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Rick Rubin

Rick Rubin is an American record producer and music executive born on March 10, 1963.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Rick Rubin (born Frederick Jay Rubin on March 10, 1963) is an American record producer and music executive. He co-founded Def Jam Recordings and founded American Recordings, and has worked across hip-hop, rock, metal, country, and pop.

Early life

Rick Rubin was born Frederick Jay Rubin on March 10, 1963, in Long Island, New York, United States.

Career

Rubin co-founded Def Jam Recordings with Russell Simmons, later founded American Recordings, and served as former co-president of Columbia Records.

Production style and influence

Rubin is known for a stripped-down production approach and for working successfully across genres, helping shape major releases in hip-hop, rock, metal, and country.

Selected artists

His production credits include Run-D.M.C., Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Slayer, Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Linkin Park, System of a Down, and Adele.

Key facts

  • Rick Rubin co-founded Def Jam Recordings and founded American Recordings.
  • He has produced influential recordings across hip-hop, rock, metal, country, and pop.
  • His credits include Run-D.M.C., Beastie Boys, Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Adele.
  • He won multiple Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for The Chicks (2007) and Adele (2012).
  • Some sources also identify him as a musician due to his early role as the original DJ for the Beastie Boys.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Rick Rubin?
Rick Rubin is an American record producer and music executive known for co-founding Def Jam Recordings and founding American Recordings.
What has Rick Rubin produced?
He has produced recordings for artists including Run-D.M.C., Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Slayer, Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Linkin Park, System of a Down, and Adele.
How old is Rick Rubin?
Born March 10, 1963, Rick Rubin is 63 years old as of July 23, 2026.
What is Rick Rubin's net worth?
An exact net worth is not given in the provided sources, so it is not included here.
Is Rick Rubin a musician?
Most sources describe him primarily as a record producer, but some also identify him as a musician because he was the original DJ for the Beastie Boys.
What is Rick Rubin known for?
He is known for influential music production across genres, especially for hip-hop and rock, and for helping bring together artists and styles that shaped modern popular music.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Rubin
    Supports: Birth date, American nationality, co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, founder of American Recordings, former co-president of Columbia Records
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rick-Rubin
    Supports: Born March 10, 1963 in Long Island, New York; American record producer; widely sought-after producer
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005391/bio/
    Supports: Birth date/place; examples of artists he has produced
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005391/
    Supports: Birth date and general credits as producer/actor
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Rubin_production_discography
    Supports: Grammy Awards and production-discography-related claims
  6. Wikipedia — https://hr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Rubin
    Supports: Statement that he is also a musician and was the first DJ for the Beastie Boys
  7. Wikipedia — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Rubin
    Supports: Musician role, co-founding Def Jam, founding American Recordings, and genre influence
  8. Wikipedia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Rubin
    Supports: Primary activity listed as producer, musician, composer; influence on rap and hard rock