wizard or creative genius?

Who is Rick Rubin? Some would say his unique musical lens can be compared only to the magic experienced at Hogwarts. Most people talk about the long list of talented musicians and producers he’s collaborated with over the last three decades; Kanye West, JAY-Z, LL Cool J, Eminem, Run-DMC, Adele, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash, Dixie Chicks, Beastie Boys, Tom Petty, Metallica, the list runs longer than his beard. Acting as a sort of musical wizard, he contributes to the production of a song by not what he adds, but what he subtracts. His minimalist approach to music helps artists make important creative decisions through their process. He uses his experienced ears to put a “chef’s kiss” on nearly-finished tracks. His gift lies within the ability to hear the final product. 

Rick’s holistic knowledge on various types of music give him the ability to tap into a wide perspective. His main job is to help musicians complete their journey to a finished record. Although he has no technical music training, his curiosity and exploration of the creative process continue to make him a sought-after collaborator.

In 1985, Rick was a student at New York University and began working with now hip-hop legend, LL Cool J. The young and ambitious east-coast MC brought his own unique sound to the game, mixing elements of old-school hip-hop and classic R&B. Songs such as, Rock the Bells and Around the Way Girl defined Cool J’s sound and illuminated his talent.

“Back then, I would say LL was kind of a nerdy 16-year-old kid. He was really smart, well read. He came to the dorm room and was motivated. He’s one of the more hardworking artists I’ve worked with, even from then” Rubin said in a 2016 Rolling Stone interview.

A year later, Rubin was working with a group by the name of Run-DMC, who began crossing genres and breaking into new territory in the late 80’s. Mixing elements of classic hip-hop within powerful rock songs forever changed the way people thought about collaboration in music. Records such as Walk This Way (1986), originally by Aerosmith, gave the music world something familiar but entirely different.

When Rick moved across the country to Los Angeles in 1991, the Red Hot Chili Peppers were one of the most popular groups in modern rock. With a heavy funk influence, they set the tone for the 90’s California rock scene. Rubin recorded several Chili Peppers albums at his home studio in Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles. He’d go on to record musicians such as Guns N’ Roses, Marilyn Manson, JAY-Z, Linkin Park, Maroon 5, and others at the studio as well.

“I was living in California at the time, and it was really fun for me to work with the Chili Peppers, because I was new to Los Angeles, and the Chili Peppers were so ensconced in Los Angeles culture. It’s like after the Beach Boys, the next California band was the Chili Peppers. I loved going out with them. I got to really experience Los Angeles in a local way being with them, and it was really a beautiful experience.”

Rick produced music with Queen, Tom Petty, and Johhny Cash throughout the rest of the 90’s. In 1993, Def Jam Records changed their official name to “American Recordings”. As the end of the century approached, Rubin’s discography continued to grow in both variety and popularity.

When Rick and JAY-Z recorded 99 Problems in 2003, they brought a new tidal wave of music to the east coast. Heavily influenced by artists like Nas and LL Cool J, the sound of the city had returned. The Black Album (2003), became an iconic piece of the New York native’s career with songs such as, Dirt Off Your Shoulder, Encore and 99 Problems.

Fast-forward to 2011, and the pair were working together again on Jay’s album, Magna Carta. Accompanied by producers such as Pharrell Williams and Timbaland, a masterpiece was created. Again, something familiar but unique in its own way. It was clear that the pair was a force to be reckon with.

Shortly after, Rubin found himself working on two albums with Linkin Park and a hit album with Justin Timberlake, Future Sex/Love Sounds. He also worked on Adele’s groundbreaking debut album, 21. Using his unorthodox methods, Rubin pushed Adele out of her comfort zone to create a simple yet beautifully elegant album.

“Her singing was so strong and heartbreaking in the studio, it was clear something very special was happening. All of the playing was keying off the emotion on Adele’s outrageous vocal performance.”

In 2013, Kanye West struggled to finish his album, Yeezus. Ye invited Rubin to his studio, where the duo worked tirelessly for sixteen days to complete the project on time. Sifting through unfinished ideas and hours of music, they scarcely took breaks. The album was finally released and debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 charts, eventually going platinum. With simple yet distinct edgy sounds, Rick’s influence can definitely be heard.

Rubin’s philosophy of music runs parallel to other parts of his life as well. In 2011, he bought a property referred to as, Shangri-La in Malibu, California. Brilliant artists of the decade have found themselves lucky enough to collaborate in this magical location; the Hogwarts of music. The property serves as a recording studio, home, and gorgeous view of the Pacific Coast. Artists of all kinds use it as a place to create and feel at peace with the world. Rubin, who often walks barefoot around the property, is considered to be the buddha of American music.

“People are so different. It’s almost like you need to go through the process, discover and unlock what it is that makes that band that band. And a lot of times they don’t know it.”

Creating ground-breaking records often requires taking your mind to other places in search of discovering what makes your music most genuine. Finding your inner creative voice helps you emotionally connect with your audience. Inspiring music comes from allowing yourself to take chances and not be afraid of the outcome.

Rubin remains to be one of the most prolific producers of the last three decades. His free-thinking attitude lends itself to honest and genuine collaboration with each musician. Is Rick Rubin a wizard or creative genius? The answer is probably both.