The Story of How Keith Sweat Never Received Credit For Johnny Kemp's "Just Got Paid"

Johnny Kemp’s 1988 smash hit “Just Got Paid” is one of the most iconic R&B and dance tracks of its era, a feel-good anthem that has stood the test of time. Nominated for a Grammy Award in 1989 for Best R&B Song, the track has long been celebrated for its infectious beat and signature new jack swing flavor. However, behind the glossy production and chart success lies a tale of uncredited songwriting, industry exploitation, and a hidden name in the story—Keith Sweat.

While official credits for “Just Got Paid” list Johnny Kemp and Gene Griffin as the songwriters and Teddy Riley as the producer, many fans and industry insiders are unaware that Keith Sweat actually co-wrote the hit. According to various reports, including commentary from those close to the situation, Keith Sweat had a significant hand in crafting the song, yet his name was left off the official credits entirely.

The reason? Industry manipulation.

The song’s shady backstory leads directly to Gene Griffin, then the manager of Teddy Riley and a powerful figure behind the scenes in the rise of new jack swing. Griffin had a notorious reputation for claiming publishing rights and writing credits on songs he didn’t actually create. “Just Got Paid” was no exception. By positioning himself as a co-writer alongside Kemp, Griffin pushed Keith Sweat out of the picture entirely—a move that deprived Sweat of royalties and proper recognition.

Teddy Riley, the song’s producer and a pioneer of the new jack swing genre, has been vocal in recent years about Gene Griffin’s pattern of exploitation. Riley revealed that Griffin would routinely add himself as a composer or producer to projects he wasn’t directly involved in, essentially robbing young artists and producers of their rightful earnings. Riley himself received only a small cut of production fees while Griffin pocketed the lion’s share.

Despite its murky origin, “Just Got Paid” remains a cultural staple. It climbed to #1 on the Billboard R&B chart and became Johnny Kemp’s most well-known track. The song continues to be sampled and referenced in modern music, standing as a monument to the sound of the late '80s and early '90s.

However, the industry politics behind the scenes serve as a cautionary tale—especially for emerging artists navigating contracts and credit. Keith Sweat’s omission from the credits of a song he helped bring to life reflects a wider problem in the music business, where business deals often eclipse artistic truth.

“Just Got Paid” may have celebrated payday Fridays and dance floor joy, but its creation reveals the darker side of the industry. Keith Sweat’s uncredited contribution is a reminder that not all hits come with the recognition they deserve. And for Teddy Riley and others affected by Gene Griffin’s tactics, it’s a story of lost ownership and undervalued genius.

As we continue to celebrate the legacy of R&B’s golden era, it’s time to start giving credit where it’s truly due.