Super producer Scott Storch just dropped a bombshell during a revealing appearance on the PBD Podcast, calling out The Roots for what he described as years of disrespect and behind-the-scenes hate after he parted ways with the group.
The legendary producer—known for crafting hits for Beyoncé, Dr. Dre, Fat Joe, and Justin Timberlake—didn’t hold back as he aired out old wounds and shared emotional insights into his personal struggles and friendship with the late DMX.
???? “The Roots Didn’t Appreciate Me”
Storch, who was a member of The Roots from 1993 to 1995, claims the Philly-born rap collective never gave him the credit he deserved—even though he helped shape their signature sound.
“I started in The Roots and did a lot of the stuff for them—very underappreciated,” Storch said.
“I was the guy who, again, came up with a lot of the nucleus of what that shit was.”
Despite contributing heavily to early Roots projects, he says his efforts were minimized after he chose to leave.
“I left the group and was told I was, like, the Pete Best of The Roots,” he said, referring to the Beatles drummer who was famously replaced before the group found massive success.
“Even my girlfriend broke up with me and said, ‘Oh, you f**ked up.’”
???? Why He Walked Away: “I Saw Bigger”
The decision to walk away from The Roots wasn’t easy—but for Storch, it was necessary.
“I’m not gonna go on the road with a bunch of guys that don’t appreciate me,” he said.
“I was labeled as ‘that white guy who plays keys in The Roots.’ But I was the f**king guy coming up with all the shit.”
Then came the most jaw-dropping claim of all:
“In fact, they called me the white devil.”
The comment shocked many fans online, reigniting long-standing debates about race, recognition, and respect in hip-hop collectives—especially when it comes to creative contributions from behind-the-scenes figures.
???? From The Roots to Dr. Dre: A Career Pivot That Paid Off
While Storch left The Roots under bitter circumstances, his next move would prove monumental.
After parting ways with the group, he joined forces with Dr. Dre, co-producing massive records like “Still D.R.E.” and “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” by Eve and Gwen Stefani.
It was a career-defining pivot—one that ultimately helped shape hip-hop’s sonic evolution through the early 2000s.
???? Helping DMX While Battling His Own Demons
Later in the interview, Storch opened up about one of the most personal chapters of his life—his friendship with DMX and their shared struggle with addiction.
“It was like the blind leading the blind,” Storch said.
“I’m a coke addict and he’s a crack addict, and I’m trying to help him.”
In a raw and emotional confession, he described trying to convince the Ruff Ryders icon to seek treatment while he himself was spiraling:
“I’m like, [snorts coke] ‘You really need to get clean, man.’ What the f**k? I’m like, ‘You need to go to rehab.’”
He added:
“I convinced him to avoid a jail sentence and go to rehab… I had him there. I really did care about him.”
While DMX did attend rehab at the same facility Storch once visited, the recovery ultimately didn’t stick—and Storch was left reflecting on the tragedy:
“That was a faster suicide than I was even on.”
???? Social Media Reacts: “Brutally Honest or Just Bitter?”
Scott Storch’s interview is sending shockwaves across social media, with fans divided:
- “The Roots should’ve respected his talent more.”
- “He sounds bitter, not underappreciated.”
- “Calling someone the white devil is wild if true.”
- “DMX and Scott Storch together? That’s tragic and powerful.”
The interview has reignited debates around artistic credit, addiction in the music industry, and how race dynamics play out behind the scenes.
???? From Underdog to Icon: Scott Storch’s Legacy Continues
Despite his rocky exit from The Roots and the ups and downs of addiction and fame, Scott Storch remains one of the most impactful producers in hip-hop history.
His work helped define an era, and his brutally honest reflections are shedding light on some of the industry’s most uncomfortable truths.
Whether or not you agree with his take, one thing’s for sure: he’s not afraid to speak his truth—and hip-hop is listening.
????️ What’s Your Take?
Do you think Scott Storch was unfairly treated by The Roots? Was his role underappreciated?
Drop your thoughts in the comments and stay locked to The Pop Radar (TPR) for more music industry exclusives! ????????
