Rick Rubin explains how System of a Down's Chop Suey! was created (2022)

In a recent interview with Joe Rogan, the producer Rick Rubin recalled how a weird decision by Serj Tankian ended up creating the most iconic System of a Down lines on 'Chop Suey!'.

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[uuntygi]

Joe was thinking the damage a bear would do if let loose in that crowd.

[blurfan]

Toxicity is one of the best produced metal albums ever. It could be released today and still sound completely new and fresh. Absolutely timeless.

[HallowedLunch]

Amazing how Rick has heard so many songs, and been around so much music, and still loves it like a teenager. Truly a gift.

[FearsomeWarrior]

Rick Rubin is the guy who asked Johnny Cash to sing Hurt by NIN/Trent Reznor. Insane amount of artists from all genres. Slayer and Adel. Santana and LL Cool J. Weezer and Metallica. Tom Petty and Lords of Acid. He is legend.

[MondoCool]

I love how Rogan basically goes "F it, it's my show. We're just gonna let this play through til the end" and they both just vibed out for 2 uninterrupted minutes.

[educostanzo]

The lyrics are great and all, but honestly what really gives me the chills is the vocal harmony and particularly Serj's delivery and emotion in that part.

[natemorris]

It's incredible because he's probably heard that song thousands of time and he still is digging it to this day

[wearesource]

There is a much deeper message that Rick is trying to share with us. And when he says, “I get chills”, he is deeply awe-struck by the synchronicity of life. Many of the artists who have worked with Rick, speak of his guru-like ability to tune into a song, an artist or moment – and intuitively know what is needed. “When you are open, and looking for these clues in the world, they’re happening all the time. And they’re happening often right when you need them.” Rick is plugged into the intelligent rhythm of the universe. That’s fucking powerful.

[JPMongeS]

Love how Rick headbangs to his own produced song; he might be proud of what he accomplished with SOAD in Toxicity. Amazing record!.

[Relyt]

I remember listening to System as a teenager for hours.
I’d lay on my bed, put my headphones on close my eyes and just listen to an album start to finish without interruption.
System of a Down will always be dear to my heart.

[NickPR]

I love that Rogan has gone back to having really influential and legitimately interesting people on the podcast. This episode was tremendous!

[kommisar.]

It's so cool to see Joe and his guest just sit there and watch a video in complete silence, uninterrupted with no commentary, just taking in the music and enjoying it (especially Rick).

[Noticing-Enjoyer]

Rick- it radical
Joe- yea
Rick- I get chills
Joe- yeah
Rick- it's so cool
Joe- it is so cool

Great interview skills and amazing Inight Joe.

[MurderSurvival]

Bro really convinced them to play his mixtape live on the podcast

[josiahpadfield]

The amount of respect I still see Rick has for SOAD is amazing. So many talented musicians he’s been around and he still talks about them.

[BritishGandalf]

"Father, why have you forsaken me?" are the words of Jesus on the cross. The fact that these words could be picked at random is nothing less than chilling.

[debaser]

This song came out when I was 17 and it sent chills down my spine then and does so to this day. Raw, brutal, beautiful.

[matthewbittenbender]

Rick Rubin is responsible for most of the music I love. Beastie Boys, SOAD, Chilli Peppers, Public Enemy, Weezer and Johnny Cash's final comeback were essentials in my life. Truly an amazing talent to have create such great bands and to make great bands better. Respect.

[israel_morrison]

still gives me goose bumps. love how Ruben made him listen to all of it !

[kylescott]

The fact that to this day you will still see Rick lose it and headbang to this absolute masterpiece he created with SOAD will forever warm my heart. What a beautiful era to grow up in surrounded by these albums.