Once upon a time Rick Rubin
It all started in 1989, I visited my brother in Canada, where he was living with my dad.
We went record shopping, probably one of the first time I was buying my own records,
my first real choices let’s say. Before that I was just the little brother, listening to what the family was listening, following my brother’s music taste ; Pink Floyd, Led Zep, Metallica, The Cure etc…
I ended up with a bunch of cassette tapes : RUN DMC “Tougher than leather”, THE CULT “Electric” and BEASTIE BOYS “Licensed to ill”
Don’t ask me why, but a funny name appeared on the credits of each tapes!
produced by RICK RUBIN
No need to lie to you, at that time I did not know what was the meaning of it and I don’t think I really cared…
Skateboarding was all I had, every week-end, then almost everyday, I cruised in the streets of Paris. Naturally (thanx to Thrasher magazine)
I discovered SLAYER, RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS and DINOSAUR JR (but we don’t need them here)
And again! THAT name RICK RUBIN was written in the credits, even in capitals on the back of the records.
Who’s that guy ?
Is he the manager of the bands ? nop
Is he running the label or something ? nop… errr I mean YES! not always,
but wait, are you telling me that man created DEF JAM with Russell Simmons ???? The label of LL COOL J, BEASTIE BOYS, PUBLIC ENEMY… OUI it’s him!
Oh I see now, he’s also behind the clash AEROSMITH vs RUN DMC “Walk this way”, what’s wrong with that man, sorry I meant how cool is that ?
I remember watching the video on MTV (hello Headbangers Ball!), probably one of my first musical shock, that man is a genius!
Time goes on and here we are in 2008, Ed Banger records is only 5 years old, we released JUSTICE first album † and the band is touring the USA.
RICK RUBIN is running Columbia records from his house in Malibu. Our friend Kevin works at Columbia emailed me saying RICK RUBIN loved the album!
“guys” (me speaking) “i just got a message saying RICK RUBIN loved the album!”
“shut up Pedro!” (the boys spitting on me)
“and he wants to meet you…” (me almost crying, yes yes I’m not shy sharing this with you now)
We drove all the way to Malibu and entered RICK RUBIN’s world. For privacy reasons I will not speak about it here.
Rick asked the boys about sampling, compression, and few other producers fantasy, me I was just dreaming (awake)
We hang out, had a tea and took this memorable photo.
and the band is about to tour the world.
RICK RUBIN is running Columbia records from his house in Malibu. Our friend Kevin is now Dilpo’s manager emailed me saying RICK RUBIN loved the album!
“guys” (me speaking) “i just got a message saying RICK RUBIN loved the album AGAIN!”
I will not waste your time repeating the same jokes…
I prefer to share with you this piece of music, the kind of story you hear about someone meeting his hero.
RICK RUBIN accepted to RUIN (or remix) JUSTICE new single
Not only it’s a dream, it’s an honor to have him on board.
Monsieur DJ Double R I salute you!
Pedro “Busy P” Winter
