Check The Credits: Crystal Nicole Tells The Stories On Writing for Rihanna, J.Lo, Mariah Carey & More

“Scared of Lonely” – Beyonce

I was working with Rodney Jerkins, LaShawn Daniels and Rico Love. We did a few records in about a two week span. I just remember writing that song and imagining being in a fight with myself. I say “I’m in this fight and I’m swinging but my arms are getting tired. I’m trying to beat the loneliness, but I’m running out of time.” I could picture Beyonce swinging at air. I felt like everybody in their life has been in a place of loneliness – whether you’re the biggest celebrity in the world or you’re the little girl in school that nobody likes. You know what I mean? We can all relate to loneliness on some kind of level. That song is so special, because it transcends gender, race, age culture. It’s about being afraid of being alone and all of us have that. She’s such an amazing talent. When she performs that record she does it in such a way that just embodies the meaning of that song. I’m just blessed to be a part of that song. When they first called me and told me that Beyonce liked that song I said “Cool. I ain’t got to write any more. Life is good!” [laughs]