Podcast Summary: The Joe Rogan Experience Episode #2233 - Scott Storch

Release Date: November 22, 2024
Host: Joe Rogan
Guest: Scott Storch

1. Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Scott Storch delves into his early passion for music, tracing it back to his childhood influences like Ozzy Osbourne and Cheap Trick. He reminisces about learning to play the piano, motivated initially by the desire to impress others. Despite limited resources, Storch was largely self-taught, reflecting on his family's financial constraints and his father's tough love approach.

"I put [cassette tapes] on the piano bench and figured out how to play all my favorite songs." [01:44]

His relocation from New York to Florida and then to Philadelphia at age 15 marked a significant turn, immersing him in the burgeoning hip-hop scene of the early '90s.

2. Joining The Roots and Career Growth

Storch recounts his move into the hip-hop world, highlighting his involvement with The Roots (initially the Square Roots). Acquiring an Offender Rhodes keyboard on a tight budget, he crafted his unique sound despite technical imperfections.

"I wanted to do it like, sloppy, right? Like that perfect imperfection." [01:35]

Balancing his time between being a band member and working in construction, Storch emphasizes his dedication to music over conventional jobs.

3. Challenges and Departure from The Roots

Despite his contributions, Storch felt underappreciated within The Roots. An incident during a performance where a fellow rapper labeled him "the white devil" deeply hurt him, highlighting underlying racial tensions and leading to his departure from the group.

"They pointed me the white devil... it really hurt me because I'm like, I don't see color." [19:52]

This experience propelled him to focus on becoming a music producer rather than remaining in a band setting.

4. Collaborations with Dr. Dre and Eminem

Storch shares a pivotal moment meeting Dr. Dre, which transformed his career. An unexpected meeting led to Dre believing in his talent, resulting in collaborations that significantly boosted his reputation.

"It was surreal. Dre wants to stay for a long time. I got this... he wants me to stay." [25:04]

He also touches upon his work with Eminem, contributing to some of the rapper's early projects, solidifying his standing in the industry.

5. Personal Struggles: Drugs and Relationships

Storch opens up about his battles with addiction, detailing his relationships with high-profile figures like Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian. These relationships intertwined his professional and personal life, leading to a tumultuous period marked by substance abuse.

"It's pussy and drugs together. It's a kill of a combination." [10:58]

He reflects on the destructive cycle of fame, drugs, and the superficial relationships that often accompany success.

6. Health and Wellness Practices

Transitioning from his struggles, Storch discusses his commitment to health and wellness. He adopts practices like drinking hydrogen water, consuming CBD, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits to combat inflammation and maintain overall well-being.

"I'm drinking water until I'm blue in the face... it's like, I feel like it just sticks to your organs." [12:33]

Storch emphasizes the importance of hydration and proper nutrition in his recovery journey.

7. Philosophy on Talent, Passion, and Music Production

Scott Storch shares his views on talent and passion in the music industry. He believes that genuine passion leads to success, contrasting it with motivations driven by money or fame.

"If you're a passionate person and you love something so much, you're going to end up being good at it." [07:38]

He highlights the importance of finding one’s niche within the vast realm of music production and staying true to one’s artistic integrity.

8. Views on Fashion, Luxury, and Personal Growth

Storch reflects on his changing perspectives towards luxury and fashion. Initially indulging in extravagant lifestyles and luxury cars, he now prefers simplicity, valuing authenticity over ostentation.

"I'm filament rich and do all that, but lately I just... I don't have any respect for buddy." [33:25]

He advocates for enjoying luxury without letting it overshadow personal relationships and artistic pursuits.

9. Reflections on Current Events and Society

Engaging in a broader discussion, Storch and Rogan touch upon pressing societal issues like the defunding of police, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the impact of the pandemic on societal structures.

"The pandemic was just their way to fuck up the city." [74:37]

They express concerns over governmental decisions and global tensions, emphasizing the need for balance and peace.

10. Recent Projects and Future Plans

Storch shares his current endeavors, including plans to develop new artists and release his own album. He highlights collaborations with emerging talents like Abby Stare and aims to create music that resonates authentically with audiences.

"I'm putting out a slew of singles... I'm doing my single featuring her and then a whole bunch of other ones that I'm going to be putting out." [105:04]

Additionally, he discusses his interest in producing a biopic, aiming to present an unfiltered portrayal of his life and career.

11. Conclusion

The conversation concludes with mutual appreciation between Joe Rogan and Scott Storch. Storch emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance, authenticity, and dedication to one’s passion amidst the chaos of fame and societal pressures.

"Better late than never." [105:23]

He underscores his commitment to music and personal growth, advocating for a life driven by passion rather than external validation.

Notable Quotes

• "I put [cassette tapes] on the piano bench and figured out how to play all my favorite songs." — Scott Storch [01:44]

• "I wanted to do it like, sloppy, right? Like that perfect imperfection." — Scott Storch [01:35]

• "They pointed me the white devil... it really hurt me because I'm like, I don't see color." — Scott Storch [19:52]

• "It was surreal. Dre wants to stay for a long time. I got this... he wants me to stay." — Scott Storch [25:04]

• "If you're a passionate person and you love something so much, you're going to end up being good at it." — Scott Storch [07:38]

• "Better late than never." — Scott Storch [105:23]

Key Takeaways

• Persistence and Passion: Storch's journey underscores the importance of passion and perseverance in achieving success against the odds.

• Navigating Fame: His experiences highlight the challenges that come with fame, including substance abuse and strained relationships, emphasizing the need for balance.

• Health and Wellness: Transitioning to a healthier lifestyle played a crucial role in his recovery and ongoing success.

• Mentorship and Collaboration: Storch emphasizes the value of collaborating with and mentoring emerging artists, contributing positively to the music industry.

• Societal Reflections: The discussion extends beyond personal anecdotes, touching on significant societal and global issues, advocating for peace and balance.

Conclusion

Episode #2233 of The Joe Rogan Experience featuring Scott Storch offers an in-depth look into the life of a renowned music producer. From his humble beginnings and rise to fame with The Roots and collaborations with legends like Dr. Dre and Eminem, to his personal struggles and quest for balance, Storch provides a candid and comprehensive narrative. His insights into the music industry, personal growth, and societal issues make for a compelling and enlightening conversation, offering listeners both inspiration and a sobering perspective on the complexities of success.