Originally from North Carolina and Florida, Riddick grew up in the performing arts. His mother, who was a theatre actress, and father encouraged him to pursue his interests in marching band, theatre, and other activities. After high school, Riddick earned a full academic scholarship and a partial band scholarship to Bethune Cookman University. Graduating with a bachelor’s in music sound recording engineering, he moved with his wife to West Virginia where he became the program assistant at the West Virginia University’s School of Music.