Today, March 10, is the 55th birthday of legendary record producer and Def Jam Recordings co-founder Rick Rubin.

Although his musical beginnings lie in the 1980's punk scene, this New York native has been making waves in hip-hop and shaping the careers of rappers for over thirty years. Rubin first learned about hip-hop production working with DJ Jazzy Jay in 1983 and linked up with club promoter Russell Simmons to found Def Jam Recordings in 1984 while still in school at New York University. Fusing rock influences with hip-hop, Rubin brought up many New York acts, from LL Cool J and Public Enemy to Run-D.M.C. and the Beastie Boys.

Having built up a reputation as being an experimental and hit-making producer over the years, Rubin has assisted with Jay Z, Adele, Johnny Cash, Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga and many more. Having produced mega hits like Jay Z's "99 Problems," stars from every genre beg to work with him. There's no doubting his musical genius. Rubin even executive produced Kanye West's 2013 album Yeezus and Wu-Tang Clan's 2014 album A Better Tomorrow. Most recently, Rubin has been hitting the studio with some of hip-hop's newer acts like iLoveMakonnen and Towkio and is working on a Star Wars themed album.

Happy Birthday, Rick Rubin!

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