These producers have had a big impact on how I listen to HipHop. Most everything I listen to comes from these guys. You can’t get anymore organic or true to the game. True pioneers and visionaries.

DJ Premier - My favorite Premo track has to be N.Y. State of Mind. He flips Kool and the Gangs “N.T.” Track for the drums with creative use of slowing the speed which adjusts the pitch to get that slow and low boom bap. When the piano accent hit comes in, thats pure arranging genius. Probably the most minimal use of samples but the deepest track on Illmatic.

Black Milk - One of Detroits finest. The midwest has been coming up with some shining stars. Black Milk has an undeniably unique sound compared to the other midwest producers (J Dilla, Kanye). Black’s got a grimey yet refined sound that has pumped out some club bangers even if he’s not mainstream or played in mainstream clubs. My favorite track is “Shut it Down” on Popular Demand.

J Dilla - The most popular non-mainstream producer from Detroit. Underground artists call him genius, a title thats well deserved. Dilla was known for a non-perfect approach to beat making. He rarley used quantise on his beats, was known for his slightly imperfect hi hats, and could chop the most popular record, and re-compose it into something you’d never think of. That style gave his tracks a very real living and breathing feel to them. He’s worked with some big name artists you’d never expect,  yet had a short career when he passed away in 2006 from a stomach disease.

9th Wonder - Considered the new school Pete Rock, which is fair because his production definitly has Pete’s influence, 9th has crafted his own style in a short amount of time. Getting his big break on Jay Z’s Black Album producing “Threat”. My favorite collaboration of his is with Buck Shot (Black Moon) on the record Chemistry. I like 9th and I’m looking foward to see what he produces in the future.

Pete Rock - I’m a fan of the classic Pete Rock and CL Smooth duo, but I’m more of a fan of Pete’s solo instrumental work. Other than listening to Petestrumentals almost daily, I have to say Hypocrisy is my favorite track on that record. The piano is smooth yet cut up it a non-typical way. The bass comes in very minimally which is a great arrangement decision.