Tricky Stewart on Crafting “Single Ladies,” “Umbrella” and More

Few names carry the weight in the studio like Tricky Stewart. With over three decades in the game and a string of era defining classics to his name, including Rihanna’s “Umbrella,” Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies,” and Justin Bieber’s “Baby,” Stewart’s influence on modern R&B and pop is undeniable. In a recent in depth interview for Daniel Wall’s Behind the Wall series, Stewart opened up about the moments that defined his journey, the creative standards that guide him, and the musical intuition that continues to shape hits across generations. The conversation offered rare insight into the producer’s mindset and legacy, highlighting both the highs and the hard earned lessons behind the music.

Across the hour long conversation, Stewart covered everything from his family’s musical legacy to the intricacies of producing global smashes. He didn’t hold back when it came to process, perspective, or the importance of understanding the business of music. For any listener familiar with his work, it was a masterclass in longevity and taste. And for those new to his story, it was a compelling introduction to the mind behind some of the most memorable records of the 21st century.

A Legacy Born in Music

For Stewart, music wasn’t a discovery. It was a birthright. He grew up surrounded by songwriters, producers, choir directors, and session players, with every member of his family playing some role in his early exposure. His brother Laney Stewart was a musical prodigy who set the tone for young Tricky’s ambitions, and his father was both a classical pianist and a choir director. His upbringing blended gospel, classical, and commercial music in a way that gave him both soul and strategy.

Even as a child, Stewart was involved in music sessions, lending his voice to jingles for McDonald’s and Coca Cola. He recalled those moments as not just musical training but also a front row seat to the business of sound. The difference, he said, is that he wasn’t learning the ropes after signing a deal. He learned how to navigate the industry before he ever had to rely on it. This foundation gave him a sense of ownership and clarity early on.

Stewart was quick to point out that his first big break wasn’t about the industry. It was about being born into a family that made music at a high level. That outlook shaped his approach to collaboration, negotiation, and artistry for the rest of his career. From day one, music wasn’t a hustle. It was a standard.

From First Placements to Major Hits

Stewart landed his first song placement in his teens, working with the group Immature and later contributing to early projects by Shante Moore and Aaron Hall. But even with these early wins, he was careful to explain the difference between a placement and a hit. It wasn’t until 1999’s “Who Dat” by JT Money, a rap record that spilled over into R&B and pop success, that Stewart understood what it really meant to move the culture.

A hit, in his view, has to connect across platforms and people. It’s not just about charting. It’s about something deeper, a collective reaction. He recalled how “Who Dat” dominated multiple formats and helped him realize the universal traits of his strongest records. That crossover success became a blueprint he would follow again and again in the years to come.

He also discussed the difference between simply making music and actually producing a record. Anyone can create sound, he said, just like anyone can cook. But producing is being a chef. You’re focused on the flavor, the presentation, and the impact of every ingredient. From the start, Stewart chose to make full course records, not just beats for the microwave.

The Making of 'Umbrella'

Among all his work, Stewart calls “Umbrella” the single most important record of his career. Written and recorded in just 15 minutes with The Dream, the song went on to transform Rihanna into a global icon. What’s remarkable is how spontaneous it all was. The track began during a mic test in the studio, when Stewart started playing bass and Dream began freestyling lyrics that would become instantly recognizable around the world.

They had not yet worked together directly, and this was their first time creatively linking in the same room. Stewart described the moment as spiritual, the kind of rare synergy that can’t be manufactured. But the decision to give the track to Rihanna over more established acts came down to instinct and relationships, particularly with A&R executives like Karen Kwak and L.A. Reid, who truly believed in the song.

What followed was a defining chapter for Stewart and his creative circle. “Umbrella” didn’t just chart. It took over. Stewart said the success of that single gave him the confidence to be more fearless in his choices. It paved the way for concept albums, experimental sounds, and a commitment to producing records that didn’t just compete. They changed the game entirely.

Beyoncé and the Perfection of 'Single Ladies'

Shortly after “Umbrella,” Stewart and Dream hit again with Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies,” a song that nearly never happened. While on tour with Jay Z and Mary J. Blige, they set up a small side studio and began experimenting with new sounds. Stewart was ready to move on from one particular beat, but Dream stopped him. He already had the song written in his head. What followed was another whirlwind session that produced one of the most iconic tracks in Beyoncé’s career.

Beyoncé heard the early version and stepped into the booth that night to record it. From there, Stewart and Dream built the production around her vocals, fine tuning details to make the track as seamless and hypnotic as possible. The process was lightning fast but deeply intentional. Stewart credited Beyoncé’s discipline and openness to experimenting as key to making it work.

The track went on to win Song of the Year at the Grammys, and Stewart reflected on how records like “Single Ladies” carry layers of brilliance beneath their surface. Structurally, the song has odd bar counts and unconventional bridges, but it never feels that way to the listener. That kind of palatable complexity, Stewart said, is the hallmark of a truly great record.

The Philosophy of a Hitmaker

Throughout the interview, Stewart emphasized that he never sets out to make a hit. He sets out to be great. He defined a hit as a song that connects on a mass level and feels inevitable. But he also admitted that no one can predict which record will reach that level. What you can control, he said, is the quality, the emotion, and the storytelling.

Stewart compared producing to building mansions, not bathrooms. He doesn’t aim to just finish a song. He wants to create something that feels impossible to leave off an artist’s concert set. These are the songs that open shows, close tours, and live on through generations. That’s the level of impact he chases.

His approach involves constant refinement. Stewart explained that even a small change, a turn of phrase, a bar removed, a drum rebalanced, can make the difference between a good song and a lasting one. For him, the work doesn’t end when a track sounds good. It ends when it feels unforgettable.

Mariah Carey and the Art of Precision

Of all the artists he has worked with, Stewart had especially high praise for Mariah Carey. He described their time together as one of the greatest creative experiences of his life. He called her the most prolific songwriter he has ever collaborated with and credited her for teaching him the value of intentional songwriting and vocal structure. Carey’s work ethic left a lasting impression on him, especially her insistence that every part of a song should serve a purpose.

According to Stewart, nothing in her tracks is random. Every background vocal, every ad lib, and every lyric is written and planned with precision. He explained that witnessing her process reshaped how he approached arranging and producing, particularly in understanding vocal layering and song architecture. Their collaboration was not only creatively satisfying, but also commercially successful, marking one of the final number one hits in Carey’s legendary career.

Spending time in the studio with Carey helped Stewart realize how high the bar could be set. She operated on a level that demanded excellence from everyone in the room. That experience made Stewart more deliberate in his own approach, especially when it came to working with vocalists who needed guidance or structure. He left those sessions with a deeper respect for artists who fully own their craft from top to bottom.

Justin Bieber and the Blueprint for a Star

When Justin Bieber was still an emerging artist, Stewart helped shape the sonic foundation that would introduce him to the world. Working alongside The Dream and producers from The Movement, Stewart was involved in the creation of “One Time” and “Baby,” two of Bieber’s earliest and most impactful singles. “Baby” in particular nearly did not happen. The initial demo was rejected by the label until Stewart added his touch and turned it into something undeniable.

The song eventually became the first video to hit one billion views on YouTube, helping launch Bieber into superstardom. Stewart explained that getting a child artist played on mainstream radio was a serious challenge. Bieber did not come from a traditional entertainment pipeline like Disney or Nickelodeon. Instead, the team had to make the music speak for itself and prove that the sound could stand next to adult artists.

He also discussed the strategy behind managing Bieber’s vocal development. As Bieber’s voice changed with age, Stewart and his team worked on projects like the Christmas album to keep him active without overexposing his maturing vocals. He credited engineer and vocal producer Cook for helping them maintain consistency through that transition. The process showed Stewart the importance of long term planning in artist development.

Tyla, TikTok and the New Era of Virality

Even as the music industry shifts, Stewart remains a relevant and active voice in defining its direction. One of his recent associations was with Tyla’s breakout single “Water,” which went viral on TikTok and introduced a new global star. While Stewart did not produce the final version, he was present during the development phase and provided creative input. He credited producer Sammy Sosa with the key addition of a “bass knock” that gave the song its viral edge.

Stewart acknowledged how virality today often depends on more than just the music. A single dance challenge, a clip from a live performance, or a fan made video can launch a song into the cultural stratosphere. But even with that reality, he stressed that the song must still hold its own. The production, the writing, and the performance need to be airtight, because no trend lasts unless the music does.

He compared this current climate to past eras, noting that every superstar has benefitted from a platform moment. Michael Jackson had MTV, Justin Bieber had YouTube, and now Tyla has TikTok. The X factor changes over time, but the need for a great song never goes away. Stewart sees that as the one constant in a business that evolves daily.

Looking Forward Without Letting Go

Stewart continues to work six days a week, often for 16 hours a day. He admitted in the interview that music still consumes him, even after decades of hits. He is constantly inspired by the challenge of making something that has never been done before. The studio remains his sanctuary, a place where time does not exist and ideas have no ceiling.

He does not aim to chase trends or follow the market. Instead, he focuses on creating songs that feel necessary, songs that artists can’t leave off their setlists. In his view, a truly great record is one that opens or closes a concert, a song that becomes part of a fan’s identity. Those are the types of records he aims to make, and those are the records that built his legacy.

In the final moments of his Behind the Wall interview with Daniel Wall, Stewart shared the mindset that has kept him focused for more than thirty years. “I build mansions,” he said, “not bathrooms.” That phrase encapsulates everything about his approach — a relentless commitment to quality, vision, and scale. As long as the game is about creating greatness, Tricky Stewart will be right there, blueprint in hand.