2007 Grammy's: The Rick Rubin Show

A lot could be said of the Grammy’s last night…but an underlining theme of the 2007 Grammy’s was undoubtedly Rick Rubin…and of course Justin Timberlake. Rick won the 2007 Producer of the Year Award (no contest), an award that had previously been awarded to the likes of: Pharrell, Dr. Dre, Quincy Jones and Babyface. However, possibly the most impressive aspect of Rick Rubin’s accomplishments, that separates him from many other producers, is that he has been successful in just about every genre known to man.

Rick Rubin, who is possibly most known as the Co-Founder of Def Jam with Russell Simmons. But he actually started Def Jam by himself in high school and was introduced to Russell Simmons while at NYU by DJ Jazzy Jeff. Rick Rubin, and Def Jam, are largely responsible for the extended success and introduction of NY hip-hop to the mainstream, and is one of the reasons why NY is considered the mecca of hip-hop. Since then Rick Rubin has worked in every genre from Metal-to-Country-to-Rap.

Rick Rubin probably should have won the Producer of the Year Award before 2007, but truly had a remarkable year in 2006. This past year he worked with The Dixie Chicks, Justin Timberlake, Red Hot Chili Peppers, U2 and Johnny Cash (just to name a few). And it just so happen that his work won: Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Record of the Year (all of which went to the Dixie Chicks) and Rock Album of the Year (Red Hot Chili Peppers)…and of course because of that, Producer of the Year.

All I can say is “hats off.” I have a tremendous amount of respect for Rick Rubin and hope he continues to do his shit for a long time.