Rodney Jerkins (born July 29, 1977), also known by his stage name Darkchild, is an American record producer, songwriter and musician. He has collaborated with a broad range of popular artists, including Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Luther Vandross, Jennifer Lopez, Toni Braxton, Destiny's Child, Lady Gaga, Spice Girls and Britney Spears.