official
BIO
shawn
Shawn Howard has had a long and illustrious career as a music producer. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., he first touched the keys in high school while grounded with nothing to do. Seeing his dad’s old keyboard, he taught himself to play, sparking a passion for music.
Shawn began writing and producing songs for a local gospel choir and other local artists. But his production skills went to another level when he moved to Northern California for an internship at Hitworks Recording Studio and mentorship with Digital D (known for work with 2Pac, Digital Underground, and Rafael Saadiq). After working on several projects with popular artists, he relocated to LA and was led to dedicate his craft to Christian music.
Shawn spent several years building a successful career as a music producer in LA. But with the sudden passing of his father, God began to do a new thing in his life. He was led to move back to his childhood home in DC and to step into a new career in music—as an artist. With 13FOUR, he lends his vocals as a singer, while also co-writing and producing each of the songs.
rikki
For Shiloh “Rikki” Richards, education was the path that “made sense.” Born and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland, she went on to attend college and law school in the area. After clerking for a federal judge, she became an associate at a large law firm in St. Louis. She was living the life she’d planned.
But out of nowhere it seemed, the Lord captured Rikki’s heart. She committed her life to Christ, and everything turned upside down. A year after making partner, God moved her to leave the firm and dedicate her life to full-time ministry. Soon after, she wrote a bestselling book—“Cling: Choosing a Lifestyle of Intimacy with God”—which became the heartbeat of her ministry. She began speaking on the topic of clinging to God and even held her own Cling Conference, desiring to equip and encourage women to walk closely with the Lord.
But when Rikki encountered storms in her own life, her ministry—and even her relationship with God—began to suffer. Her childhood friend Shawn Howard encouraged her to cling to Him again. And through him, the Lord opened the door to a new ministry—music. And 13FOUR.