music by winning many rap battles and talent shows. On the weekends Love would leave for Atlanta, Georgia for the benefit of its studios and popular music scene. While visiting Atlanta Love met members of Jagged Edge who were an influence on Love's songwriting development. Love eventually left college because of a paperwork error made by the college's administration's office. Love went to live with some local Atlanta producers the Corna Boyz. This relationship provided Love the opportunity to rap on a remix the producers were creating for Usher. Usher liked Love's work on the remix and eventually signed him to US Records/J Records. Usher requested Love compose lyrics for a song written by Just Blaze. This song eventually became "Throwback" and was featured on Usher's Diamond-selling (10× Platinum) Confessions album. Love next toured with Usher where he met and connected with many music industry players. Usher encouraged Love to become a songwriter and requests for Love's compositions began coming from artists Chris Brown, Omarion, and Marques Houston. Love currently lives in Miami with photographer Robin Thompson known as Robin V. They have two children together, a son, Carys Preston, and a daughter, Believe Beyond. Music career Solo artist As a solo recording artist, Love is both a singer and a rapper. Love was asked by Usher to contribute to the soundtrack to the film In the Mix. Love contributed "Settle Down", "Sweat" featuring Usher, and "On the Grind" featuring Juelz Santana and Paul Wall. Love recorded a solo album in 2007 titled The 5th Element which he ultimately decided to focus on his songwriting and not release the recordings. Though Love may not be recording as a solo artist he still contributes his vocals and rhymes to other artists. Love has appeared as a guest artist on songs by Fat Joe, Juvenile, Rich Boy, Jamie Foxx, T.I., and his own artist, Young Chris. After 8-year hiatus from his solo career and signing his label Division 1 to a distribution deal with Interscope Records, Rico Love would release an extended play entitled Discrete Luxury, on February 27, 2014, which would be re-released. It charted on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums at number 48. The first single from the album, "They Don't Know", it debuted and peaked at number 60 on the Billboard Hot 100 making it Rico Love's highest-charting single as a solo artist. The second single from the album, is