Rap music often focuses on the artist’s ability to convey a message through storytelling. But what fans often overlook is that putting out a hit song is a collaborative effort. The producers play just as much of an important part in making the song a success.
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Here is a look at some of the top producers of all time.
Diddy
Sean “Diddy” Combs. has become one celebrity figures where you have to separate the art from the artist. Yes, he has done some horrible things throughout his career but he is undeniably one of the greatest producers in the history of hip-hop. Combs first splashed on the scene in the 1990s where he and the Notorious B.I.G. became one of hip-hop’s all-time dynamic duos with smash hits such as Juicy, Hypnotize, and Who Shot Ya. Following Biggie’s murder in 1997, Combs went on to become a super producer, working with some of the biggest acts in hip-hop. Danity Kane, Day 26, and Cassie are among the artists who he has produced for.
Dr. Dre
Dr. Dre is one of the pioneers of gangster rap. Along with Eazy E and the NWA, a brand new sound of hip-hop was invented. Dre being one of the forefathers of the Los Angeles music culture shock is often undercelebrated. After all, he was the one that brought legends like Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube to the mainstream stage. Even after Eazy E’s passing and NWA moved on to other endeavors he brought his West Coast flavor to the north, working with legends such as 50 Cent and Eminem on his Aftermath label. Dr. Dre isn’t just a legendary hip-hop producer. He is THE legendary hip-hop producer.
Kanye West
If you were born after the year 2000, chances are you were not even aware Kanye had a legendary career as a hip-hop producer. But he did. And in fact, it was his career as an elite producer. Ye started out with Roc-A-Fella Records, working with top music execs Jay-Z and Dame Dash. During his time he produced some of Jay-Z’s top hits such as Lucifer, Poppin Tags, and Izzo. Even after he officially kicked off his rap career, Kanye stayed in his producer bag. And eventually, he branched off on his own launching G.O.O.D. Music where he produced for some of the top artists of the 2010s including Big Sean, Pusha T, and 2 Chainz.
Pharell
Many people know Pharell as a fashion icon. Especially after recently taking the position as the creative director on Louis Vuitton. But for most of us, Pharell is the legendary super producer to give us some of hip-hop’s most legendary acts. Pharell is most famous for producing Clipse’s smash hit “Grindin'” but he has so many more classics under his belt. Nelly’s Hot in Heree, Justin Timberlake’s Rock Ya Body, and Mystikal’s Shake Ya A** are just a few of the other classics that he has produced.
