Ryan Leslie, American singer-songwriter and producer
Anthony Ryan Leslie (born September 25, 1978) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and entrepreneur from Washington, D.C. Leslie has produced singles for a number of prominent artists in a variety of genres, ranging from R&B, hip hop, pop and gospel. Artists Leslie has worked with include Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Puff Daddy, LL Cool J, Kid Cudi, Kanye West, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown, and Fabolous.From 2005 to 2006, he has his prime commercial success to date with Cassie, whom signed to Leslie's NextSelection label imprint in a joint venture with Bad Boy Records. Leslie wrote and produced her debut Platinum-certified hit single, "Me & U" along with the entirety of her eponymous debut album (2006). Leslie's 2008 self-titled debut album, was a moderate success that included the singles "Diamond Girl", "Addiction" (featuring Fabolous and Cassie) and "How It Was Supposed to Be".
Leslie, who is a Harvard University graduate, is also the founder and CEO of SuperPhone and NextSelection Lifestyle Group. SuperPhone, a direct text marketing service, has been used by Miley Cyrus, Zayn, Joyner Lucas, Silk Sonic, and others. Leslie has been nominated for Grammy Awards, BET Awards, and Soul Train Music Awards.