George Clinton has been in the music business long enough to see trends come and go. The legendary funk pioneer has also been keeping an ear to the street on which artists and producers have maintained their popularity and longevity while putting out quality music. Clinton recently talked production, naming his favorite beat makers, calling Pharrell "the best" and making comparison to Rick Rubin.
During an interview with XXL, Clinton named off some of the "funkiest hip-hop producers of all time." Among his picks were Hank Shocklee of the Bomb Squad, DJ Muggs and Rick Rubin. He spoke highly of Pharrell comparing his musicality to that of Rubin.
Pharrell is in another whole class by himself. You said hip-hop, but he does everything. I mean, when you get to that stuff, he did Mystikal. He's the best. [Laughs] Pharrell is able to do anything. He's a mainstream producer. He can do almost any kind of record. He's one of those guys that has educated himself on a lot of different vibes, and he's been that way since his group came out. Throw in that "Bouncin' Back" from Mystikal; that is so left field. When I talked to Mystikal, I thought that he had provided the music for the track, but Pharrell did the music. 'Cause the music is definitely New Orleans music, but he said Pharrell came with it. Just for him to even be aware of that kind of music is brilliant. I can see with Mystikal, because he had the whole Louisiana vibe with him. But for Pharrell to bring the whole second line, New Orleans music, for him to bring that on, that was scary.
The man known as the Godfather of groups like Parliament and Funkadelic also commended Rubin for his longevity in the music industry.
Rick Rubin, the ones that can last when sh-t change. And who can be up on it, whatever it is, and for it to even be allowed in the studio with the kids. Because the kids really wanna get rid of your old ass when their turn comes. [Laughs] They don't want you around suggesting nothing. But if you're respected or can respect them enough to co-exist when they come in, then I think you're doing well. That's why Pharrell is one of those ones; you're still trying to catch up with him. And it looks like it's gonna be that way for a while now. And Rick Rubin is the same thing; whatever new thing comes up, he gets a shot at it and the kids don't throw him out of the studio. [Laughs]
Check out more of what George Clinton had to say about his favorite producers here and look at his brief cameo in Kendrick Lamar's "i" music video after the jump.
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