Scott Storch

Scott Storch at the Red Bull Music Festival in Toronto. (Credit: Maria Jose Govea/Red Bull Music Academy)

In October, legendary producer Scott Storch sat down for an interview with the Red Bull Music Academy. The conversation took place during the Red Bull Music Festival in Toronto.

The 44-year-old is experiencing a comeback, having recently produced 6ix9ine‘s single “KIKA” (currently No. 1 on DJcity). He has also worked on tracks for Trippie Redd, Russ, and other buzzing rappers over the past year.

Storch covered many topics during the interview, including his early days with The Roots, producing Dr. Dre‘s classic “Still D.R.E.,” and today’s rappers. He also shared details about his fall from grace and the lessons he learned from it.

Joining The Roots:

“I started cutting school and taking the train from the suburbs of Philly into the city, and I met this guy Richard Nichols, who went on to become the manager of The Roots. And he took me under his wing. Eventually, after my parents found out I wasn’t going to school, they said, ‘You either go to school and you can stay or you’ve got to go.’ And I went. I did odd jobs and did whatever I had to do to support myself at 15, 16 years old. And I got a record deal with The Roots. It’s believing in what you do.”

Today’s rappers:

“I don’t want to offend anybody with this answer, but I feel like it’s more melodic today, and people were spitting bars more before. But you know, everybody has their own style. I’m finding a lot of these cats have what they bring to the table. Like Trippie [Redd], he’s almost like a rockstar. He’s very daring in what he does. … He’s an innovator, man, pioneer, which is the most important kind of musician to be.”

Advice for aspiring producers:

“Be a pioneer. Listen to what’s in the market but make it your own. And be the guy that creates the new sound, not just copies what’s out there. Break ground. And stay strong and don’t give up.”

Watch the interview below.

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Hip-hop producer Scott Storch has had a career full of ups and downs.
 
In the early 90s, the Philadelphia native joined The Roots as a keyboard player, and by 1999, achieved his first mainstream hit when he helped produce Dr. Dre’s classic, “Still D.R.E.” In years following, Storch went on to produce numerous hits, including Beyonce’s “Naughty Girl,” Terror Squad’s “Lean Back,” 50 Cent’s “Candy Shop,” and The Roots’ “You Got Me.”
 
By 2006, Storch had amassed a fortune of more than $70 million but also picked up a cocaine habit while staying in Hollywood. He spent the next couple years partying, hemorrhaging tons of money and eventually landing in legal trouble.
 
Things have been looking up for Storch in recent years though. Now back in Miami, the 40-year-old says he’s learned from his previous mistakes and is dedicated to making a comeback (he produced “Supreme” on Rick Ross’ Mastermind album).
 
During a visit to his beachside condo, Billboard sat down with the producer to discuss his career and plans for the future.
 

 
Also, check out this older video of Storch going through some hip-hop classics on the piano:
 

 
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