Love had already been writing his own poems before he was introduced to rap in his early teens. Love wrote his own poems and went on to joining the African American Children's Theater where he recited Langston Hughes and acted.

Love's mother encouraged him as a child to write poetry. As a result of the divorce Love spent his childhood growing up in two different cities, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with his Mother and Harlem, NY with his father. Love was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and his parents divorced at early age. Love has appeared as a featured artist on records with T.I., Usher, Jermaine Dupri, Jamie Foxx, Rich Boy, and Fat Joe. Love is also the CEO of Division1, a record label which partnered with Interscope Records in 2013. In addition Love has written and produced records for Kelly Rowland, Diddy – Dirty Money, Chris Brown, Alexandra Burke, Keri Hilson, Fergie, and Fantasia. Raymond, and Usher's 2010 Best Male R&B Vocal Performance 'There Goes My Baby'. Sasha Fierce, Usher's 2010 Best Contemporary R&B album Raymond v. and has contributed to works which have gone on to win Grammys such as Beyoncé's 2009 Best Contemporary R&B album I Am. The first song Love ever wrote in his career was 'Throwback' for which ended up on Usher's 2004 album ' Confessions.' Love success continued writing and producing hit records such as Usher's 'There Goes My Baby' and 'Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)', Nelly's 'Just a Dream' and 'Gone', as well as Beyoncé Knowles' 'Sweet Dreams'. He attended Florida A&M and, while visiting Atlanta, Georgia, worked his way into the music industry through connections with Usher, who would become one of Love's frequent collaborators.

He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, but split his childhood between Milwaukee, Wisconsin and New York City's Harlem neighborhood. Richard 'Rico' Preston Butler, Jr. (born December 3, 1982), better known by his stage name Rico Love, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer.

Usher confessions album went diamond