Royal’s musical journey is nothing short of legendary. Hailing from Youngstown, Ohio, he picked up the guitar at just 12 years old while living in Darmstadt, Germany — thanks to a neighbor, Sgt. Jimmy Swartz, who taught him his first chords to “House of the Rising Sun.” That moment sparked a lifetime of music.

From rocking local Ohio bands to joining Kool & the Gang as a guitarist and vocalist, Royal’s sound evolved with the times. He went on to co-found Forecast with Adil & Amir Bayyan, building the foundation for Bayyan Internationale and several other production houses that would shape the sound of generations.

Royal’s fingerprints are all over the music industry — from mentoring Teddy Riley (aka the King of New Jack Swing) to developing Color Me Badd, whose debut album sold over 6.5 million copies and raked in more than $51 million. Over the years, he’s produced, managed, and inspired a wave of artists and creatives, becoming a true architect behind the scenes in R&B, pop, and soul.

With a legacy rooted in passion, hustle, and ear for greatness, Royal remains a powerful force in music and media, always ahead of the curve and always lifting others as he climbs.