November 22, 2024 • 2hr 6min
#2233 - Scott Storch
The Joe Rogan Experience
Key Takeaways
- Musical Journey: Scott Storch went from playing in The Roots to becoming one of hip-hop's most successful producers, working with Dr. Dre, Beyoncé, and many others
- Addiction Struggles: Storch was candid about his battles with cocaine addiction and how it impacted his career and relationships
- Career Resurgence: After hitting rock bottom, Storch has rebuilt his career focusing on developing new artists rather than chasing established stars
- Life Lessons: The importance of staying authentic, avoiding toxic environments, and maintaining balance in life
Introduction
Scott Storch is a multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning record producer and songwriter who has worked with many of music's biggest names. In this wide-ranging conversation with Joe Rogan, Storch discusses his remarkable journey in the music industry, his struggles with addiction, and his current projects.
Topics Discussed
Early Musical Career and The Roots (18:03)
Storch details his early days as a musician, starting with playing piano as a child and eventually joining The Roots as their keyboard player.
- Self-taught musician who learned by playing along with cassette tapes
- Joined The Roots at a young age but felt underappreciated and experienced some reverse racism
- Left the group despite warnings he would be "the Pete Best of The Roots"
- Transitioned into production work, with Busta Rhymes being his first major client
Working with Dr. Dre and Career Breakthrough (24:45)
A chance meeting in Los Angeles led to a pivotal collaboration with Dr. Dre that would launch Storch's producing career.
- Met Dr. Dre through a mutual connection and impressed him with keyboard skills
- Dre invited him to stay in LA and work on projects, including with Eminem
- Collaborated on multiple hits including "Still D.R.E."
- This partnership helped establish Storch as a major producer in hip-hop
Success and Excess (52:26)
Storch discusses the height of his success and how it led to excessive behavior and poor decisions.
- Owned multiple luxury homes and had one of the world's best car collections
- Relationship with Paris Hilton led to increased drug use and partying
- Started making decisions based on impressing others rather than artistic merit
- "I lived a billionaire's life as a millionaire" - Scott Storch
Addiction and Recovery (1:33:18)
Storch opens up about his struggles with cocaine addiction and its impact on his career and relationships.
- Lost relationships with key industry figures including Dr. Dre due to drug use
- Discusses how cocaine affects creativity negatively
- Shares experiences trying to help others like DMX with addiction
- Currently six months clean and working on maintaining sobriety
Current Projects and New Direction (1:46:20)
Storch discusses his current focus on developing new artists and his upcoming projects.
- Working with new artist Abby Stair on upcoming single "On My Own"
- Developing a biopic about his life with Atlas Entertainment
- Focus on breaking new artists rather than working with established stars
- Emphasis on organic talent and authentic artistry
Industry Insights (1:51:22)
Storch shares his perspective on the music industry and what makes artists successful.
- Values authenticity and raw talent over manufactured success
- Discusses how streaming has changed the industry
- Emphasizes the importance of consistent output and building genuine fan bases
- Shares stories about working with various artists including Beyoncé and Rihanna
Conclusion
The conversation provides a raw and honest look at both the highs and lows of success in the music industry. Storch's journey from prodigy to peak success, through addiction and recovery, to his current renaissance serves as both a cautionary tale and inspiration. His current focus on developing new talent and maintaining sobriety shows a mature evolution from his earlier days of excess.
The episode offers valuable insights into the music industry, addiction, recovery, and the importance of staying true to oneself despite success or failure. Storch's candid sharing of his experiences provides lessons applicable beyond the music industry about the dangers of excess and the possibility of redemption.
