Behind the Keys: Scott Storch lyrics

(This interview originally appears in Complex, but due to space constraints, we were unable to use the entire article. Because I know RapGenius fans are hardcore and want to know everything, not just the highlights, you're getting the full Director's Cut right here on RG. BIG UPS to Complex for believing in the piece, and giving a kid a shot. Enjoy!)


If we're being completely honest, you probably forgot about Scott Storch. Somewhere along the way you forgot he crafted some of the biggest songs in hip-hop and pop history. This was the guy who provided Dr. Dre with the chilly, instantly recognizable keys to the inescapable smash "Still D.R.E." But due to a fast lifestyle and an even faster climbing pile of debt, he became the guy producing underwhelming music for the likes of Paris Hilton and Brooke Hogan. The lackluster projects eventually took him out of the limelight altogether. Rick James once famously warned that "cocaine's a hell of a drug" and Storch now knows why.

Don't blame yourself for not keeping tabs on him though, Storch understands it was because he made some bad choices. You can Google those if you want, but don't place too much weight on the past. He's only looking forward now, concentrating only on regaining the respect and immense success he once held in the music industry. It's going to be a long journey back, but who doesn't love a good comeback story?

When we spoke to Storch at his Miami studio, there was lots of commotion—phones ringing and his employees asking him countless questions, yet he seemed, in a word, chill. His demeanor could have been attributed to whatever he was puffing on throughout our conversation. Nevertheless, he seemed eager to get his story out. We spoke about his new work with some of rap's biggest names, learning to separate work from play, his relationship with past collaborators, lessons learned, and what's next.


Duke London: First off, thanks for taking the time, I know you're a really busy guy right now. I think I speak for most people when I say it's great to have you back making music.

Scott Storch: My pleasure man, I appreciate that. It's been an interesting year. With these records I've been working on, normally from the start to when it's out, it takes a year. So I've just been collecting and putting stuff together, and hopefully it becomes like a domino effect.

Duke: Let's talk about one of those records right off the bat. "Mastermind", the new album from Rick Ross just dropped, and you produced the song "Supreme", which is getting rave reviews. Was that a beat you had already finished, or was it made just for Rozay?

SS: It was something that I had made specifically for him. I was in the middle of a Gucci Mane session, and Ross had stopped by to talk to Gucci about an upcoming video they were shooting, so I took advantage of the opportunity. We talked about me coming out to his house and bringing him some joints. So I went in for 3 or 4 days and made some exclusives tailor-made for him. I brought them to Ross and he recorded them all that night.

Duke: The "Supreme" beat is a perfect fit for him on that album, very soulful. Was that the first time you two had worked together?

SS: Directly, yeah. He's been on some of my records before, but those were cameos.

Duke: Hopefully we get to hear the other songs you guys worked on soon. You know what the plan is for those?

SS: Absolutely, he has other projects we're using those for. He pretty much took the whole lot of what I had made for him. Then I came through again, and he took all of those as well.