Darryl Riley

Darryl Riley is a native of Toronto, a city who has high musical standards (read as: world’s toughest critics), yet boasts some of the greatest world talents. From the tender age of nine when he serenaded the girlfriends of his older brother with personal interpretations of “One Last Cry” by Brian McKnight or up-tempo classics like “I Wanna Sex You Up” by Color Me Badd, it was clear that Darryl had found his life’s calling. His first song, “Freedom” which he wrote and produced at just 16 years old, was nominated for a UMAC (Urban Music Association of Canada) Award, in the same category as seasoned R’n’B artists Glenn Lewis and Tamia. By the age of 18, he was already collaborating with internationally accomplished artists such as: Red Café, Hip-Hop artist Grafh, Bobby Valentino, Masspike Miles, and Konvict Muzik hip-hop artist Kardinal Offishall.
Darryl, unlike many artists who pursue traditional courses of study while developing their craft, knew that his passion would also be his career. He attended Cardinal Carter, one of Toronto’s most prestigious high schools for arts and music, followed by a Business program funded by the HRDC (Human Resources Development of Canada) – talk about your homeland havin’ your back! He even sought out the best in vocal training, having been coached by Elaine Overholt, vocal trainer to Richard Gere and Queen Latifah for the musical film, Chicago. Darryl also ventured into film himself, working with 50 Cent in the Toronto-filmed segments of “Get Rich or Die Trying”.
Darryl has been busy over the last couple of years, writing new music and pushing the envelope of his creativity. With such songs as “Tear It Up” with Beenie Man and Fito Blanko, “Boom Boom Boom” with Kardinal Offishall, and most recently the smash hit “BBM Me Up” released in late summer 2010, Darryl Riley is paving his own path to world domination. He has launched his own entertainment company called New Nu Entertainment that currently focuses on Toronto based artists. To compliment that, a new mixtape entitled “New Nu Everything” is set for release November 2010, and a full length album scheduled for 2011.
“I see myself as a strong musical figure”, says Riley. “Like a young Bernie Mac, I always have jokes and keep a positive spirit around me no matter what the tribulation may be.”
Darryl Riley, from the tender age of 18 has lived a BIG life. So it isn’t any surprise that he also has BIG dreams. In addition to keeping us musically entertained, Riley hopes to nourish the musical youth by creating outlets of opportunity through foundations for young talent to explore their craft. Something like a phenomenon, Darryl Riley is ready to make heads turn every time he grabs the mic.