Scott Storch has been in the hip hop game for over two decades. Since 1993, he's been laying down his signature sound with everybody from The Roots, whom he started his career with, to Dr. Dre to Gucci Mane. He may have filed for bankruptcy last year, but hopefully the guy will have royalty checks coming in for his work on singles like "Still D.R.E.," "Candy Shop," and "Shutterbug."
Storch was brought back into the headlines last month when it came out that he was being sued by a couple of real estate bigwigs who fronted him some money following his bankruptcy. To be fair, he also recently produced Rick Ross' "Sorry," which features great keyboard work from the production vet. Through the ups and downs, Storch continues to be a prominent member of the hip hop community, and today we throw it back to some of his classic cuts.
The Roots - "Proceed"
If you're more familiar with Storch's 50 Cent collaborations, you may not know him as one of the early members of The Roots. The Philadelphia native linked up with Quest and Black Thought to produce some of their best tracks, including the very classic "Proceed" off Do You Want More?!!!??!
The Roots - "You Got Me" featuring Erykah Badu
A few years after "Proceed" dropped, The Roots had paved their way into heart of the R&B charts by crossing over with Erykah Badu for "You Got Me." The song remains as one of the most popular tracks from both parties, and also from our subject Scott Storch.
Xzibit - "X"
Now we transition from the early Roots crew material into Storch's heyday in the early 2000s. Xzibit busted out his first (and only) platinum album with Restless, and it's largely thanks to Scott's production on "X" that helped to make it such a hit.
Dr. Dre - "Still D.R.E." featuring Snoop Dogg
Now we're getting into one of the best piano riffs of any rap song ever. It may be a bold claim, but nothing does it quite like the "Still D.R.E." instrumental. Fifteen years later, and it's still one of the most infectious and recognizable tracks in rap history.
WC - "The Streets" featuring Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg
We continue the classic run of west coast rap tracks that Scott Storch helped to create in the early 00s. In addition to Storch, Westside Connection member WC employed a couple Doggs in Snoop and Nate, creating one of the biggest tracks of his career.
Beyoncé - Me, Myself and I
It would seem that Bae had an unfaithful man on her hands before she met Hov. She sings her blues in phenomenal fasion on "Me, Myself and I," which is backed by a funky, soulful beat from Scott Storch.
The Roots - "Don't Say Nuthin'"
We had to squeeze one more strong Roots cut in for the classic Storch selection. "Don't Say Nuthin'" was a highlight on The Roots's The Tipping Point. It would be the last time Storch appeared on a Roots record.
Terror Squad - "Lean Back" featuring Fat Joe and Remy
There's a bunch of great beat-makers out there, but Storch is incredibly talented at making songs really, really catchy. Like his work on "Still D.R.E.," "Lean Back" features an introduction that is totally unmistakable right from the get-go. Fat Joe and Scott Storch really crushed it on this one.
50 Cent - Just A Lil Bit
Storch had a bunch of great tracks with 50 Cent, and they couldn't all make the list. "Just A Lil Bit" will represent for a run of collaborative records between the two that also includes "Candy Shop," "Get Up," "Build You Up," and more.
Fat Joe - "Make It Rain" featuring Lil Wayne
It's quite possible that the biggest mainstream hit of Scott Storch's career is "Make It Rain." Fat Joe links up with Weezy amidst his prime for a song that boasts Storch's infectious synths. This one still has wheels.