Rick Rubin Explains How Jay-Z & Eminem's Writing Processes Differ

BY Erika Marie 6.8K Views
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He's created sounds that have helped define Hip Hop culture, so it is safe to say Rick Rubin has worked with and is a part of music's elite. The megaproducer's talents have been admired far and wide—if not for his own skills, then for being able to bring out the sonic best of hitmakers. This includes his longstanding, applauded work with Jay-Z and Eminem.

In a recent interview on the Joe Rogan Podcast, Rubin gave some insight into the writing processes for the two Rap icons.

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"I've worked with artists who do it completely different. Eminem will—he's always writing in a book. Always writing, all the time. And he's always got notebooks, writing." Rubin asked Eminem if he was coming up with rhyme schemes or other tools to use in the future. The Detroit standout told him that he'll never use 99 percent of what he writes down, but it was a practice to keep his mind "engaged in the process of writing and finding new ways to write."

This way, when he "needs" something to come to him, it does so with ease because he keeps his mind active. Rubin also mentioned Jay-Z's method in the studio. "[He] doesn't write anything down."

"He just listens to the beat and hums and then goes on the mic and 20 minutes later, just says a whole complicated versecomplicated verse," said Rubin. "I don't know how he can remember it, much less have just written it and just be able to do it, like, free. It's crazy."

Rubin also included a story about working on "99 Problems" with Jay, saying that Hov heard the beat, hummed along for 15 to 20 minutes, and then was ready to record. "No paper, no writing, nothing, and delivers the whole thing," said Rubin. "[He] says 'let's try it again' and does it again, and the words will be the same, but the phrasing will be different."

"It's more like an improvisational solo." Watch Rubin detail how Jay-Z and Eminem approach their writing styles below.

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.