Quincy Jones shoots down Taylor Swift: 'We need f***ing songs, not hooks'

'A bad song can't be saved by the three best singers in the world'

Quincy Jones has produced some of the most iconic albums of all time, most notably Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad.

Speaking to GQ, the legendary artist spoke about almost everything, ranging from working with Frank Sinatra, growing up in Chicago, and having 22 girlfriends.

Perhaps the most interesting moment comes when Jones discusses modern music, revealing his adoration for artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Bruno Mars, Drake, Mary J. Blige, and Jennifer Hudson.

However, asked about Taylor Swift — arguably the best selling artist on the planet right now — Jones was less positive. “We need more songs, man. F**king songs, not hooks,” he told the publication.

Asked about what’s missing from her music, Jones replied: "Knowing what you're doing. You know what I mean? Since I was a little kid, I've always heard the people that don't wanna do the work. It takes work, man. The only place you find success before work is the dictionary, and that's alphabetical.”

Questioned further about how he would produce a track, Jones said: "I'll figure something out. Man, the song is the sh*t—that's what people don't realise. A great song can make the worst singer in the world a star. A bad song can't be saved by the three best singers in the world. I learned that 50 years ago.”

Later in the sprawling interview, Jones discusses buying drugs from Malcolm X, Ray Charles shooting heroin into his testicles, and working with Prince. Read the GQ interview here.