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Biography
Infobox musical artist| name = Ryan Leslie| image = Ryan good girl video.png|thumb| alt =| caption = Ryan Leslie on set of the "Good Girl" video in Las Vegas - December 2011| image_size =| background = solo_singer| birth_name = Anthony Ryan Leslie| alias =| birth_date = birth date and age|1978|09|25|32| birth_place = Washington, DC | origin =| death_date =| death_place =| genre = Contemporary R& B|R& B , Hip hop music|hip hop | occupation = Music producer , singer-songwriter , musical arranger , rapper | instrument = Guitar , bass guitar , keyboards , drums , vocals , trumpet | years_active = 2000-present| label = NextSelection Lifestyle Group, Casablanca Records , Universal Republic | associated_acts = Cassie (singer)|Cassie , Fabolous , Keri Hilson , Jadakiss , Booba , Jim Jones (rapper)|Jim Jones , LL Cool J , Lloyd Banks , 50 Cent , Kanye West | website = http://www.ryanleslie.com/ Anthony Ryan Leslie , known professionally as Ryan Leslie , (born September 25, 1978) is an American record producer, multi-instrumentalist, rapper , entrepreneur, and singer. Founder of the media company NextSelection Lifestyle Group, Leslie has produced singles for a number of artists in a variety of genres ranging from R& B / Hip-Hop to Pop music|Pop to Gospel . From 2005–2006, he had his most commercial success to date with NextSelection/ Bad Boy Records|Bad Boy / Atlantic Records|Atlantic recording artist Cassie (singer)|Cassie and her single " Me & U (Cassie song)|Me & U ". Leslie's debut album, Ryan Leslie (Album)|Ryan Leslie (2009), features the songs " Diamond Girl (song)|Diamond Girl ," " Addiction (Ryan Leslie song)|Addiction ," and " How It Was Supposed To Be ." He was nominated for a Grammy in 2011.cite news| url= http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1334918/Grammy-nominations-2011-Susan-Boyle-Vs-Lady-Gaga-Best-Pop-Album.html | location=London | work=Daily Mail | title=SuBo to go head to head with Lady Gaga at the Grammy Awards after both score nominations for Best Pop Album | date=December 2, 2010
Biography
Ryan Leslie was born into a multicultural family. Leslie is the oldest son of mother (Evangeline) Mooi Leslie who is of Caribbean Dutch people|Dutch , Chinese people|Chinese , and African descent, and father Clement Leslie who is from Barbados and of Irish people|Irish ancestry, raised in Trinidad .Citation needed|date=August 2010 His parents were Salvation Army officers who frequently relocated for work. Ryan has lived in various states, cities, and countries. At an early age, Leslie taught himself how to play the piano under the guidance of Marc Styles. He developed the ability to recite music, as well as arrange chords to create songs.cite web|last=Ketchum |first=William E. |url= http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1105 |title=Ryan Leslie - Ryan Leslie & #124; Read Hip Hop Reviews, Rap Reviews & Hip Hop Album Reviews |publisher=HipHop DX |date=2009-02-11 |accessdate=2011-09-20 At the age of 14, Leslie scored a 1600 on his SAT s—a perfect score—while attending Bear Creek High School, in Stockton, CA.cite web|last=Stevenson |first=Seth |url= http://nymag.com/news/features/24094/ |title=Ryan Leslie: Hip-Hop’s Unlikely New Star-Maker - New York Magazine |publisher=Nymag.com |date=2006-11-12 |accessdate=2011-09-20 In 1993, he applied to four University of California campuses as well as Stanford, Yale and Harvard. In his application essays he explained his interest in matriculating from his junior year in high school without having earned a diploma. He was accepted to all except for Stanford. He ultimately decided to attend Harvard College . At the age of 19, Leslie graduated from Harvard with a degree in Government, concentrating in Political Science and Macroeconomics .cite web|url= http://artists.letssingit.com/ryan-leslie-f4xmz/biography |title=Artist Biography & #124; Ryan Leslie biography |publisher=Artists.letssingit.com |date=1978-09-25 |accessdate=2011-09-20 During his commencement ceremonies, Ryan delivered the prestigious Harvard Oration.cite web|url= http://harvardmagazine.com/1998/07/jhj.confette.html |title=John Harvard's Journal - Commencement Confetti |publisher=Harvardmagazine.com |date=2007-11-05 |accessdate=2011-09-20
Music
During his freshman year at Harvard, Leslie devoted many hours per week to creating and developing music in a studio basement on campus. He taught himself basic production skills and also developed a musical style of his own. As the semesters progressed, Leslie spent more and more time in the school's studio molding his craft. He also performed many events around campus and was a part of the school's all male acappella group The Krokodiloes . Due to the conflict with music and school, Leslie was put on academic probation three times during his college career. He has said in many interviews that during those college years, he became accustomed to getting 2 to 3 hours of sleep per night. To earn disposable income during these years, Leslie sold instrumentals to local artists in the Boston area.citation needed|date=October 2010 After graduating college, Leslie urged his parents to allow him to go in to the music industry. They told him that he could have a better future considering he graduated from college at the age of 19. Leslie insisted that he was going to pursue his musical interests for two years and if he didn't like it he would stop. Leslie remained in Boston because of its music scene. He took on community service jobs to help support himself and would spend nights in the recording studio working on his music.cite news | last = Anderman | first = Joan | coauthors = | title = The Phenom: At 15, he went to Harvard. At 19, he had a degree in government and politics. At 29, Ryan Leslie is a budding hip-hop mogul | work = The Boston Globe | place = | pages = | language = | publisher = | date = 2008-05-31 | url = http://www.boston.com/ae/music/articles/2008/05/31/the_phenom/? page=3 | accessdate = 2010-10-30 Eventually, Leslie moved back home with his parents in Phoenix, Arizona|Phoenix where he convinced them to take out a loan for a production studio so that he could pursue music full-time. He vowed to his family that he would pay back the $15,000 loan one day, even if it meant going back to school and getting a more traditional job. For the next several months, Leslie worked towards developing a distinct sound. During this period, Leslie has said that he ate and slept very little.citation needed|date=October 2010 In the summer of 2003, Ryan landed a production internship with producer Younglord . He has said in interviews that he considers this 30-day internship the jump-start of his career in the music industry. Within the first week, Leslie produced the song “Keep Giving Your Love To Me” that would later be performed by Beyoncé Knowles|Beyoncé for the Bad Boys II soundtrack.citation needed|date=October 2010 The soundtrack was supervised by Sean “Diddy” Combs , who was impressed by Leslie’s production style and offered him a management contract upon meeting him. http://www.amentertainment.com/talent-avails/56-ryan-lesliedead link|date=September 2011
Under the management of Combs, Leslie worked on various Bad Boy Records projects including releases from Loon , Cheri Dennis , B5 (band)|B5 , New Edition and Danity Kane . During that time, Leslie also co-produced a record for Britney Spears . Also in 2003, Leslie was introduced by his then attorney Ed Woods to Tommy Mottola . Mottola soon became a mentor of Leslie’s and offered him a publishing deal with Aspen Songs and a recording contract with Casablanca, Mottola's imprint distributed by Universal Music Group . Under the mentorship of Mottola and Combs, Leslie signed then-aspiring model Cassie Ventura to his imprint, NextSelection in 2005.
In late 2003, Leslie began recording his debut album entitled Just Right , and released two singles: "The Way That U Move Girl" and "Used 2 Be" (with Fabolous ). The album was never officially released due to creative differences between Leslie and his record label. http://www.windowsmedia.com/Mediaguide/Templates/ArtistProfile.aspx? p_id=P%20%20%20583645 dead link|date=September 2011
Debut album, Transitions, & Leaving Label
Ryan Leslie returned to the studio in 2006 to record a new debut album. The lead single , " Diamond Girl (song)|Diamond Girl ", was released in December 2007.cite web|url= http://www.answers.com/topic/ryan-leslie |title=Ryan Leslie: Information from |publisher=Answers.com |date= |accessdate=2011-09-20 The video for "Diamond Girl" was premiered on BET’s 106 & Park , and released on Leslie’s YouTube channel with a special behind the scenes clip. In November 2007, he released a video for a song named "I-R-I-N-A" that was produced in-house and released through his YouTube channel as well.
His second single, " Addiction (Ryan Leslie song)|Addiction ," features pop singer and protege Cassie (singer)|Cassie with a rap cameo from long-time collaborator, rapper Fabolous. The song was officially released in August 2008. Of the two music videos made for the song, the "Making of 'Addiction'" clip became Leslie's most popular video on YouTube, with more than 3.2 million views.
His third single, " How It Was Supposed To Be ," also has two music videos: a rock version and a military take on the song, which was Leslie's directorial debut and was co-directed by model Tyson Beckford . http://www.ryanleslie.com/how-it-was-supposed-to-be-video-2/ dead link|date=September 2011 The single was released March 23, 2009. After many setbacks, his self-titled album, Ryan Leslie (album)|Ryan Leslie , was finally released on February 10, 2009.cite web|author=Ryan Leslie |url= http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Leslie_(album) |title=Ryan Leslie (album) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |publisher=En.wikipedia.org |date= |accessdate=2011-09-20 Leslie wrote, arranged, produced, and performed every song on his album. Notable instrumentalists on his debut set include Tommy Mottola , Tom "T-Bone" Wolk , and Brent Paschke.
Ryan Leslie enamored old and new fans alike (June 23) during the first of two back-to-back performances at New York City's Bowery Ballroom. The R& B singer/rapper/songwriter/producer/multi-instrumentalist(who parted ways with former label Universal Motown mid 2010) celebrated his new-found independence with performances of former hits like "Addicted" and "How It Was Supposed to Be," as well as two new tracks: "Glory" and "Maybachs and Diamonds."
"Never had a top ten, but they still respect my art," Ryan Leslie sang during "Glory," which is slated to be included on his third release, "Les Is More" -- his first independent album following 2009's self-titled debut and "Transition." "Maybachs and Diamonds" is a slow, groovy tune about flourishing his partner with more than just material things, like "Maybachs and Diamonds."
Initially, Leslie had a four-album deal with Universal, but toward the end of that contract, "Universal was interested in reshaping my deal to more of a 360, and they actually made a counter-offer from the initial recording fund," Leslie tells Billboard.com. "At that point I saw that as a window to potentially branch off and try something that was going to be new and dynamic."
While Leslie did not make any formal announcements about his departure from Universal Motown during the set, he took some subtle jabs at his previous label home. "I've always wanted to play these songs but I couldn't before," he said while singing "Guardian Angel." "I always felt like this song should be a single.
Les Is More
Ryan Leslie announced on Twitter and Facebook in January 2011, that his third album would be released July 4th, 2011. His first official single from the album released was 'Glory', despite the first singles performed being 'Beautiful Lie' and 'Breathe'. However Leslie would later announce on his website and Twitter account that the album has now been pushed back for a release 'This Fall'. On October 11th, he sent an e-mail to his fanbase saying "I promise 'Les Is More' is just a few weeks away.".
Les is More is now a visual album. Leslie claims that a video will drop about every month. So far "Glory", "Beautiful Lie" and "Good Girl" are out on his website. The latter was released on December 25th, 2011. "5 Minute Freshen Up" , "Dress You To Undress You" , and "Swiss Francs" are scheduled to be released in January, February , and March respectively. Other Tracks Mentioned to be on the album by Leslie via his official Twitter are "Ready or Not" and " Live Good (Rivera Flow)Feat. Raekwon". Leslie has preformed the tracks "Breathe (Feat. Mr Hudson) and "One Lonely Heart" live and said they would be included on Les is More. "Joan Of Arc" was released in Mid-2011 and Leslie stated at that time that it would be included on Les is More.
Online presence
Leslie’s blog, YouTube channel, MySpace page and most recently Twitter have been the biggest contributors to his growing fanbase.cite web|url= http://maps.mybc.com/music/news_details.do? id=787149 |title=Music news |publisher=Maps.mybc.com |date= |accessdate=2011-09-20 His videos have become some of the most popular on YouTube, bringing accolades such as "Top 10 Most Subscribed Users". Leslie also posts videos documenting his interaction with his audience, including giving away free iPods, http://www.ryanleslie.com/feels-good-to-give/ dead link|date=September 2011 backstage passes to his concerts, http://www.ryanleslie.com/passes-in-chicago/ dead link|date=September 2011 and invitations to have dinner with him. http://www.ryanleslie.com/come-to-dinner/ dead link|date=September 2011 His energy and creative spontaneity have earned him the respect from those inside and outside of the music industry. On his website/video diary, there is a clip featuring artists such as Boyz II Men , Chrisette Michelle , Musiq Soulchild , Keri Hilson , Christina Milian , and David Banner praising him for the inspiration they have received from his videos.
Prior to his 2009 MySpace Release concert, Leslie encouraged aspiring musical artists to utilize digital media while marketing themselves.cite web|url= http://talkoffame.com/? p=1625 |title=Ryan Leslie Encourages Artists To Go Digital & #124; Talk of Fame |publisher=Talkoffame.com |date= |accessdate=2011-09-20
NextSelection Lifestyle Group
While working as a producer, Leslie went on to create NextSelection Lifestyle Group, his music-media company he founded with online marketing partner Rasheed Richmond .cite web|url= http://randb.about.com/od/artistinterviews/a/RyanLeslie.htm |title=Ryan Leslie Interview |publisher=Randb.about.com |date= |accessdate=2011-09-20cite web|url= http://www.nextselection.com |title=An Interactive Design Agency |publisher=NextSelection |date= |accessdate=2011-09-20 Ryan signed his first artist, Cassie in 2005. Under Ryan’s guidance, Cassie went on to become one of the fastest rising R& B acts that year. Her breakout smash " Me & U (Cassie song)|Me & U " (written and produced by Leslie) spent 20 weeks on the Top 40 and went on to reach number three on the Billboard Hot 100 , selling over a million digital units.cite web|url= http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Me_& _U |title=Me and You - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |publisher=En.wikipedia.org |date=2011-05-04 |accessdate=2011-09-20 Me & U also went on to become one of the biggest records in the history of Atlantic Records . http://www.atlanticrecords.com/news/article/? articleId=atlnewsarticle35400049dead link|date=September 2011
Recently, Ryan signed Krys Ivory as his newest act under NextSelection.cite web|url= http://www.krysivory.com/? p=741 |title=Krys Ivory |publisher=Krys Ivory |date= |accessdate=2011-09-20 He also signed YouTube star Mia Rose.
Musical influences
Leslie has stated in many interviews that Stevie Wonder is one of the biggest influences on his music. He attributes Michael Jackson , Prince (musician)|Prince , Jimi Hendrix , James Brown , Quincy Jones , The Beatles , and D'Angelo as musical heroes as well.citation needed|date=October 2010
Celebrity
Leslie was named one of "New York's 50 Hottest Bachelors" in 2009 by PageSix Magazine, published by the New York Post .cite news| url= http://www.nypost.com/pagesixmag/issues/20090208/50+Hottest+Bachelors? page=9 | work=New York Post | first=Sarah | last=Horne | title=50 Hottest Bachelors | date=February 9, 2009 He is currently romantically linked to Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Model Kenza Fourati . cite news| url= http://www.interviewmagazine.com/blogs/music/2011-06-13/discovery-ryan-leslie/ | work=Interview Magazine | first=KATIE | last=MENDELSON | title=Discovery: Ryan Leslie | date=June 13, 2011
Discography
Main|Ryan Leslie discography|Ryan Leslie production discography
Studio Album
2005: Just Right (Shelved)
2009: Ryan Leslie (album)|Ryan Leslie
2009: Transition (Ryan Leslie album)|Transition
2012: Les Is More
Awards/Nominations
BET Awards
*2009, Best Male R& B Artist Nominated
*2009, Best New Artist Nominated
Grammy Awards
*2011, Best Contemporary R& B Album: Transition (Nominated)
Soul Train Awards
*2009, Best New Artist Nominated
Academic Awards
*2010, AMBLE Vanguard Award from Harvard Universitycite web|author=By SOFIE C. BROOKS and Kia J. McLeod |url= http://www.thecrimson.com/you-tube-video/2010/4/1/conference-media-keynote-career/ |title=A. Ryan Leslie's Keynote Address & #124; FM & #124; The Harvard Crimson |publisher=Thecrimson.com |date=2010-04-01 |accessdate=2011-09-20
References
Cite check|date=October 2010Reflist|colwidth=30em
External links
commons category
Official website| http://www.ryanleslie.com
http://board.thenext2shine.com/ryan-leslie-t77.html Ryan Leslie Discography & Production
http://www.soulrnb.com/communaute/groups/viewgroup/139-Ryan+Leslie Ryan Leslie on Soulrnb.com French Artist Page
Ryan Leslie Persondata | NAME =Leslie, Ryan | ALTERNATIVE NAMES = | SHORT DESCRIPTION = | DATE OF BIRTH =September 25, 1978 | PLACE OF BIRTH = Bathurst, New Brunswick | DATE OF DEATH = | PLACE OF DEATH = DEFAULTSORT:Leslie, Ryan Category:1978 births Category:Hip hop record producers Category:American record producers Category:American singers Category:American rappers Category:American people of Chinese descent Category:American people of Dutch descent Category:American people of Barbadian descent Category:American people of Irish descent Category:Living people Category:American Internet personalities Category:People from Harlem Category:People from Washington, D.C. Category:African American rappers Category:African American record producers Category:African-American businesspeople
