From Obscurity to Fame: The Lady Gaga Breakthrough

One of the stand out segments of the episode dives into RedOne’s collaboration with Lady Gaga. At the time, Gaga had been dropped from her label and was relatively unknown. Yet, in just one magical week, RedOne and Gaga locked themselves in the studio and churned out massive hits like “Just Dance,” “Poker Face,” and “LoveGame.” These songs would not only win Grammys but also capture the imagination of a new generation, transforming both their careers overnight. As RedOne recalls, the sessions were all about creative freedom, energy, and fun—no overthinking, just instinct and musical synergy.

RedOne credits the formula to a keen ear for what people want to sing along to: rock guitars meeting European synths, big choruses, and tight, energetic verses. He highlights just how much preparation goes into being able to create quickly and intuitively, explaining how years of honing his craft meant that, when inspiration struck, he was ready to translate it into hits on his laptop with just headphones and a MIDI keyboard.

The Power of Perseverance: From Struggles to Success

RedOne’s journey wasn’t always chart-topping hits and industry accolades. The episode recounts his years of struggle—moving from Morocco to Sweden, surviving on the bare minimum, borrowing money to stay afloat while trying to make a name in music. A pivotal moment came when he landed a breakthrough with Cat DeLuna’s “Whine Up,” leading to more opportunities and, eventually, the Lady Gaga collaboration. It’s a testament to resilience, as he says: “Every relationship goes through tough times. It’s just the way you handle the ups and downs and always try to find a middle, always thankful, and keep going.”

Democratizing Pop: Hits With J.Lo, Pitbull, and Nicki Minaj

RedOne’s skill isn’t just in making hits; it’s in recognizing—often in advance—where a song will best find its voice. Stories of “On the Floor” (J.Lo and Pitbull) and “Starships” (Nicki Minaj) reveal a fascinating peek into the production process. Sometimes, a hit waits years for the right artist. “On the Floor” began as a nostalgic homage to “Lambada,” and after sitting on RedOne’s computer for two years, found its place with J.Lo, marking a massive comeback for the singer and earning billions of streams.

Pitbull’s unique approach is also highlighted—recording vocals in the literal closet of his house. It’s a reminder that chemistry and authenticity matter more than fancy studio setups. Similarly, “Starships,” which was at first turned down by another artist, became Nicki Minaj’s biggest global hit, echoing RedOne’s belief: “If it’s a great song, it will find a home. And when it finds the right home, the rest is history.”

Anthems for the World: FIFA, Real Madrid, and the Power of “People’s Music”

One of RedOne’s most significant contributions is the creation of stadium-filling anthems, from Real Madrid to multiple FIFA World Cup soundtracks. Driven by a desire to capture the emotion and collective energy of crowds, RedOne’s process involves “listening through people’s ears,” as U2’s Bono once observed. His anthems are created with the vision of thousands singing together, encapsulating both passion and unity—qualities that made his Real Madrid anthem a lucky charm during their record-breaking Champions League victories.

RedOne’s current role as Head of Music and Entertainment at FIFA allows him to fuse his two great loves: music and football, spreading the joy of global anthems to millions.

The Dubai Chapter – Nurturing a New Creative Hub

Now based in Dubai, RedOne talks about the city’s evolution as a global creative hub. For him, the international mix, the safety, and the closeness to Morocco make it ideal for both family and work. Dubai is attracting artists, music executives, and songwriters from all over the world, fostering a new scene that promises to nurture the next wave of global voices from the MENA region. RedOne encourages local artists to blend their cultural roots with global sounds to break through on the international stage.

Collaboration, Positivity, and the Future

RedOne emphasizes the importance of positive energy in creative collaborations—“leave your worries outside the studio”—and the need to keep growing, learning, and adapting. Even as AI tools enter the music industry, he urges young musicians to use technology as inspiration but to prioritize learning real musical skills. The human touch, he argues, will always set great music apart.

At the end of the episode, Elmo and RedOne reflect on the power of partnerships, family support (notably RedOne’s wife), and gratitude for opportunities seized through persistent effort and an unyielding belief in their vision.