew. Let’s just say, sometimes the music is smooth, but the personalities behind it…not so much

And one thing that stood out, something I’m noticing more and more in memoirs from this era, is how normalized some very inappropriate situations were, especially involving young boys. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s real, and it says a lot about the times.

Lastly…let me say this loud…Gen X had the BEST era of music. Period.

Being outside in the 80s and especially the 90s? Unmatched. 90s R&B alone clears. And the talent that came out of New York…there had to be something in the water.

Teddy Riley is not just “the man, he’s a whole era. A true architect of the sound that raised us.
1 review
May 8, 2026
Great…… Well written great stories….life….MJ

As if you didn’t know TR is behind most of the turn up the radio this is my jam songs that play on the R&B radio stations during rush hour and your lunch hour. He has an extensive catalog and his creative approach bleeds all through this book. It was so good I didn’t want to read it to fast. A page turner that you want to finish slowly. I truly enjoyed reading about his ups and downs, his patience, him removing people his life that cause conflict and his forgiveness especially with an early manager who wronged him. He eventually started to place boundaries for those who couldn’t be trusted and were unwilling to remain humble in the realm of success. A great read in my opinion.
Profile Image for Larry Goodwin-Eades.
9 reviews
February 17, 2026
I've immensely enjoyed this book. Very informative and oh so NOSTALGIC. It was like rummaging through his whole career!
Profile Image for Cory Wallace.
555 reviews3 followers
April 29, 2026
There were a lot of things I did not know about Teddy Riley although I grew up listening to his music. After reading his autobiography, I have even more appreciation for the work he’s done.
Profile Image for Tereacy Pearson.
127 reviews11 followers
April 9, 2026
3.5 stars- Although I enjoyed Teddy's autobiography because I absolutely adore his music and appreciate his contribution to the "New Jack Swing" era, I rated it a 4 because I feel as though he could have went much deeper into his story and been more vulnerable concerning his career. In addition, he should have narrated his autobiography himself to allow the reader to connect even deeper.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews