Teddy Riley Apologizes for Unpaid Classic Album Claims

Teddy Riley is stepping up to talk about the longtime vibe around Keith Sweat’s classic 1987 debut Make It Last Forever. He dropped by the We in Miami Podcast and opened up about what went down behind the scenes.“I’ve been waiting forever to tell my truth,” he said. “You know, me and Keith Sweat—do you realize I never got paid for that album? My name’s right there on the record, so somebody’s gotta pay.” Teddy Riley later explained he only walked away with $1,500 and no royalties, even though he helped shape hits like “I Want Her,” “Something Just Ain’t Right,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” and the title track.

The album exploded when it dropped in November 1987, sitting three weeks at No. 1 on the R&B Albums chart, cracking the Billboard 200 at No. 15, and eventually going triple‑platinum. “I Want Her” also gave Keith his first No. 1 R&B single.

Keith responded quickly on Instagram with a short question: “You produced, or we produced together?”

Days later, Teddy posted a video message apology. “I want to apologize to my brother, Keith Sweat,” he said. “If anything I said was taken the wrong way, I’m sorry.”