Performing in talent shows led to a recording contract with Ariola/BMG at age 17. A few years later, having returned to the States, he was about to sign with Warner Bros. but its black music department was axed, killing the deal. He began writing songs again, recorded a few, and friendly radio program directors played them. Impressed, music industry folks said he should write for other performers. But Garrett insisted he was an artist, not a songwriter.

In 2003, L.A. Reid signed him as a songwriter and Garrett's ballad "I Don't Want To Hurt You" was placed with Motown crooner Latif. Then came "Yeah!" from Usher featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris. "Yeah!" hit #1 R&B/Hip-Hop, remained at the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 consecutive weeks, and was named BMI's 2005 Urban Song Of The Year.

An avalanche of other #1s has followed, among them "Goodies" from Ciara featuring Petey Pablo (#1 Pop and R&B/Hip-Hop), "Ring The Alarm" from Beyoncé (#1 Dance), "Like This" from Kelly Rowland featuring Eve (#1 Dance), "Buttons" from The Pussycat Dolls featuring Snoop Dogg (#1 Dance), "Dimelo" from Enrique Iglesias (#1 Latin), "London Bridge" from Fergie (#1 Pop), and the Dance #1s "Lose My Breath" and "Soldier" from Destiny's Child.