From: lexfridman
Introduction
Rick Rubin is considered one of the greatest music producers of all time. Known for his unique method of bringing the best out of anyone he works with, Rick Rubin has collaborated with a diverse array of musicians across various genres over the past 40 years. His work includes iconic acts such as the Beastie Boys, Eminem, Metallica, LL Cool J, Kanye West, Slayer, Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, Dixie Chicks, Aerosmith, Adele, Danzig, Red Hot Chili Peppers, System of a Down, Jay-Z, and Black Sabbath [00:00:51].
Collaborative Approach
Rubin’s approach to collaboration often involves starting from a clean slate, coming to each project completely blank, and actively listening to the artist to guide the project’s direction. He describes his role akin to a coach who works with talented individuals to help them find their way [00:03:00]. Rubin famously shuns having a fixed method, opting instead for a flexible process that respects the artistic journey of the musicians he collaborates with [00:16:02].
Notable Collaborations
Johnny Cash
Rick Rubin is credited with revitalizing Johnny Cash’s career by encouraging him to cover songs that deeply resonated with his life experience, such as Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt.” Rubin recognized the profound connection between Cash and the lyrics, turning it into a poignant reflection of Cash’s own life [00:55:01]. The simplicity of the music and the rawness of Cash’s delivery were deliberate choices to match the song’s emotional depth [01:00:32].
Jay-Z
One of Rubin’s famous collaborations is with Jay-Z on the song “99 Problems,” where Rubin suggested starting the track acapella. This approach highlights his inclination towards simplicity and stripping down to the essential elements, allowing the most powerful aspects of music to shine through [01:11:12].
Adele
Working with Adele on “21,” specifically the track “Rolling in the Deep,” Rubin focused on allowing Adele’s powerful voice to take center stage. The production was kept minimal to emphasize the raw emotion and vocal strength [01:11:03].
Philosophy and Influence
Rubin believes in the artistic journey and embraces a philosophy of not knowing what will work. He emphasizes experimentation and listening deeply to stay true to the artists’ visions and strengths, which has allowed him to create significant, enduring work across the music industry [01:56:05]. Despite working with legendary musicians, Rubin maintains that he operates without ego, focusing on creating the best possible work and always being open to trying new ideas out [00:26:02].
Conclusion
Rick Rubin stands out not only for his impressive list of collaborations but also for his unique approach to music production. He places significant importance on maintaining creative integrity and allowing the music to speak for itself, regardless of genre. His collaborations with iconic musicians have resulted in some of the most memorable and impactful music of our time, underscoring his lasting influence in the industry.