Ryan Leslie 481

Anthony Ryan Leslie is a renowned independent musician and singer, whom worked his way up to the upper echelon of producers humble beginnings upon being signed Bad Boy Entertainment in 2003 (after producing the Beyonce single “Keep Giving Your Love To Me”). Under the management of Combs, Leslie worked on various Bad Boy Records projects, including releases from Loon Ventura, 112, Cheri Dennis, Chopper, New Edition, Carl Thomas and Danity Kane and even ranging to artists from other labels such as Britney Spears, Tha Dogg Pound and Virtue.

After spotting aspiring singer Cassie frequently at night clubs around 2002, he hooked her up with a deal on the Bad Boy Records label, as well as his self-governed newfound label, NextSelection Records in 2005. After leaving the Bad Boy label upon expanding his production discography to Donell Jones, Fabolous, Slim, Letoya, LL Cool J, Mary J. Blige and M. Pokora and many others, Leslie released his eponymous debut album in 2008. With 3 prior released singles and positive reception, the album was notable for having produced, wrote, mixed, and engineered all by Leslie (with 2 guest artists and additional instrumentalists), which would be a theme with all of Leslie’s future content.