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Amber McKynzie

Super Producer Rico Love’s 6 Tips For Being Successful

Louisiana born, Wisconsin raised and New York grown, Richard “Rico Love” Butler discovered his love of words at the age of 4. By 7-years old, he started coupling his admiration for written expression with music, which led to a profitable career as a songwriter. But his path to success was not easy. While attending Florida A&M University to obtain a degree in journalism, Love realized school wouldn’t be enough. Embarking on trips to Atlanta every weekend to meet with the execs of Crown World Entertainment, the go-getter got his break in the studio with R&B group Jagged Edge. But it wasn’t until 2004 when he got the chance to work with Usher—penning “Throwback” for the Atlanta–based singer’s diamond-certified album —that his dreams materialized. Since then, Love has written and produced records for Beyoncé, Michelle Williams, Keri Hilson, Chris Brown, and most recently Kelly Rowland for her No. 1 single “Motivation.” Love accomplished everything through his shear will and determination and now shares his six tips for being successful. —Amber McKynzie

Louisiana born, Wisconsin raised and New York grown, Richard “Rico Love” Butler discovered his love of words at the age of 4. By 7-years old, he started coupling his admiration for written expression with music, which led to a profitable career as a songwriter. But his path to success was not easy. While attending Florida A&M University to obtain a degree in journalism, Love realized school wouldn’t be enough. Embarking on trips to Atlanta every weekend to meet with the execs of Crown World Entertainment, the go-getter got his break in the studio with R&B group Jagged Edge. But it wasn’t until 2004 when he got the chance to work with Usher—penning “Throwback” for the Atlanta–based singer’s diamond-certified album —that his dreams materialized. Since then, Love has written and produced records for Beyoncé, Michelle Williams, Keri Hilson, Chris Brown, and most recently Kelly Rowland for her No. 1 single “Motivation.” Love accomplished everything through his shear will and determination and now shares his six tips for being successful. —Amber McKynziemore
WEAK PEOPLE RELY ON EXCUSES Part of being a success is taking responsibility for your actions. According to Love, that applies to your wins and your losses. Regardless of the outcome, he says, “Don’t make excuses for yourself. Don’t even make excuses for the people around you, just make it happen.” more
DREAM CHASERS AREN’T AFRAID TO MOVE Sometimes your environment may be what’s holding you back. If your industry thrives in another state (or country) that’s where you need to be. “Go to where the action is,” Love says. “If you’re in North Dakota and you’re trying to figure out why you’re not getting on, maybe you need to leave North Dakota. Go to where the people are doing what you love successfully.” more
COMPLIMENTS ARE NOT CURRENCY Success is a long road. It’s the difference between being rich and wealthy. Just because you are doing better than some people, who admire your work, doesn’t mean you’re the best. Remember, there’s always someone ahead of you. “Don’t be caught up in the hype,” says Love. “Don’t start believing in compliments and how great you are.” more
YOUR COMPETITION IS YOUR MOTIVATION “Always focus on the people that have done 50 million times more than what you’ve done, and look at that as a goal so that way you’ll never be able to start feeling yourself after you have a little success,” says Love. “Understand that there are a lot of people ahead of you that did it way bigger than what you did, and try to shoot for that. Babyface had 160 No. 1 records. That trumps my seven last year.” more
FAITH IS A NECESSITY “Always pray and put God first,” says Love. “I know that sounds cliché, but really have a conversation with God everyday and always focus on being connected and aligned. Listen to His voice and He’ll direct your path. You won’t have fear for anything in life.” more
CHOOSE YOUR ADVISORS WISELY As much as we’d all like to do it on our own, we sometimes need help. When building your support team always select people that make you better not worse. “Keep the smartest people around you,” says Love. “Don’t be afraid of that. Don’t be too proud to have those people in your corner who make you look good.” more
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