The Riley Dynasty: A Deep Dive Into Teddy Riley's 8 Children And The Latest Family Drama

Few figures in music history have shaped a genre as profoundly as Edward "Teddy" Riley. The legendary producer, widely credited as the architect of New Jack Swing, has a legacy that extends far beyond his chart-topping hits with Guy, Blackstreet, and Michael Jackson. As of December 2025, the focus often turns to his large and talented family, which includes a total of eight or nine children, many of whom have carved out their own careers in the entertainment world, while others are at the center of ongoing, highly-publicized family challenges.

The Riley children represent a new generation of talent, ranging from reality television stars and professional dancers to emerging music producers. The family has recently been in the news due to the joyous announcement of a new grandchild and, conversely, the painful details of a high-profile custody battle, proving that even a music icon's family life is not immune to public scrutiny and personal hardship. This article provides the most current and comprehensive overview of the Riley dynasty.

Edward "Teddy" Riley: Biography and Profile

Edward Theodore Riley is one of the most influential American record producers, songwriters, and multi-instrumentalists of the last four decades. His innovative blend of R&B, hip-hop, and gospel created the iconic "New Jack Swing" sound that dominated the late 1980s and early 1990s.

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• Full Name: Edward Theodore Riley
• Date of Birth: October 8, 1967
• Age (as of December 2025): 58
• Place of Birth: Harlem, New York City, New York, USA
• Parents: Mildred Riley (Mother)
• Occupation: Record Producer, Songwriter, Singer, Musician
• Notable Groups: Guy (1987–1992, 2000–present), Blackstreet (1991–present)
• Genre Created: New Jack Swing
• Key Collaborations: Michael Jackson (Dangerous album), Bobby Brown, Keith Sweat, Usher, Lady Gaga, Snoop Dogg, and Joe.
• Children: Eight (or nine) children, including daughters Deja, Taja, Nia, and Bobbie, and sons Teddy Riley Jr. and Prince Mykal Theo Riley.
• New Projects: Set to release a new book, "Remember The Time," in February 2026.

The Eight (or Nine) Children of Teddy Riley: Careers and Public Lives

Teddy Riley is the proud father of a large family, with sources often citing eight children, though a recent account mentioned nine. His adult children have largely followed creative paths, leveraging their father's musical legacy while establishing their own identities in dance, music, and reality television. The most publicly known children are his daughters, who have been central to the family's media presence.

Nia Riley: The Reality TV Star

Nia Riley is perhaps the most recognizable of Teddy Riley's children due to her appearances on reality television. She gained significant public attention as a cast member on VH1's Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood. While her time on the show often focused on her personal relationships, Nia has also pursued a career in modeling and has a substantial following as an internet personality.

Taja Riley: The Global Dance Artist and DJ

Taja Riley has built an impressive career as a professional dancer, choreographer, and DJ. She is a highly respected figure in the dance community, known for her powerful and versatile style. Taja has toured with major artists, including Chris Brown and Kanye West, and has worked on popular shows like So You Think You Can Dance. She also uses her platform to advocate for dance creatives and has been an influential voice in the industry. Taja's age is estimated to be around 31, based on public records.

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Deja Riley (Dejanee): Dancer, Singer, and New Mother-to-Be

Deja Riley, also sometimes referred to as Dejanee, is another talented daughter who built her career in the world of dance and music. She is a former dancer and singer who has appeared on the reality series Growing Up Hip Hop. Deja is the eldest of the Riley daughters. In a joyful family update, Deja is currently expecting her first child with her husband, Jimmy Izydorczyk, making Teddy Riley a grandfather again.

Teddy Riley Jr.: Following in Musical Footsteps

Teddy Riley Jr. is one of the producer's sons and has been noted to be involved in the music industry, following in his father's groundbreaking footsteps. Like many children of music legends, he is navigating the industry, aiming to create his own sound while honoring the Riley name.

Bobbie Riley: The Supportive Daughter

Bobbie Riley is another daughter who has been publicly seen supporting her father at various industry events, including performances with his group. While she maintains a lower profile than her sisters Nia and Taja, her presence highlights the supportive bond within the family.

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The Heartbreaking Custody Battle for Prince Mykal Theo Riley

The most recent and concerning news surrounding the Riley family involves Teddy Riley's youngest son, Prince Mykal Theo Riley. The legendary producer has been vocal about his ongoing and painful custody battle with the child's mother.

In a series of public statements and appearances, including a candid conversation on Jada Pinkett Smith's Red Table Talk, Riley revealed that he has been intentionally kept from seeing Prince Mykal Theo for over three years. The producer has expressed his deep frustration and heartbreak over the situation, pleading for the right to co-parent and be an active part of his son's life.

This struggle highlights the personal challenges that can accompany public life, with Riley emphasizing that he is fighting to maintain a relationship with his child. The identity of Prince Mykal Theo's mother has been protected in most public reports, only being referred to as his "ex" or "the mother of his youngest son."

Teddy Riley's Relationships and the Mothers of His Children

Teddy Riley's personal life has been a subject of interest, particularly concerning the mothers of his many children. The most notable relationship was with Donna Roberts, who is cited as the mother of four of his children, including his daughters Deja (Dejanee) and Taja.

Riley has referred to Roberts as his "second love" and the inspiration behind the iconic Blackstreet ballad "Let's Chill," which was written during a time when he was trying to reconcile with her after infidelity. Despite the ups and downs of their relationship, Roberts has been a consistent figure in the lives of her children with Riley, providing a stable family background. While the full list of all eight or nine children and their respective mothers is not fully public, the family dynamic is clearly complex, a common theme for high-profile celebrities with large families.

The Legacy of the Riley Name

From the early days of New Jack Swing with Guy, to the global success of Blackstreet, and his work with the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley's musical influence is undeniable. His children are now carrying that creative torch forward, albeit through different mediums.

Taja and Deja have made their mark in the highly competitive dance world, Nia has found a niche in reality television, and Teddy Riley Jr. is continuing the family's musical tradition. While the family has faced public challenges, including past reports of a restraining order filed by Taja when she was 18, and the current custody battle for Prince Mykal Theo, the overall narrative is one of a talented and resilient dynasty. As Teddy Riley prepares for the release of his new book in 2026, the world continues to watch the next chapter of the Riley family unfold.