Trivia

Produced albums for artists as diverse as the Beastie Boys, Slayer , and Johnny Cash.

Has produced albums for a diverse slew of artists including Jay-Z, Beastie Boys, Run-D.M.C., Slayer, Johnny Cash, System of a Down, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nine Inch Nails, Slipknot, Macy Gray, Geto Boys, LL Cool J, The Black Crowes, Eagle Eye Cherry, Public Enemy, Audioslave, Limp Bizkit, The Mars Volta, Sir Mix A Lot, The Cult, Glenn Danzig, The Bangles, Mick Jagger, and T La Rock.

Co-founded Def Jam Recordings with Russell Simmons in 1984.

Left Def Jam Recordings in 1988 and founded Def American Recordings.

Changed the name of Def American Recordings to American Recordings in 1993 when he found the word "def" in a dictionary.

After collaborating with them for about 3 years, he had a mysterious falling out with the Beastie Boys in 1987, around the same time the group left their then-label, Def Jam Recordings and signed with Capitol/EMI Records, for whom they have recorded ever since. It is unclear whether the Beastie Boys left Def Jam as a result of their conflict with Rubin, or whether their ended friendship was because the group left the label for financial reasons. Shortly after the Beasties left Def Jam, Rick Rubin claimed he deserved all the credit for their success because he totally crafted their image and songs, although this never went to court.

Produced the critically acclaimed Neil Diamond album "12 Songs", released Nov. 8, 2005. (November 2005)

Currently recording in a studio producing Metallica's upcoming album. (August 2006)

Planning to record the next ZZ Top album that should be out later this year or 2009. (June 2008)