The Best Hip Hop Producers of All Time

I remember about a year ago I was milling around the radio station when I noticed some kids recording some of their raps in one of the studios. I started talking to a couple of the guys, asking them who's beats they were using, and when they planned to release their mixtape. They seemed to have it all figured out, and claimed to be huge hip hop fans.

Now I'm not a die-hard when it comes to hip hop.

But, I probably spin rap records as often as any other genre, so sufficed to say, I can get down from time to time...if need be.

I started asking them if they thought about using Pete Rock beats, DJ Premier...all the greats in hip hop...and all I got in return was blank stares.

They hadn't heard of anybody.

Here these young guys were, maybe 16-17, using shit like Swizz Beats and Timbaland...what can I say...I wasn't surprised. Hip-hop is like most art-forms...the guys who are the best at it often go over-looked, or at the very least are under-appreciated by the masses.

Well I'm here to change that...sort of.

Here are the Best Hip Hop Producers of All Time (to date, duh)...in no particular order:

• Jay Dee AKA J Dilla AKA James Dewitt Yancey
• DJ Premier
• Pete Rock
• Large Professor
• Lord Finesse
• Damu the Fudgemunk
• Prince Paul
• Oddissee
• OEM
• Eric B
• Dr Dre
• 9th Wonder
• Jorun Bombay

If you haven't heard of some of these guys (or all of these guys)...you should first check your head...and then go check them out.

You're welcome.

-J