Karriem Riggins

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Karriem Riggins found sanctuary in music from an early age. His father, Emmanuel Riggins, played with the renowned Grant Green Band; he introduced Karriem to many jazz greats and their shared passion for creativity and precision. With a foundation of work ethic, and a flair for the playful, Karriem developed his art into an industrious career as a drummer, record producer, rapper, and DJ.

Karriem’s depth of sound, ranging from the pioneering to the nostalgic, can only come from a deep understanding of the human experience. He feels that the blessing of music is found in the sincere care put into its creation, and its ability to touch people and inspire.

Whether he’s working with his hip hop supergroup collective, August Greene (alongside Common and Robert Glasper), or as Jahari Massamba Unit (his jazz duo with Madlib), Riggins is sure to show his far-reaching range. Among his prolific list of collaborations and accolades, Riggins holds an Emmy award for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics, was nominated for an Album of the Year Grammy for his production with H.E.R., and has also lent his talent to Paul McCartney, Ray Brown, Stevie Wonder, J. Dilla, The Roots, Norah Jones, and Erykah Badu. His work with these cultural giants places Riggins among the few producers with the balance of vision, style, and technical prowess to steer effortlessly between the most revered players in jazz, hip-hop, and R&B.