I don't even know what a traditional producer is or does. I feel like the job is like being a coach, building good work habits and building trust. You want to get to a point where you can say anything and talk about anything. There needs to be a real connection.

Everything I do, whether it's producing or signing an artist, always starts with the songs. When I'm listening, I'm looking for a balance that you could see in anything. Whether it's a great painting or a building or a sunset.

I don't know what makes someone hip. The goal is artist achievement and the best work we can do with no limitation.

I've always been an outsider. When I did magic, I was the only kid. When I worked with Johnny Cash, I was completely out of place in Nashville. And when I started Def Jam, I was the only white guy in the hip-hop world.

Money is not the ultimate point, but it remains the actual measure of success.

You can't go into business thinking that success will come to you in just one or two years.

As long as you keep going, you'll keep getting better. And as you get better, you gain more confidence. That alone is success.

Personally, I experience success when I enjoy what I'm doing. I love the creative process, even if the end result isn't embraced by anyone else.