Inside Ricky Reed's Hit-Making Partnership with Lizzo

Ricky Reed, a celebrated songwriter and producer, continues to shape the music landscape with his innovative and genre-blending style.
March 6, 2025
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His latest collaboration with Lizzo on her new single "Love in Real Life" showcases his versatility and knack for crafting hits. Reed's impressive portfolio includes working with industry giants like Twenty One Pilots and Halsey, and producing chart-toppers like "Truth Hurts" and "Swalla." His work consistently resonates with audiences, making him a sought-after talent in contemporary music.

Lizzo's "Love in Real Life" Marks a Bold New Musical Direction

Lizzo's latest single, "Love in Real Life," introduces an exciting new chapter in her musical journey, showcasing a departure from her signature disco and pop sound to embrace a fresh indie rock vibe. Produced by the talented duo Blake Slatkin and Ricky Reed, the track reflects Lizzo's personal growth and resilience, with lyrics that candidly address her recent challenges and triumphs. Ricky Reed, known for his genre-blending production style, plays a pivotal role in crafting the song's energetic and jangly sound. His collaboration with Lizzo has resulted in a track that resonates with listeners, offering an empowering message of self-care and positivity. The song has been met with enthusiasm from fans and critics alike, cementing Lizzo's status as an artist unafraid to evolve and experiment, while maintaining her trademark uplifting spirit.

Ricky Reed: The Creative Force Behind the Hits

Ricky Reed, born Eric Burton Frederic, is a dynamic songwriter and producer whose work has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Hailing from Berkeley, California, Reed was immersed in a vibrant music scene that shaped his eclectic style. His career took off with the satirical pop project Wallpaper., but it was his production of Jason Derulo’s “Talk Dirty” that skyrocketed him to fame. Known for his genre-blending prowess, Reed has collaborated with artists like Twenty One Pilots, Halsey, and Lizzo, crafting hits that resonate on a global scale. His unique ability to infuse Bay Area influences with mainstream appeal has earned him Grammy accolades and platinum records. Recently, he contributed to Lizzo's "Love in Real Life," further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and innovative producer in contemporary music.

Top 5 Hits Produced by Ricky Reed

Discover five standout tracks where Ricky Reed's production skills shine, blending genres and crafting hits that resonate globally.

Truth Hurts by Lizzo

"Truth Hurts" by Lizzo is a powerful anthem that took the music world by storm, reaching the pinnacle of the Billboard Hot 100 and holding that position for seven weeks. This track, celebrated for its blend of trap, hip hop, and pop, became a viral sensation, partly due to its popularity on TikTok and its feature in the Netflix film "Someone Great." Ricky Reed, a renowned songwriter and producer, played a pivotal role in crafting the song's catchy and memorable production. His expertise in blending genres and creating infectious melodies was instrumental in elevating "Truth Hurts" to its iconic status. The song's empowering themes of self-love and independence resonated with audiences worldwide, earning it a Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance and multiple platinum certifications.

Swalla by Jason Derulo (Ft. Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla $ign)

"Swalla" by Jason Derulo, featuring Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign, is a vibrant track that blends Caribbean flavors with hip-hop and pop elements. Released in 2017, the song quickly became a hit, with its music video amassing over 1.7 billion views on YouTube. The track's infectious energy and catchy melodies make it a dance floor favorite. Ricky Reed, known for his genre-blending prowess, played a pivotal role as both songwriter and producer, infusing the song with his signature style. His production seamlessly combines tropical and hip-hop beats, creating an engaging and dynamic listening experience. Reed's involvement elevated "Swalla" to a standout track, showcasing his ability to craft hits that resonate globally.

NO by Meghan Trainor

Meghan Trainor's "No," from her 2016 album Thank You, stands as a powerful anthem of empowerment and independence. The song achieved remarkable success, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning multi-platinum certifications worldwide. Its dance-pop sound, infused with 1990s pop and R&B influences, resonated with audiences, making it a feminist anthem. Ricky Reed, who co-wrote and produced the track, played a pivotal role in its creation. His relaxed yet innovative approach in the studio allowed for a seamless blend of modern and nostalgic elements, elevating the song's catchy production and empowering message. Reed's contributions, alongside Trainor's dynamic performance, helped "No" become a standout track in her career, celebrated for its confident tone and infectious energy.

Ride by Twenty One Pilots

"Ride" by Twenty One Pilots is a standout track from their acclaimed album Blurryface, released in 2015. The song achieved significant success, peaking at number five on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and contributing to the album's historic achievement of having each track certified at least Gold by the RIAA. Known for its eclectic mix of alternative rap, rock, and reggae influences, "Ride" captures the band's unique sound and introspective themes. Ricky Reed, serving as both songwriter and producer, played a crucial role in shaping the song's dynamic and energetic production. His expertise in blending diverse genres helped elevate "Ride" to its celebrated status, further cementing Twenty One Pilots' impact on the music industry.

Bad at Love by Halsey

"Bad at Love," performed by Halsey, stands out as a defining track from her second studio album, Hopeless Fountain Kingdom. Released in 2017, the song quickly climbed the charts, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning multiple platinum certifications. This mid-tempo pop ballad, with its introspective lyrics and blend of pop and electronic elements, explores themes of love and self-reflection. Ricky Reed, who co-wrote and produced the track, played a pivotal role in shaping its sound. His creative environment and production style helped capture the youthful and reckless vibe Halsey envisioned, contributing significantly to the song's success and making it a fan favorite.

Unlock the True Value of Your Music—No Commitment Required

With Grammy wins and chart-topping hits, Ricky Reed’s catalog is proof of the lasting value of music royalties—but what about yours? Whether you’re a producer, songwriter, or artist, your catalog could be worth more than you think. Even if you’re not looking to sell, knowing its value puts you in control of your financial future.

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