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Tricky Stewart

Christopher Alan "Tricky" Stewart (born January 4, 1974) is an American record producer, record executive, songwriter, and music publisher. Stewart, a five-time Grammy Award recipient, began producing music in 1992 and has contributed to unit sales of over 50 million for his work on commercially successful releases for hip hop, R&B and pop artists.[1] Often in tandem with production partner and R&B singer The-Dream, he has been credited on the singles "Case of the Ex" (2000) by Mya, "Me Against the Music" (2003) by Britney Spears, "Umbrella" (2007) by Rihanna, "Just Fine" (2007) by Mary J. Blige, "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)" (2008) by Beyoncé, "Touch My Body" (2008) and "Obsessed" (2009) by Mariah Carey, "One Time" (2009) and "Baby" (2010) by Justin Bieber, and "Ride" (2010) by Ciara, among others.

This article is about the American producer. For the English producer and musician, see Tricky (musician).

Tricky Stewart

Christopher Alan Stewart

  • Tricky
  • Trixter

(1974-01-04) January 4, 1974
Markham, Illinois, U.S.

1992–present

Stewart co-founded the record company RedZone Entertainment in 1995, which signed R&B singer Frank Ocean prior to his mainstream breakthrough. In 2012, he was included in Billboard's 40 Under 40, a list of music executives "who are propelling our industry with their artistic and business vision."[2] Stewart signed a publishing contract with Spirit Music Group in 2020,[3] a deal which covered his following works as he sold his catalog to Hipgnosis Songs two years prior.[4]

Early life[edit]

Stewart was born in Markham, Illinois. Raised in a musical family, he was playing guitar, keyboards, and writing songs by the age of 12. His older brother, record producer Laney Stewart, introduced him to one of his first music business mentors, the late Louis Silas, Jr., who fostered Stewart's musical career by giving him the opportunity to contribute to several projects for major artists. Before graduating high school, Stewart had placements with artists such as Aaron Hall, rhythm and blues trio IMx, and Chanté Moore. He credits working with the latter gave him further opportunities in his burgeoning career.[5]

Career[edit]

1994–2005[edit]

In 1994, Stewart produced the single "Treat U Right" for Blackgirl. He also met record producer L.A. Reid, who offered him a deal to move his first production company to Atlanta. In 1995, with the support of Reid, he launched the company RedZone Entertainment and recording studio, Triangle Sound. Both were operated in partnership with his brother Mark Stewart and sister-in-law Judi Stewart. RedZone Entertainment is based in Atlanta, but also has a recording studio in Los Angeles.


Stewart saw his first major breakthrough in 1999 when he co-prouced the single "Who Dat" for JT Money. The song peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100, received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America and won ASCAP's "Song of the Year".[6] In addition to producing and writing, Stewart executive produced albums for Solé and Blu Cantrell.


In 2000, Tricky co-wrote and produced Interscope Records artist Mýa's breakthrough single "Case of the Ex". It peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 2000, and remained in the chart's top ten for three months.[7] While Mya's song was still on top, Stewart discovered and signed Blu Cantrell, and went on to executive produce her debut album So Blu on Arista Records. It peaked at number eight on the Billboard 200 and spawned the Billboard Hot 100-top two single "Hit 'em Up Style (Oops!)".


In 2002, Stewart co-produced and co-wrote B2K's debut single, "Uh Huh".[8] In 2003, Blu Cantrell's second album, Bittersweet, was released; it features three songs produced by Stewart, "Unhappy", "Holding on to Love" and "Let Her Go". He also co-wrote and produced a number of songs for Britney Spears's fourth album, In the Zone (2003), including two of its singles, "Me Against the Music" and "Outrageous", as well as "Early Mornin'" and "The Hook Up".