[Editor's note: For one of my first contributions to BET.com, I wrote an editorial piece — actually, it was more of a plea — for Scott Storch, who at the time had just been arrested for cocaine possession in Las Vegas. Whatever it was that ultimately inspired him to get back to making hit records, I'm glad it did. Since he's back in the studio, I have a feeling hip hop is about to be reminded why this dude had the game in a stranglehold in the mid-2000s.]

Few people have experienced the highs and lows of success like Scott Storch. After all, we're taught to practice moderation.

After 17 years of (literally) non-stop work that spanned from playing keyboard for The Roots and ultimately helping to create a signature sound that would re-shape hip hop, Storch took a vacation. And, just like in the studio, he went all out.

There was a series of highly publicized incidents involving drugs and the IRS. Then, the Philly-bred producer pulled a Bruce Wayne, disappearing completely from the public eye while he got himself on a healthier track.

Today, it's beautiful in southern Florida, but Storch wouldn't know. The 39-year-old is holed up in a studio prepping hits for some of music's biggest names. And like the fictitious Gotham billionaire, when Storch comes back, friends and foes will have no choice but to pay attention.

"That [mid-2000s productivity level] is where I'm at right now," Storch told BET.com, as he takes a break from putting the final touches on some work he's doing for Eminem's new album [the release date for which he's not ready to reveal].

"I'm back to being a studio rat," he added. "I live in the studio and I'm inspired."

Picking up right where he left off, Storch is already back to working with familiar faces, like fellow Floridian Rick Ross, as well as some new artists that are likely to be household names soon.

"Right now I'm preparing for a lot of projects," he explained. "I was just with Rick Ross the other night, [Gucci Mane], Chris Webby, Rihanna, Britney Spears and some others, bunch of things. Right now, I'm just getting s--t ready."

He noted that he's also been working quite a bit with Poe Boy Music Group (Flo-Rida, J-Randall, etc.).

The former Dr. Dre understudy has laced tracks for just about every big name in hip hop. Some of his most acclaimed work, however, has been with one man only, 50 Cent, who, as Storch himself proclaimed, is someone with whom he can't make bad music.

"I'm hoping to get back in the studio with 50," the "Candy Shop" producer remarked. "I can't really leak that information yet," he said, "but let's just say there's a chance we might be doing some film stuff together."

He doesn't plan on stopping at producing either. Though he was never one to get behind the mic himself, Storch said that, now, live performances might be on the horizon.

"I want to delve into the world of performing," Storch declared, later clarifying, "DJing and performing [with live instruments] the way DJ AM and Travis Barker did [Travis Barker would play drums to songs that AM was spinning]."

With a renewed sense of clarity and an unwavering work ethic, the end of 2013 just might be the beginning of the return to "beast mode" for Scott Storch.

"You can't count me out," he affirmed, and, without waiting for response — break's over — he got back to work.

Get ready for the BET Experience, featuring Beyoncé, Snoop Dogg, R. Kelly, Erykah Badu, Kendrick Lamar and many more. Go here for more details and info on how to buy tickets.

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(Photo: Alexander Tamargo/WireImage)