Electrical Problem Cited in Abandoned R&B Studio Fire

Fire investigators said an electrical problem caused a blaze that burned the abandoned recording studio of hip-hop and R&B producer Teddy Riley.

Battalion Chief David Hutcheson with the Virginia Beach Fire Department says lightning in the area also could have been a factor, although there was no direct strike.

The fire occurred on June 24.

Riley opened Future Records Recording Studios in 1991 and produced songs for a range of artists, including Michael and Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige and Keith Sweat. Over the last few years, he has apparently been plagued with financial and legal problems.

Attorney Morris H. Fine is said to be selling the property for Equitable Resources Inc., Riley’s biggest creditor. Fine says the building was insured for $336,000.

Source: The Virginian-Pilot.