Karriem Riggins - Topic

Karriem Riggins is an Emmy Award-winning and Grammy-nominated musician, producer, composer, and DJ. For three decades, he has been a key figure at the intersection of jazz and hip-hop, shaping the evolution of both genres. He has collaborated with Diana Krall, Common, Erykah Badu, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, The Roots, Norah Jones, Ray Brown, and Steve Lacy. His work with August Greene (with Common and Robert Glasper) and Jahari Massamba Unit (his duo with Madlib) highlights his broad artistic reach. Riggins holds an Emmy for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics and was Grammy-nominated for his production with H.E.R. A close collaborator of J Dilla, he completed Dilla’s posthumous album, The Shining. In 2023, he was named Artist-in-Residence for the Detroit Jazz Festival.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Riggins was introduced to jazz by his father, Emmanuel Riggins, a musician with Grant Green’s band. He built his career as a drummer, producer, rapper, and DJ, seamlessly blending genres. Whether in the studio or on stage, he continues to push musical boundaries. His sound, from pioneering to nostalgic, reflects his deep understanding of music’s emotional power. Riggins believes that true artistry lies in sincerity and the ability to inspire through sound.