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RedZone Entertainment
RedZone Entertainment
RedZone Entertainment
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RedZone Entertainment is an Atlanta-based, music-production entity. Redzone's discography includes collaborations with many artists, producers, and composers of note, and is responsible for over 25 million records sold.[1] RedZone Entertainment has produced acts such as P!nk, Britney Spears, Celine Dion, Mary J. Blige, Usher, Ciara, Sting, Rihanna, and Justin Bieber.[3]

Key Information

Founded in 1995 by music producer Christopher "Tricky" Stewart and artist manager Mark E. Stewart, RedZone Entertainment serves as both the parent company and production arm of the Stewart brothers' music business. This includes two publishing companies, an Atlanta recording studio, and an artist management company.[4]

Origins and history

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Family beginnings

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The Stewart brothers grew up in a family heavily involved in the business of making music. Their mother and her two sisters were background singers for such artists as Aretha Franklin and Curtis Mayfield, and the trio were also jingle singers featured on many national ad campaigns. Their father and his brother operated a jingle company in Chicago whose clients included Ford Motor Company, McDonald's, Coca-Cola, Bud Light, and many others.[5]

In 1989, Big brother Laney Stewart opened his own jingle company, Minute Men Music. This was the company that gave Mark, Tricky and Judi (Tricky's sister-in-law) their start as professionals in the music business, Tricky in the area of recording and music production, Mark and Judi in the area of business. In 1989 when Laney Stewart signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Famous Music, and the family left jingles and began writing and producing records full-time for major artists.

Record production

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In 1990, at the age of 16, Tricky got his first major label placement when he produced a song entitled "Hold Me Tight" for MCA recording artist, Troy Hinton. In the next two years Tricky went on to produce records for Aaron Hall, Damion Hall, Immature and others.

Company moves

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In the fall of 1992 Mark and Tricky moved the RedZone base of operations from Chicago to Los Angeles.

In 1994, the Stewarts met record producer and songwriter L.A. Reid of LaFace records. Reid offered them a deal to move their production company to Atlanta, and the brothers accepted.

RedZone established in Atlanta

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In 1995, with the support of Reid, his brother Mark Stewart, and his sister-in-law Judi Stewart, Tricky established RedZone Entertainment and Triangle Sound studios in West Buckhead, Atlanta, GA.

Early years 1998–2003

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Early years

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1998 was a pivotal year for RedZone Entertainment. Christopher "Tricky" Stewart wrote and produced JT Money's single "Who Dat", which featured rapper Solé. "Who Dat" reached #1 on the Billboard Rap chart and #5 on Billboards "Hot 100" in 1999. In 2000 Stewart and his writers penned Mýa's "Case of the Ex". The single debuted at #12 on the Hot Singles Sales and peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It remains Mýa's highest-charting solo single on the Hot 100 to date.[6]

Solé went on to sign with RedZone, who produced her album "Skin Deep" released in September 1999. "Skin Deep" peaked at #127 on the Billboard 200, and #27 on the top hip-hop albums chart.[7] The single off the album "4,5,6" was Ascap's "Female Rap Song of the Year."[8] 1998 was also the year RedZone discovered producer Kevin "She'kspere" Briggs, who produced TLC's "No Scrubs" and Destiny's Child's "Bills, Bills, Bills". During this time, Redzone signed Music Producer Chuckey Charles, R&B singer Sam Salter, and R&B singer/songwriter Blu Cantrell.

Blu Cantrell

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Blu Cantrell

In 2000, Tricky Stewart and producer/writer Tab started working with Blu Cantrell on a demo recording and helped her break into the business singing back up for such artists as Diddy, Gerald Levert, Aaron Hall, and Faith Evans.[9] Once the demo was complete L.A. Reid was invited to hear Cantrell, and he signed her immiediately to Arista Records.[9] Reid was quoted as saying:

"Her voice seemed to satisfy that yearning in my soul, not only for a great singer, but for a sound that I felt was missing in today's music."

Cantrell's debut album, So Blu, was released on July 31, 2001, debuting at number eight on the Billboard 200.[9] In 2001, Cantrell received nominations for Best New Artist from both the Grammy Awards and the American Music Awards as well as a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance for the song "Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops!)". The song was written and produced by Dallas Austin, and spent weeks on the Billboard Hot 100.[10] In 2002, Cantrell was nominated for a Grammy Award and an American Music Award. She collaborated with RedZone on her follow-up album Bittersweet.[9]

A creative community

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In 2003, RedZone expanded from just a producer driven company to a creative community, fostering and collaborating with many writers and producers. The list over the years includes, but is not limited too, The-Dream, P. Magnet, Traci Hale, Tab, B. Cox, Kuk Harrell, Jazze Pha, Dallas Austin, Battery Five, Jermaine Dupri, Dean, J "Q" of The Clutch, Dru Castro, Todd Herfindel, J.B. of "the Movement", Zeke and Ciara. RedZone has served as the springboard for many influential writers, artists, producers, and music industry professionals.

Britney Spears

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Britney Spears

In 2003 RedZone produced Britney Spears' "Me Against the Music" which featured Madonna. The song went on to become the first single off her record "In The Zone" and won the Billboard Music Award for Best-Selling Dance Single of the Year. This led to the enlistment of RedZone founder Tricky Stewart and one of his production partners P. Magnet to work on several more songs for the album. They wrote the lyrics for the Moby produced "Early Morning", recorded vocals for the R. Kelly-produced "Outrageous" and wrote and produced "The Hook Up", which had a reggae feel.[11]

Tricky described the Britney Spears project as "the tip of the iceberg" of RedZone's new style.[11]

"It's just a natural growth of what's going on in music," Tricky explained. "It's half rapping, half singing. It's young, it's beat driven, it's everything the kids are going to be looking for. It's a hip-hop dance genre. We don't have a name for it yet, but we're going to name it. We are not going to join the radio right now, we're going to fix it. We're going to change the way radio sounds."[11]

2004–present

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Kuk Harrell, vocal producer, songwriter, and engineer

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In 2004 vocal producer, songwriter and engineer Kuk Harrell joined and became a key player on the RedZone team. He would go on to co-write RedZone's production Rihanna's "Umbrella", as well as produce the vocal.

Rihanna – "Umbrella"

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Rihanna performing in 2008

Released in March 2007, the RedZone production "Umbrella", performed by Barbadian singer Rihanna on the Def Jam Recordings album Good Girl Gone Bad, yielded the company's furthest commercial success. The song, co-written by Terius "The-Dream" Nash, Kuk Harrell, and Tricky Stewart, was produced by Stewart, with vocal production provided by Harrell. It featured an introductory verse by rapper Jay-Z, and peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks. The video for the song earned five nominations for MTV's 2007 Video Music Awards, and won for Smash Single Of The Year. "Umbrella" also won a Grammy Award from three nominations, and was met with generally positive reception from music critics.

Entertainment Weekly magazine placed "Umbrella" at the top of their list of the Ten Best Singles of 2007,[12] and Rolling Stone magazine declared it number three of the 100 Best Songs of the year;[13] it was also named Song of the Year in Blender magazine's Readers' Poll 2007.[14] In 2008, "Umbrella" won a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in addition to receiving nominations for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.

The RedZone staff suddenly found themselves in demand. Stewart, Nash, and Harrell closed out the year working with artists including Janet Jackson ("Greatest X" off Discipline), Jesse McCartney ("Leavin'" off the record Departure), Celine Dion ("Skies of L.A." off her album Taking Chances), and Usher ("Moving Mountains" and "This Ain't Sex" of his album Here I Stand).

J. Holiday "Bed"

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2007 saw another successful release for RedZone with the single "Bed". The song was released June 19, 2007, it written by Terius Nash ("The-Dream) and sung/performed by J. Holiday on his debut album "Back of My Lac'".[15] "Bed" debuted on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in the issue week of July 4, 2007 at number 89 and peaked at number 5.[15] It was number 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for five weeks in a row. On Tuesday July 31, 2007 the song/single debuted on BET's 106 & Park countdown at number 9. On Wednesday, August 15, 2007,--its 11th day on the countdown-- "Bed" hit number one! The song was #70 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Best Songs of 2007.[16] The video for "Bed" was ranked the #11 video of 2007 on BET's notorized.

Tricky Stewart co-wrote and produced the follow-up single "Suffocate", released on October 2, 2007.[17] The song peaked at #2 on Billboards "Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs", #5 on U.S. Billboards Rhythmic Top 40, and #55 on the U.S. Billboard Pop 100. J. Holiday was subsequently nominated for BET's "Best Male R&B Singer 2008".

Chris Brown, "Exclusive"

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The RedZone team contributed to two songs off Chris Brown's album "Exclusive" which was released on Oct 30, 2007. Terius "The-Dream" Nash wrote on "You" and "Gimme Watcha Got" featuring Lil' Wayne.

The Dream-"Love Hate"

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After the success of "Umbrella", and J. Holiday's "Bed", RedZone writer/producer "The-Dream" went on to artistic success with his own certified gold record "Love Hate". The album, executive produced by Tricky Stewart, was released on December 11, 2007 on the Def Jam label. "Love Hate" spawned three singles, "Shawty Is a 10", "Falsetto", and "I Luv Your Girl". The singles peaked on the Billboard hot R&B/Hip Hop song charts at #6,[18] #3,[19] and #3[20] respectively. "The-Dream" is currently featured on Plies single "Please Excuse My Hands", which also features Jamie Foxx, as well as L.L. Cool J's "Baby", and Gym Class Heroes "Cookie Jar".

Mary J. Blige, "Growing Pains"

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Mary J. Blige.

The RedZone team was nominated in 2007 for a Grammy for "Best Female R&B Vocal Performance" on Mary J. Blige's "Just Fine". "Just Fine", released October 16, 2007, was the leading single off Mary J.'s most recent album "Growing Pains", and was written by Tricky Stewart and Terius "The-Dream" Nash. It was produced by Tricky Stewart, and Kuk Harrell produced the vocals. Stewart also co-wrote and produced many of the tracks on the album "Growing Pains", Terius "The-Dream" Nash wrote on 6 of the album's tracks, and the vocals on all of the tracks but one were produced by Kuk Harrell.

The album, released on Dec 17, 2007, debuted at number two on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart[21] and number one on the R&B chart. In its second week the album climbed to number one on the Billboard 200 with 204,000 copies sold.[21] In the UK, the album entered the charts at Number 6, making it her highest charting album there since "No More Drama" in 2001 with first week sales of 21,755.

Mariah Carey, "Touch My Body"

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Released February 4, 2008, "Touch My Body" is a song co-written by American singer Mariah Carey, Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, Crystal "Cri$tyle" Johnson and Terius "The-Dream" Nash for Carey's eleventh studio album, E=MC². Produced by Carey, Stewart and Nash, it was released as the lead single off the album. The song is Carey's eighteenth number one single on the Billboard Hot 100[22] and nominated for a 2008 MTV Video Music Awards.

A review in Billboard Magazine stated that "this sensual jam is 100% Mariah, packed with satisfying harmonic layers and hooky background 'oh's,' supersonic verses and a chorus as catchy as a winter sniffle",[23] and Blender stated that it was a "pop genius making genius pop".[24] Bill Lamb from About.com also gave "Touch My Body" a positive review, giving it 4 out of 5 stars, stating that the single "is simple, sexy elegance from one of the most enduring of pop stars".[25] Newsday also named it as the "Song of the Week", commenting that it was "the best opening single she's had since "Heartbreaker".[26] Digital Spy was also positive, saying "its cooing, sensual charms soon take hold, suggesting the wind's still very much behind the Carey comeback bandwagon".[27]

Jesse McCartney, "Leavin'"

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On March 10, 2008, Tricky Stewart, Terius "The-Dream" Nash, and Kuk Harrell co-created the single entitled "Leavin'" for Jesse McCartney's album "Departure" which was subsequently released on May 20, 2008. "Leavin'" peaked at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart,[28] #2 on the Billboard Pop 100 chart,[28] #1 on Billboard Hot Dance Club Play,[28] and #1 on Billboard Mainstream Top 40 singles chart.[28]

Leavin' stayed in the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 20 weeks.[29]

Justin Bieber, "One Time" and "Baby"

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Tricky Stewart, Terius "The-Dream" Nash, and Kuk Harrell wrote and produced the hit single "One Time" for Canadian singer Justin Bieber's debut album, My World. The single was released on July 7, 2009. It peaked at #12 in Canada, and #17 in the U.S. and also did well internationally. They also produced "Baby for his My World (Part II) which charted at #3 in Canada and #5 in the U.S.

Ciara, "Fantasy Ride" (2009) and "Basic Instinct" (2010)

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In early 2009, Tricky Stewart and Terius "The-Dream" Nash wrote and produced numerous songs on Ciara's third studio album, "Fantasy Ride", which was released on May 5, 2009. They both co-wrote and produced five songs titled "High Price", "Like a Surgeon", "Ciara to the Stage", "Lover's Thing", and "Keep Dancin' On Me" on the album.

In 2010, Tricky Stewart and The-Dream went in the studio at work on Ciara's fourth studio album titled "'Basic Instinct'", which is set for a release on December 14, 2010. The two executive-produced the entire album. The lead single from the album titled "Ride, was produced by the duo, the single was released on April 26, 2010. The single went on to become her twelfth top ten hit on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Tricky, The-Dream and Ciara are currently putting the finishing touches on the highly anticipated album.[30]

Xscape

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In December 2017; Laney Stewart produced 90's girl group Xscape (LaTocha Scott, Tameka "Tiny" Cottle-Harris, & Tamika Scott) as a trio minus Kandi Burress (Xscap3) to release the song "Dream Killa" with a follow-up by Pierre Medor titled "Here For It", with the EP executive produced by Tricky Stewart.

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

RedZone Entertainment

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
RedZone Entertainment is an Atlanta-based American , music , and studio founded in 1995 by brothers Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, Mark E. Stewart, and Laney Stewart. The company initially operated as a production entity, creating hits for major artists, and later expanded into artist development and label services under distribution deals with major labels like Def Jam and . In 2019, it rebranded as RZ3 Recordings, continuing its focus on mentoring emerging talent through a partnership model that includes Grammy-winning production expertise and global management. Under Tricky Stewart's leadership as founder and CEO, RedZone Entertainment built a prolific discography over its first two decades, collaborating with high-profile artists and producers to deliver multi-platinum successes. Key productions include Rihanna's "," Beyoncé's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," Mariah Carey's "," and Justin Bieber's "Baby," contributing to over 50 million records sold worldwide. The company also played a pivotal role in discovering and developing talents such as songwriter , singer , and producer , establishing itself as a creative hub in the R&B and scenes. In , Stewart's executive influence extended to his appointment as President of A&R at , further amplifying RedZone's industry reach. As RZ3 Recordings, the entity now emphasizes boutique artist empowerment with major-label distribution through Epic, led by a core team including , Mark E. B. Stewart, Judi Acosta-Stewart, and Jeffrey Yoo. This evolution reflects a commitment to fostering diverse, young creators by providing career guidance, creative resources, and strategic connections in a rapidly changing landscape. The company's operations are tied to innovative spaces like Sessions Atlanta, a musical social house designed to support collaborative production and community building.

Overview

Founding and mission

RedZone Entertainment was founded in 1995 by brothers Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, a music producer, Mark E. Stewart, an artist manager, and Laney Stewart, as a music production company primarily focused on R&B, pop, and hip-hop genres. The company was established to serve as a parent entity and creative umbrella for affiliated record labels, publishing companies, and recording facilities, fostering an environment dedicated to music creation and talent nurturing. From its inception, RedZone's mission centered on building a family-operated creative hub in for songwriting, production, and artist development, leveraging the Stewart brothers' shared musical background to emphasize collaborative and innovative approaches to sound design. This base positioned the company at the heart of the emerging Southern music scene, prioritizing long-term artist relationships over transient projects. In its early years, RedZone established distribution partnerships with major labels, evolving into a formal imprint deal with /Def Jam under , which facilitated broader reach for its productions. The company later expanded into artist development and label services under deals with . By 2010, these efforts had propelled the company to significant commercial success, with its catalog responsible for over 25 million records sold globally.

Key achievements and impact

RedZone Entertainment has garnered substantial acclaim in the music industry, most notably through its contributions to Grammy-winning productions. The company's work on Rihanna's "" earned a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2008. Similarly, its production on Beyoncé's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" secured two Grammys in 2010: Song of the Year and Best R&B . Through RedZone's efforts, founder has accumulated five Grammy wins overall. The label's productions have achieved remarkable commercial success, with credits on over 18 Top 10 hits and six No. 1 singles as of 2025. These accomplishments underscore RedZone's influence via collaborations with major artists like and . RedZone has significantly shaped modern R&B and pop production techniques, pioneering methods such as intricate vocal layering and innovative beat construction that blend electronic elements with soulful arrangements. These approaches, refined in high-profile tracks, have set benchmarks for genre-blending and rhythmic complexity in contemporary music. On an economic level, RedZone has bolstered Atlanta's status as a premier production center by employing up to nine staff members by and nurturing emerging local talent through its operations. This growth has helped solidify the city's role in the global economy, supporting a vibrant of artists and producers.

History

Family origins and early ventures

Christopher "Tricky" Stewart was born on January 4, 1974, in , and grew up in a deeply musical family environment that profoundly shaped his career. His mother directed The Annettes Choir, an experience that instilled in him an early appreciation for harmony and performance, while his earliest memories involved experimenting with sounds using household items like pots and pans as makeshift drums. By age 12, Stewart was proficient on guitar and keyboards, composing songs and immersing himself in the family's creative pursuits. The Stewart brothers—Tricky, Mark E., and older sibling Laney—collaborated closely from a young age, blending performance and production within their family's musical circle. Laney, a prodigy in his own right, mentored his younger brothers and formalized their efforts by founding Minute Men Music in 1989, a Chicago-based company that became the launchpad for the family's professional endeavors. This venture provided Tricky with his initial production credits, focusing on local advertising music and honing the brothers' skills in songwriting and recording amid Chicago's vibrant but competitive scene. Seeking broader opportunities, Mark and Tricky relocated the nascent RedZone operations from to in the fall of 1992, at a time when Tricky was just 18. In LA, they engaged in foundational record production, crafting demos and supporting unsigned artists through hands-on sessions that built their technical expertise and industry connections. This period of experimentation laid the groundwork for future successes, including a pivotal 1994 meeting with of , whose mentorship encouraged their expansion.

Establishment in Atlanta

In 1995, music producer Christopher "Tricky" Stewart relocated from to , Georgia, at the encouragement of , the prominent record executive then leading , to capitalize on the burgeoning Southern music scene. This move was facilitated by Reid's investment and support, which enabled Stewart to establish a foothold in Atlanta's emerging hip-hop and R&B landscape. The relocation marked a strategic shift, allowing Stewart to transition from freelance production work in to building a dedicated music enterprise in a city increasingly recognized for its creative energy and talent pool. Upon arriving in Atlanta, Stewart co-founded RedZone Entertainment with his brother, Mark E. Stewart, who assumed the role of company president. The entity was headquartered at Triangle Sound Recording Studios, a state-of-the-art facility constructed in Atlanta's Buckhead neighborhood to serve as the operational hub for recording, mixing, and production activities. This studio setup provided the infrastructure for RedZone's early endeavors, emphasizing high-quality audio engineering and creative collaboration in a centralized environment. RedZone Entertainment was structured as a multifaceted parent company, overseeing RedZone Records as its label arm, alongside production and divisions, with an initial emphasis on in-house songwriting, beat-making, and engineering services. This integrated approach allowed the company to develop talent internally while offering comprehensive support from concept to completion. In its formative years, RedZone focused on cultivating a tight-knit creative community, beginning with early artist signings to the label and incorporating family members into key roles, such as Judi Stewart—Mark's wife and Tricky's sister-in-law—who contributed to management and operational oversight from the outset. These foundational efforts helped solidify RedZone's position as a family-driven powerhouse in Atlanta's music ecosystem.

Growth through the 2000s

During the early , RedZone Entertainment solidified its position in the music industry through strategic partnerships with major labels, notably , which facilitated broader distribution for its productions and enabled collaborations with high-profile artists. This alliance, formalized in deals like the 2009 launch of RedZone Records as an imprint under Def Jam, built on earlier production ties and expanded RedZone's reach beyond , allowing its tracks to achieve mainstream pop and R&B success. A pivotal hire in 2004 was vocal producer and songwriter Kuk Harrell, who joined RedZone in Atlanta alongside founders Tricky Stewart and Mark Stewart, bringing expertise in vocal arrangement that enhanced the company's output for R&B and pop projects. Harrell's integration strengthened RedZone's production pipeline, contributing to polished vocal performances on crossover tracks during the mid-decade. RedZone further developed a creative community model by leveraging its Atlanta studios to attract songwriters, engineers, and collaborators, fostering an environment that drew talent to the city's burgeoning music scene. This approach, centered around the Triangle Sound Studios complex, positioned Atlanta as a hub for innovative R&B and pop production, with RedZone's facilities serving as a key draw for aspiring professionals seeking major-label opportunities without relocating to New York or Los Angeles. RedZone's growth in the decade propelled it to over 25 million records sold by 2008, underscoring its impact on blending urban and mainstream sounds with hits such as Rihanna's "."

and recent developments

In 2020, RedZone Entertainment underwent a significant to RZ3 Recordings, marking an evolution in its operations under the leadership of Grammy-winning producer ", who serves as founder alongside partners Mark E. Stewart, Judi Acosta-Stewart, and Jeffrey Yoo. This shift emphasized a renewed focus on artist mentorship, innovative content creation, and adapting to the modern music landscape. As part of this transition, RZ3 Recordings entered into a with for label services and global distribution, enabling broader reach for its roster. That same year, the company's longtime production complex in , —including Triangle Sound Studios—was acquired by Sony/ATV Music Publishing, which repurposed the facility as its new office and songwriter services hub. In response, RZ3 Recordings relocated its primary operations to Sessions Atlanta, a state-of-the-art studio opened in 2022 and designed as a collaborative "musical social house" for creatives. This move supported RZ3's pivot toward digital production techniques and global collaborations, tailored to the streaming era's demands for agile, cross-border artist development and content delivery. From 2023 to 2025, RZ3 Recordings continued to prioritize emerging talent cultivation, signing and developing artists through its Epic partnership, including the Australian H3RIZON in 2023 and singer in 2024, while leveraging Sessions for cutting-edge recording sessions. exemplified this ongoing role with his keynote address at the 2025 AIMP-MMF-US Summit on September 18, where he discussed songwriting, creative decision-making, and industry strategies for songwriters. Recent contributions, such as Stewart's production on Beyoncé's 2022 hit "," underscored RZ3's enduring influence in high-impact projects.

Key Personnel

Founders and family members

RedZone Entertainment was founded in 1995 by brothers Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, Mark E. Stewart, and Laney Stewart, establishing a family-centric operation in the music industry. The company's structure reflects this familial foundation, with the Stewarts maintaining creative and managerial control across production, , and artist development. Christopher "Tricky" Stewart serves as CEO and primary producer/songwriter for RedZone, overseeing its artistic direction with a career spanning over 30 years that includes six No. 1 hits. His leadership has driven the label's output, including multiple Grammy wins for productions such as Beyoncé's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)." Mark E. Stewart, co-founder and president, focuses on artist management and business development, handling early artist signings and strategic partnerships that supported RedZone's expansion from to . As a key executive, he has managed Grammy-winning talent and contributed to the company's evolution into RZ3 Recordings. Laney Stewart, another co-founding brother, contributes as a and songwriter, notably collaborating on tracks like Xscape's "Dream Killa." His involvement underscores the family's hands-on approach to music creation, blending production expertise with executive oversight. Judi Acosta-Stewart, Mark's wife and Tricky's sister-in-law, plays a pivotal role in artist management and operations, serving as an owner and partner since the company's early days. Her contributions to talent nurturing have helped sustain RedZone's family-directed creative control over more than two decades of consistent releases. Jeffrey Yoo serves as a global and publisher, joining as a partner in the evolution to RZ3 Recordings and contributing to artist empowerment and strategic guidance. The Stewart family operates as a tight-knit unit, leveraging sibling and ties to foster long-term collaboration and industry resilience, with their combined efforts yielding over 20 years of influential music output. This dynamic has positioned RedZone as a yet impactful entity in R&B and pop production.

Notable producers and collaborators

One of the key external talents to join RedZone Entertainment in the mid-2000s was vocal producer and engineer , who arrived in 2004 to collaborate with the Stewart family on writing, production, and vocal coaching. Harrell's expertise in refining artist performances became integral to RedZone's output, particularly in enhancing vocal deliveries for major pop and R&B tracks, including Rihanna's 2007 hit "," where he served as vocal producer. Songwriter and producer Terius "The-Dream" Nash emerged as a pivotal long-term partner for RedZone starting around 2007, frequently co-writing and co-producing alongside founder to create chart-topping singles. Their collaboration yielded multiple No. 1 hits on the , blending innovative songcraft with RedZone's production style to influence and pop. Other notable collaborators included engineers and writers such as Kendricke "K-Major" Brown, who integrated into RedZone's workflow after signing a in late 2014, contributing as a songwriter and performer while working alongside the core team on various projects. These partnerships allowed RedZone to diversify its creative processes, incorporating specialized vocal production and songwriting talents that strengthened its position in pop and R&B genres.

Notable Productions

Early breakthroughs (1998–2003)

RedZone Entertainment achieved its initial breakthroughs in the late 1990s and early 2000s by signing promising R&B and pop talent and securing production credits on chart-topping releases, leveraging founder Tricky Stewart's growing reputation in 's music scene. In 2000, the company discovered singer during a demo presentation in , leading to an immediate bidding war among major labels; she was ultimately signed to through RedZone's management. Cantrell's debut album, (2001), executive produced by Stewart, debuted at number eight on the and achieved platinum certification, driven by the lead single "Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops!)," which peaked at number two on the Hot 100. While the hit single was produced by , Stewart contributed production to several tracks, including "Waste My Time," establishing RedZone's role in nurturing Cantrell's breakthrough sound. By 2003, RedZone expanded its influence into mainstream pop through collaborations with high-profile artists. The company co-produced ' "," featuring , for Spears' album ; Stewart, alongside Penelope Magnet, crafted the track at RedZone's Triangle Sound Studios in , crediting the production to RedZone Entertainment Inc. The single reached number 35 on the and marked an early crossover success for the label in bridging R&B production with pop stardom. These releases highlighted RedZone's strategy of partnering with major labels like Arista and Jive to amplify its artists' reach. Throughout this period, RedZone built a creative community at its Atlanta-based Triangle Sound Studios, hosting sessions that fostered unsigned talent and collaborations among emerging producers and songwriters. The label signed acts like rapper , whose 2001 album Skin Deep featured Stewart's production on key tracks, and girl group Crave, whose self-titled debut on in 2002 benefited from RedZone's development. These efforts helped cultivate a network in Atlanta's competitive R&B market, though the company faced challenges in navigating distribution deals with majors amid industry consolidation and the need to differentiate its sound from established players like . Despite modest initial scale, these foundational steps positioned RedZone for broader impact by emphasizing artist development over immediate commercial dominance.

Peak era hits (2004–2010)

During the mid-2000s, RedZone Entertainment achieved its commercial zenith through a series of chart-topping productions that blended R&B, pop, and hip-hop elements, often spearheaded by co-founders Christopher "Tricky" Stewart and Terius "" Nash. A landmark achievement was their co-production of Rihanna's from her 2007 album , which topped the for seven weeks and earned a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2008. The track's innovative structure and infectious hook, recorded at RedZone's Triangle Sound Studios in , solidified Rihanna's global stardom and marked RedZone's breakthrough in mainstream pop. Vocal production was handled by longtime collaborator , enhancing Rihanna's delivery. In 2007, RedZone's output extended across multiple artists, yielding further hits that underscored their prowess in crafting seductive, radio-friendly anthems. They produced J. Holiday's "Bed" from his debut album Back of My Lac', a sultry that peaked at No. 5 on the and became a staple in R&B playlists. Contributions to Chris Brown's sophomore album Exclusive included writing and producing "You," a smooth mid-tempo track that highlighted Brown's maturing sound. The-Dream's own debut album Love/Hate, executive produced under RedZone, debuted at No. 9 on the , with singles like "Shawty Is da Sh*t" showcasing his self-produced style. Additionally, RedZone provided production on Mary J. Blige's Growing Pains, notably the upbeat "Just Fine," which reached No. 22 on the Hot 100 and earned Grammy nominations for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song. By 2008, RedZone diversified into pop with Mariah Carey's "" from E=MC², co-produced by Stewart and Nash, which became Carey's 18th No. 1 on the and her first digital sales million-seller. That same year, they co-produced Jesse McCartney's "Leavin'" for his album Departure: Reloaded, a breakup anthem that peaked at No. 51 on the Hot 100 but gained traction through its emotive melody. In 2009, RedZone contributed to Rihanna's Rated R with tracks like "Hard" (featuring ) and "" (featuring Slash), infusing the album's darker themes with high-energy beats. They also produced Justin Bieber's debut single "One Time" from My World, which topped charts in and reached No. 17 in the U.S., launching the teen star's career. RedZone's momentum carried into 2010 with Bieber's "Baby" (featuring ) from , a global smash that peaked at No. 5 on the and became one of the best-selling digital singles ever. For Ciara, they handled key tracks on (2009), such as "High Price," and (2010), including the lead single "Ride" (featuring ), which revitalized her career with its club-ready vibe and peaked at No. 74 on the Hot 100. Closing the era, RedZone produced Xscape's reunion track "Dream Killa" in 2010—though released in 2017 on the EP Here for It—reviving the group's '90s harmony style with modern production flair.

Contemporary projects (2011–present)

RedZone Entertainment continued its collaboration with Beyoncé through productions including the 2022 track "Break My Soul" from her album Renaissance. Produced by Tricky Stewart alongside Beyoncé, The-Dream, and Jens Christian Isaksen, the song sampled Robin S.'s "Show Me Love" and marked RedZone's adaptation to house-influenced dance music, surpassing 500 million streams on Spotify as of 2025. In the mid-2020s, RedZone expanded into emerging global talents, notably contributing to Tyla's 2023 single "," where served as co-songwriter, helping propel the amapiano-infused track to international acclaim with multiple Grammy nominations and billions of views driving its viral spread. Similarly, the company produced Tamar Braxton's 2025 single "You On You," a soulful R&B lead from her self-titled EP, emphasizing themes of self-empowerment and marking a return to traditional vocal production amid streaming dominance. Throughout the 2010s and 2020s, RedZone maintained partnerships with established artists like , Usher, and , including production credits for Usher's "Boyfriend" (2023) and contributions to 's Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection reissue (2012), while providing early developmental support to after signing him in 2010, aiding his Nostalgia, Ultra (2011) release. These efforts highlighted RedZone's versatility across R&B, pop, and hip-hop. Post-2020, following a to RZ3 Recordings, RedZone shifted toward digital-first strategies, prioritizing streaming-optimized hits and international collaborations to navigate the post-pandemic music landscape, as evidenced by the global reach of projects like Tyla's "" and Beyoncé's "," which amassed over 1 billion combined streams by 2024. This evolution emphasized technology integration for artist growth and broader digital distribution.

Facilities and Operations

Studios and infrastructure

RedZone Entertainment's foundational recording facility was Triangle Sound Studios, established in 1995 alongside the company itself in Atlanta's neighborhood. Founded by Christopher and his brothers Mark E. Stewart and Laney Stewart, the studio was designed for high-quality audio production, initially supporting the transition from analog to digital workflows typical of mid-1990s music recording environments. By the late 2000s, it featured advanced equipment including two AWS 900+ SE analog-digital hybrid consoles integrated with HD 7.4 systems, enabling multi-track recording, MIDI-based track creation, and vocal production for major artists. The studio operated as RedZone's primary hub for over two decades, hosting key sessions such as the recording of Rihanna's "" in 2007, where its vocal booth and mixing capabilities were instrumental. Located at 1410 Hills Place NW, it provided a professional space optimized for R&B and pop production, with infrastructure that supported collaborative artist workflows in a dedicated creative environment. Following the evolution of RedZone into RZ3 Recordings, shifted operations to Sessions Atlanta, launched in January 2023 as a state-of-the-art creative complex in 's Upper Westside. Spanning over 10,000 square feet, this new facility serves as the company's central infrastructure, featuring three design-forward studio suites equipped with world-class acoustics, state-of-the-art digital audio workstations, oversized vocal booths, and integrated control rooms for seamless multi-track recording and production. Additional amenities include private lounges, a SESSIONS MIX space with and DJ capabilities, and flex areas for immersive collaboration, emphasizing remote-friendly digital tools and elevated experiences for artists and producers. This setup has positioned Sessions Atlanta as a premier destination for hosting extended artist camps and creative retreats, accommodating multiple simultaneous sessions across its suites.

Business partnerships and expansions

In the 1990s, RedZone Entertainment formed initial collaborations with , marking its entry into major label production. These early ties provided distribution and exposure for RedZone's emerging roster of R&B and hip-hop projects. By the early , the company expanded through Redzone Records, its recording label arm, which secured a distribution deal with , enabling production and distribution for Redzone's emerging R&B and hip-hop projects. A significant milestone came in 2020 when /ATV Music Publishing leased RedZone's former production complex in , , transforming it into a dedicated office and studio space to bolster songwriter services in the region. This partnership integrated RedZone's infrastructure into /ATV's global network, enhancing access to publishing resources while allowing RedZone to focus on creative output. In 2021, /ATV further solidified ties by signing a long-term administration deal for Tricky Stewart's RedZone production music catalog, encompassing hits like Rihanna's "." RedZone underwent rebranding and expansion as RZ3 Recordings, emphasizing a label-management hybrid model that supports independent through technology-driven services and platforms. This evolution facilitated international outreach, leveraging streaming services to promote collaborations beyond the U.S. market, including the 2024 signing of Alice Chater to Epic/RZ3 Recordings. As of November 2025, RZ3 operates a hybrid structure blending operations with strong affiliations, prioritizing artist development and global digital presence to nurture emerging talent.

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