Good people, this will be short but sweet. Rap Music is amazing but one of the greatest things about Hip Hop is BEATS. I mean, beats can put you in a zone. There is nothing like an amazing beat. Over the years we have all debated and stated who our favorite beat makers and producers are. Tomorrow I will be on a Podcast called Apartment 5B (I'm a regular guest and member on the panel) and we will be discussing the greatest Producers. I will add a link when available. Man, beats are so vital to Rap Music. I'm currently listening to "LIFE" by J. Dilla. When I think of the RZA's run from 1993-1997 or Premo from 1992-1998, there aren't many who can compete. Remember, Q-Tip produced The Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders. What about the fact that J. Dilla could do any style. I remember 9th Wonder telling me that Nottz was the greatest beat maker breathing one day at a club in NC. The 80's were dominated by Marley Marl and The Bomb Squad. What about Rick Rubin? I often think bout how underrated Tracksmasters were and smooth sound of The Justice League. The list goes on and on but below are the 30 greatest beat makers/producers to me. These can always be debated. It's about preference. For younger fans, Drake primary Producers 40 & Boi-1da keep heat in the kitchen. My criteria is heat, longevity, versatility, replay value, and can the producer create full projects instead of beats here and there. So, below are my 30 Greatest off the Top of my head. Side note, they aren't really in order.
1. DJ Premier
2. Marley Marl
3. J. Dilla -
4. Pete Rock
5. Dr. Dre
6. RZA
7. The Bomb Squad
8. Organized Noise
9. Q-Tip
10. Large Professor
11. DJ Quick
12. Nottz
13. Just Blaze
14. Eric Sermon/Parrish Smith
15. Alchemist
16. Kanye West
17. Havoc
18. Hi Tek
19. Timberland
20. Pharrell
21. Madlib
22. Ski
23. Bink!
24. Rick Rubin
25. Diamond D
26. Buckwild
27. DJ Muggs
28. Madlib
29. NO.ID
30. 9th Wonder
Now, let me be clear that there are people that are technically better beat makers but some of these guys have been very consistent. Now, a dude like Khrysis is technically better than some of these dudes. You also can't forget about Prince Paul, Ant Banks, Da Beatminerz, Mannie Fresh, J. Swift, Pimp C, Showbiz, and DJ Toomp. I just don't know, its impossible. These are just some random thoughts. Who are your favorite producers?
Peace