Far too often, the artists who are equally responsible for some of your favorite songs go unrecognized in hip-hop music. The rappers and singers receive the accolades and headlines but those behind the boards are either left behind the board and the scene or reserved for the liner notes in CD jackets (I’m sure you still buy those.) Fortunately, the cream often rises to the top and the below hip-hop producers are so incredibly talented and versatile that they’ve all gone on the become superstars in their own right. Lets take a look at some the Masters of the MPC and Sultans of the SP 1200. These are the best hip-hop producers of all time.

 

Timbaland a.k.a Timbo – Timabland may be one of the most if not the most dynamic producer ever to touch a keyboard. Hailing from Virginia, Timothy Mosely has managed to weave in and out of hip-hop, R&B, EDM, and every other genre you could possibly imagine. Tim originally burst on the scene with an equally dynamic artist (Missy Elliot) and once we were privileged to experience the beautiful music they made together, we then got to fully bask in the genius of the syncopation king (and in my opinion, the father of the Trap Music sound.) With the ability to make a hit using only a paper clip and a wet napkin, the MacGyver of hip-hop production has shown no signs of letting up and we are eternally grateful.

Notables; Big Pimpin’ / Supa Dupa Fly

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owcsYJpm_JM&ab_channel=yan0

 

DJ Premier a.k.a Preemo – There was a point in time when if you were listening to hip-hop music, you were probably grooving to the production stylings of either Q-Tip, Large Professor or DJ Premier. One half of Gang Starr, Preemo has been the architect for some of the biggest names and the most classic joints ever produced. From Biggie (Kick in the door) to Jay-Z (D’ Evils, Friend or foe) to Nas (Nas is like) Preemo has produced for the Mount Rushmore of hip hop. It’s no wonder he is in strong consideration for the Mount Rushmore of hip-hop production. 

Notables; Unbelievable/ Dwyck / I Got a Story to Tell

 

DJ Marley Marl – Queensbridge native Marley Marl is a hip Hop God! There’s really no other way to put it. Easily considered one of the production fore fathers, Marley has laid the groundwork for some of the biggest hip hop classics ever recorded. The Architect of The Bridge and composer of The Symphony, this Juice Crew maestro produced for your favorite’s rapper favorite rapper (Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Biz Markie,etc…) Master of hard hitting snares and break beats, Marely remains unparalleled in production style. 

Noteables; The Bridge / Symphony

 

Kanye West aka Yeezy – If you haven’t heard it directly from Kanye himself at this point, allow us to restate his obvious; Kanye West is a genius! Yeezy originally emerged on the hip hop scene with a soul sample heavy style similar to Just Blaze and a few of the sample kings of the era (Pete Rock, Rza, etc…) Ye eventually progressed his style and the genre overall with what can now be considered EDM / hip-hop / Dance fusion. However you feel about the person, you cant deny the music. 

Notables; Jesus Walks / Takeover 

 

Dr. Dre – From NWA to Snoop to Kendrick Lamar, Dr. Dre has been cranking out monster hits for 30 plus years. With a production sound heavily immersed in G-funk, backed by catchy melodies and simple but earth shaking drums, Dre’s minimalist approach has always managed to provide the perfect palette for emcees. You would swear his tracks were mixed in concert halls on Mars given the airy nature of his final mixes. With prior production collaborations from the likes of Mel Man, Scott Storch, and The Dogg Pound, Dre has created more classic hip-hop albums than any living producer to date. 

Notebles; Straight Outta Compton / Nothing But A G Thang