The art form that is known to us all as Hip-Hop has come along way since its humble beginnings in the Bronx. Originally a local art form, its major component rap or emceeing has helped to propel the culture from New York to the rest of the world. It is arguably the most influential and relevant genre today, due in part to not only the emcees whose words gave meaning to other’s struggles but also to the men and women whose production took what would be called mere words or poems and turned them into montages, songs that are monuments in time and life. When trying to compile a list of the ultimate producers of all time, I soon realized that there are producers and beatmakers. Both are essential to the culture as they both provide a musical experience, but only one can blend the fine line between commercial and critical success, a crucial trait that will be weighed when trying to justify one’s choice for greatest. Below I have a list of the best hip-hop producers of all time to me as well as the best beatmakers with my accompanying logic attached.
Best Producers List
- Dr. Dre– His work on a number of critically acclaimed works from NWA, Snoop Dogg, and Death Row, his own first project, Eminem and 50 Cent and now Kendrick Lamar are the strongest reasons why he should go #1. While not my personal choice, his legacy has been solidified.
- Timbaland– The more creative and dare I say hands-on of the two, his career rap sheet shows classic musical works for Aaliyah and Missy Elliott as well as Jay-Z . More recently he is known for his work with Nelly Furtado, Keri Hilson, and Justin Timberlake, all artists whose careers owe him significant praise.
- The Neptunes– My personal favorite, he and Chad Hugo’s work as a collective group has stood the test of time. They’ve earned Grammys for their work with artists such as Justin Timberlake, and Mariah Carey, but are more known for their work for artists like Kelis, The Clipse, and Daft Punk.
- Organized Noize– Their recently premiered Netflix documentary, The Art of Organized Noize, has helped to shed light on the group’s long and storied history. Another Grammy award winning group, their work has helped many groups from the South reach acclaim from their work with G.O.O.D.I.E. M.O.B. to OutKast and TLC. Their impact in rap has long been understated and underappreciated.
- DJ Premier and RZA- DJ Premier and Large Professor are two names that are synonymous with rap and in particular the New York sound that came to identify the region. Premier’s signature style of scratches on records he produced as well as his varied musical work with GangStarr, Jeru the Damaja and now with Royce da 5’9 are just some of the reasons he’s on the list. RZA, the mastermind behind the Wu-Tang Sound, influenced countless other producers such as Kanye West who credits his production style as his inspiration so to speak. His work on classic hip-hop records such as Enter the Chambers, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, and virtually every other influential Wu record is why he deserves the top 5 distinctions.
Wright World 