Who Are The Best Hip Hop Producers of all time? Top 20 List
Hip-hop history began in the 1970s in the Bronx, New York City. But before there were studio-bound hip-hop producers; DJs such as Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, and Grandmaster Flash solely used Turntables to create loops, breaks, beats, and scratches.
Then, innovative samplers and drum machines such as the Roland TR-808, Fairlight CMI, E-MU SP-12, SP-1200, and Akai Pro MPC series revolutionised the way hip-hop producers made beats.
Today, hip-hop production has transcended the need for traditional samplers and studios. If you’ve got a laptop and a DAW, you’ve got everything you need to make a studio-quality track and join the ranks of worldwide influential producers in hip-hop music.
But who are the best hip-hop producers of all time? At the end of the day, it’s a matter of personal taste.
We’ve put together this list of 20 producers who we think are the best or have had the most influence on the genre and on most hip-hop fans, and prioritised those who truly transcended the musical scene and become more than just a producer but an icon.
We’re only just “scratching” the surface, and there are a lot of hip-hop producers unlucky not to make the cut. So let us know how this list compares to yours!
Best Hip Hop Producer of All Time: The top 20
20. DJ Muggs
Classics:
- Cypress Hill – Insane In The Brain
- House of Pain – Jump Around
- Ice Cube – Check Yo Self
What Puts Them Among the Best in Producers of all Time in Hip Hop
DJ Muggs is a Hip Hop producer renowned for his work with Cypress Hill & House of Pain. Plus, he’s contributed to several classic hits himself and with several hip-hop legends. His music style is known for combining the West Coast groove with an incredible amount of energy. Hence, his biggest hits include the wildly popular “Jump Around” and “Insane In The Brain”
Notable Artist Collaborations: Cypress Hill, House of Pain, Ice Cube, GZA, KRS-One
19. Madlib
Classics:
- MadVillain – Accordion
- Freddie Gibbs – Fake Names
- Quasimoto – Catchin’ The Vibe
What Puts Them Among the Best in Producers of all Time in Hip Hop
Madlib is one of the most prolific hip-hop producers of the 2000s. Renowned for going under a variety of pseudonyms when collaborating with other artists including Madvillain, Jaylib, MadGibbs, The Loop Digga, and many more. He’s also famous for creating the character/alter ego “Quasimoto”: Conceived after Madlib one day decided to rap on his own beats, speeding up the vocals to give it a unique twist!
Notable Artist Collaborations: Freddie Gibbs, Talib Kweli, J Dilla, MF Doom, Blu
18. Havoc
Classics:
- Mobb Deep – Shook Ones Pt: II
- Mobb Deep – Survival Of The Fittest
- Nas – Shoot ‘Em Up
What Puts Them Among the Best in Producers of all Time in Hip Hop
Havoc is one of the best Hip Hop producers and most notably, one half of the duo Mobb Deep. Along with Prodigy, Mobb Deep is renowned for a long list of classic hits. Regarding his style, Havoc was largely inspired by RZA and, as a result, his beats are hard-hitting and often stripped down and simple.
Notable Artist Collaborations: Nas, Eminem, Notorious B.I.G, Onyx, LL Cool J, Method Man, The Game
17. Rick Rubin
Classics:
- LL Cool J – I Need A Beat
- Public Enemy – Public Enemy No. 1
- Jay-Z – 99 Problems
What Puts Them Among the Best in Producers of all Time in Hip Hop
Renowned even among Hip Hop Producers as well as the founder of Def Jam Records; Rick Rubin would have to be one of the most influential names in the hip-hop world. His style is renowned for its “stripped-down” sound as well, keeping vocals raw over a beat with nothing much more than a classic drum break.
Notable Artist Collaborations: Run DMC, LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Jay-Z
16. Marley Marl
Classics:
- LL Cool J – Mama Said Knock You Out
- Roxanne Shante – Roxanne’s Revenge
What Puts Them Among the Best Producers of All Time in Hip Hop
One of hip hop’s original producers, Marley Marl deserves a place on this list. Responsible for producing some classic hits, as well as inspiring a plethora of young talent that would then become some of hip hop’s greats including RZA, Pete Rock, and DJ Premier.
Notable Artist Collaborations: Eric B & Rakim, Kool G Rap, LL Cool J, Juice Crew
15. Just Blaze
Classics:
- Kanye West & Lupe Fiasco – Touch The Sky
- Ghostface Killah – The Champ
- Jay-Z – The Blueprint Album
What Puts Them Among the Best Producers of All Time in Hip Hop
Just Blaze is an American hip-hop producer most known for his production work on Jay-Z’s albums “The Blueprint”, “The Blueprint 2”, and “The Black Album”. His sound is renowned for delivering hard-hitting, anthem-like tracks that are guaranteed to stand out on any album.
Notable Artist Collaborations: Talib Kweli, Eminem, Jay-Z, Royce Da 5’9, Saigon, Snoop Dogg, Ghostface Killah
14. The Alchemist
Classics:
- Nas – Book Of Rhymes
- Prodigy – Keep it Thoro
- Schoolboy Q – Break The Bank
What Puts Them Among the Best Producers of All Time in Hip Hop
The Alchemist is a hip-hop producer inspired by the sinister sound of Havoc and Mobb Deep. As a result, his beats often resemble a scene from a horror movie.
Although originating from the West Coast, his sound is comparable to east-coast boom-bap. He has produced several East Coast classics including Nas’ – Book of Rhymes.
Also worth noting, The Alchemist includes somewhat of a musical signature inserted in the majority of songs he produces. A distorted voice recording of rapper Prodigy usually at the start of a song sounds like “A-A-A-A-A-Alchemist.
Notable Artist Collaborations: Action Bronson, Mobb Deep, Freddie Gibbs, Schoolboy Q, Dilated Peoples, Roc Marciano, Nas, Snoop Dogg, Ghostface Killah
13. No I.D
Classics:
- Common – I Used to Love H.E.R
- Jay – Z – All Around The World
- Kanye West – Heartless
What Puts Them Among the Best Producers of All Time in Hip Hop
No I.D is a hip hop producer who started as the go-to beatmaker for Common. Best known for producing soulful tracks with an emotional punch, No I.D has a prolific discography. Producing tracks for names such as Beanie Siegel, Jay-Z, and G-Unit. As well as being coined as a mentor by Kanye West. He’s also the executive vice president of A&R for Def Jam Records.
12. Q-Tip
Classics:
- A Tribe Called Quest – Bonita Applebum
- Nas – One Love
- A Tribe Called Quest – Award Tour
What Puts Them Among the Best Producers of All Time in Hip Hop
Q-Tip is a hip-hop producer and founding member of A Tribe Called Quest. Emerging in the late 80s, ATCQ was renowned for its smooth, jazzy beats, often using groovy keyboard riffs and basslines that Q-Tip had sampled from jazz, funk, and classic records. Although all members of the Tribe contributed to their production, it’s widely acknowledged that Q-Tip was the leader and main driver within the group.
Notable Artist Collaborations: Nas, Mobb Deep, Janet Jackson, A Tribe Called Quest.
11. Large Professor
Classics:
- Main Source – Looking at the front door
- Big L – Unexpected Flava
- Nas – Halftime
- Nas – It Aint Hard To Tell
What Puts Them Among the Best Producers of All Time in Hip Hop
Large Professor is an influential hip hop producer who was a member of the group Main Source; as well as the original mentor for Nas, featuring his very first released appearance on “Live at the BBQ”. Producing several tracks for Nas, Large Professor also worked with names such as Busta Rhymes, Big Daddy Kane, Masta Ace, & A Tribe Called Quest.
10. Ant of Atmosphere
Classics:
- Atmosphere – God Loves Ugly
- Brother Ali – Uncle Sam Goddamn
- Atmosphere – Puppets
- Atmosphere – Yesterday
What Puts Them Among the Best Producers of All Time in Hip Hop
Ant is among the best hip-hop producers and one-half of the duo Atmosphere. Not to mention the man at the forefront of almost all hip-hop production coming out of Minneapolis. Producing 8 albums with Atmosphere, as well as being the go-to producer for Brother Ali, Felt (Slug & Murs), Sage Francis, and MF Doom. He’s a versatile hip-hop producer that has a sound for every style of track!
Notable Artist Collaborations: Atmosphere, Brother Ali, Felt, Sage Francis, MF Doom.
9. Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind
Classics:
- Jedi Mind Tricks – I Against I
- Ill Bill & Jedi Mind Tricks – Heavy Metal Kings
- Sean Price & Jedi Mind Tricks – Blood Runs Cold
What Puts Them Among the Best Producers of All Time in Hip Hop
Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind is a hip-hop producer and member of the underground hip-hop group “Jedi Mind Tricks”. A lesser-known producer, Stoupe’s instrumentals are renowned for hard-hitting drums with an aggressive sound. Although only working with a few hip-hop artists outside the Jedi Mind Tricks group, Stoupe’s sound has inspired several upcoming hip-hop producers that take influence from his distinctive sound, including C-Lance.
Notable Artist Collaborations: Jedi Mind Tricks, Canib us, Guru, 7l & Esoteric, Virtuoso
8. Nujabes
Classics:
- Nujabes & Shing02 – Luv(sic) Part 1 – Part 6
- CYNE & Nujabes – Feather
- Nujabes – Aruarian Dance
- Nujabes & Cise Starr – D.T.F.N
What Puts Them Among the Best Producers of All Time in Hip Hop
Nujabes was a Japanese hip-hop producer renowned for producing atmospheric, and jazz-infused hip-hop instrumentals. He collaborated with several fellow Japanese artists such as Uyama Hiroto, Shing02 and L-Universe.
As well as several American hip-hop artists including CYNE, CL Smooth, Funky DL, and Substantial. Since Nujabes death, we’ve seen countless tribute records released in the name of him. Inspiring a whole new style of jazz-inspired instrumentals, and sub-genres such as Jazz-Hop and LoFi.
Notable Artist Collaborations: YNE (Cise Starr & Akin, Funky DL, CL Smooth, Substantial, Shing02
7. Kanye West
Classics:
- Talib Kweli – Get By
- Kanye West – Jesus Walks
- Kanye West – Gold Digger
- Jay Z – H.O.V.A
- Rhianna – Run This Town
What Puts Them Among the Best Producers of All Time in Hip Hop
Through his hip-hop production, Kanye West has significantly influenced the hip-hop world over the years. Beginning by focusing on sped-up soul samples, he then experimented with orchestral strings, and electronic sounds, before going back to the roots of his original 808. Above all, Kanye West continues to push boundaries and reinvent Hip Hop. So although his personality may not be everyone’s cup of tea, there’s no denying the influence his music has had on the genre.
Notable Artist Collaborations: Jay Z, Drake, Rhianna, Talib Kweli, Common, Mos Def, Slum Village
6. J Dilla
Classics:
- Slum Village – Reunion
- Guru – Certified
- Pharcyde – Runnin
- Common – E=MC2
- Slum Village – Let’s
What Puts Them Among the Best Producers of All Time in Hip Hop
J Dilla was a hip-hop producer and one-third of the group Slum Village. Another famous MPC user, J Dilla is renowned for producing smooth hip-hop beats that encompassed his original style. He was famous for pushing the boundaries of conventional instrumentals by doing things such as having the drums a little off time and speeding up the snares.
Resulting in an original sound that is immediately associated with J Dilla. Quest Love describes his style by saying, “If you could look at the glass and say it’s half-full or half-empty, Dilla would find a third way to look at it.”
Lying on his deathbed, J Dilla found a way to produce his “Donuts” album, which has since become a classic hip-hop masterpiece.
Notable Artist Collaborations: A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Busta Rhymes, Erykah Badu, The Roots, The Pharcyde, Madlib, Common.
5. RZA
Classics:
- Wu Tang Clan – Protect Ya Neck
- GZA – Shadow Boxin
- Wu Tang Clan – Triumph
- GraveDiggaz – Gravel Pit
- Earl Sweatshirt – Molasses
What Puts Them Among the Best Producers of All Time in Hip Hop
Rapper, producer, actor, and film director; RZA made his claim to fame as a hip-hop producer due to his role as the leader of the Wu-Tang Clan. Primarily relying on soul samples to form the basis for his rugged beats, RZA has produced much of the Wu-Tang Clan’s discography, as well as several projects for each member’s solo products. He’s also a founding member of The GraveDiggaz, pioneering the HorrorCore sub-genre.
Notable Artist Collaborations: Wu-Tang Clan (Method Man, GZA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, Raekwon, Masta Killa, U-God, Cappadonna), GraveDiggaz, Kanye West, Earl Sweatshirt.
4. 9th Wonder
Classics:
- Masta Ace – Good Ol Love
- Jay Z – Threat
- Sean Price – Heartburn
What Puts Them Among the Best Producers of All Time in Hip Hop
9th Wonder is a producer out of California who began his career as the producer for hip hop group Little Brother. His style prominently features hard-hitting drums and punchy snares. Usually layered over smooth and soulful samples from artists such as Al Green and Curtis Mayfield. He’s also a renowned user of both AKAI’s MPC and Image Line’s FL Studio.
Following the debut Little Brother release, 9th Wonder garnered even more attention after remixing Nas’ God’s Son album. As well as producing the track Threat on Jay-Z’s The Black Album. Since then, 9th Wonder has collaborated with several well-respected artists. He has also become a professor of the art form and lectured at several well-established universities across the US.
Notable Artist Collaborations: Murs, Talib Kweli, Sean Price, Erykah Badu, Jay Z, Buckshot, Jean Grae, Destiny’s Child, Mary J Blige, Masta Ace
3. Pete Rock
Classics:
- Pete Rock & CL Smooth – They Reminisce Over You (TROY)
- Nas – The World Is Yours
- AZ – Gimme Yours
- Rakim – The Saga Begins
- Raekwon – Sneakers
What Puts Them Among the Best Producers of All Time in Hip Hop
DJ, Producer, and Rapper; Pete Rock rose to fame during the early ’90s as one half of the renowned Hip Hop Duo Pete Rock & CL Smooth. Like DJ Premier, Pete Rock is a producer who focuses primarily on samples to create original, jazz-influenced beats.
Again, he began production on the SP-1200 before later moving on to the Akai Pro MPC. Often layering several different samples to create something completely original within the one song as well as featuring gritty drums that leave the hiss and crackle of the vinyl intact. As a result, whenever you hear one of Pete Rock’s hip hop productions you know exactly who made the beat!
Although not reaching as much mainstream notoriety as the previous two, Pete Rock earns his spot on this list after producing key tracks on several iconic hip-hop albums. Including Illmatic, Doe or Die, and The 18th Letter.
Notable Artist Collaborations: CL Smooth, Nas, AZ, Rakim, Heavy D, Kanye West, Skyzoo, Smoke DZA, Camp Lo
2. Dr. Dre
Classics:
- Dr. Dre – Still Dre
- Snoop Dogg – Nuthin’ But A G Thang
- Eazy E – Boyz-n-the-hood
- 2Pac – California Love
- Eminem – My Name Is
What Puts Them Among the Best Producers of All Time in Hip Hop
Beginning his career as a DJ, and then a producer for the World Class Wreckin’ Cru; Dr. Dre rose to fame thanks to his work with gangsta rap group N.W.A.
Starting out using the SP-1200 and then moving to the MPC, sampling was a key element in Dr. Dre’s Hip Hop production where he paved the way for the popular West Coast, G-Funk Style, often consisting of multi-layered synthesisers, deep bass, and slow hypnotic-like grooves.
His debut album, The Chronic, became one of the most influential albums of the early 1990s, and since then he’s continued to churn out several straight classics with notable artists. As well as playing a major part in launching the careers of decorated artists such as Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and, more recently, Kendrick Lamar.
Notable Artist Collaborations: 2Pac, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent, The Game, Xzibit, Eazy E, The D.O.C, Nate Dogg, Kurupt.
1. DJ Premier
Classics:
- Nas – Nas Is Like
- Royce Da 5’9 – Boom
- Notorious B.I.G – Ten Crack Commandments
- Mos Def – Mathematics
- Gang Starr – Full Clip
What Puts Them Among the Best Producers of All Time in Hip Hop
Influenced by early pioneers such as Marley Marl and Jam Master Jay, DJ Premier epitomises the classic New York Sound. Renowned for his unmistakable East Coast boom-bap beats; DJ Premier’s production primarily consists of finely chopped-up samples of Jazz, Funk, and Soul songs.
As well as cutting & scratching in combinations of short vocal samples from other Hip Hop songs to create catchy new hooks. A famous user of the Akai Pro MPC, DJ Premier still uses the MPC as his instrument of choice for his production.
Half of the duo Gang Starr, DJ Premier and Guru had released several collaborations until Guru’s death in 2010 including the 1992 classic “Daily Operation”.
Aside from that, DJ Premier’s influence on the hip-hop genre is insurmountable. He worked with several respected artists in the industry and continues to have a legacy that grows today. Additionally, he was the main driving force of inspiration for several up-and-coming producers.
Notable Artist Collaborations: AZ, Big Daddy Kane, Big L, Common, Christina Aguilera, Jay-Z, Notorious BIG, Lord Finesse, Rakim, Royce 5’9, Mobb Deep, Snoop Dogg, Mos Def, Nas, DITC, Afu Ra, Jeru The Damaja, and many more!
The Final Say on the Best Hip Hop Producers of All Time
There you have it, our top 20 top hip-hop producers of all time.
Who do you think is the most influential producer with the most iconic beats in their track record?
Whose beat-making prowess did we miss?
Is there anyone else you think deserves a spot here on hip hop’s greatest and most influential producers?
Is there a producer whose iconic beats we’ve looked over?
Or maybe there are a few producers we’ve included that you think got lucky?
Be sure to let us know your thoughts on the best producers in hip-hop!
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