My Bass Rocks

In the day and age of the rapper-first mentality, I thought it would be a good time to give some props to the guys behind the boards.  I wanted to focus on the heavy-hitters in hip-hop today, who are taking this art to the next level.  Attached below is a list of the top 10 hip-hop producers in the game today ( 2008 ), according to My Bass Rocks.  Every contributor to the site thus far has chimed in, so the comprised list was definitely a group effort. 

Without further ado, the winners are…

10 ) Rick Rock

Rick Rock is a Bay Area staple that seems to make hits whenever he lays down a beat.  If you want hyphy, the only producer you go to is Rick Rock.  He’s worked with E-40 since The Hall of Game ( 1996 ), but has since leant his talents to such artists as Jay-Z , Fabolous, Xzibit, Method Man, and Snoop Dogg (to name a few).

Snoop Dogg: “Staxxx in My Jeans” ( 2008 )

9 ) Lil’ Jon

I used to not be a fan of Lil’ Jon until moving to the Bay and hearing My Ghetto Report Card everywhere.  E-40’s “Tell Me When to Go” and “U and Dat” are both regulars (to this day) on this coast and it looks like Jon and 40-Water have another one in “Turf Drop.”  Also, Rhymesayer’s “Angry Black Man on an Elevator” (as produced by Mr. Crunk) is real ill, but I can’t seem to find it online anywhere since the album was recently pushed back.

E-40: “Turf Drop” ( 2008 )

8 ) Mr. Porter

Started out his career as a member D12, but later broke out into the mainstream through producing G-Unit’s “Stunt 101.”  Since then, Mr. Porter has remained on the radar and relevant in the hip-hop community.  His most recent works are among the best out (Little Brother, Pharoahe Monch, Guilty Simpson), and his name should be included when mentioning current relevant producers.   Check out his recent catalogue:

Little Brother: “Extra Hard” ( 2007 )

Guilty Simpson: “Getting Bitches” ( 2008 )

7 ) The Neptunes

Do I even need to say anything about these guys?  Chad and Pharell are one of the few inspiring production crews out, consistently putting out bangers.

Jay-Z: “Blue Magic” ( 2007 )

The Clipse: “Mama I’m Sorry” ( 2006 )

6 ) Alchemist

While he hasn’t been incredibly active recently, Alchemist is still as relevant as ever.  He has that gritty New York sound that we all know and love, and seems to make the grimiest cats sound even grimier.  He recently hopped on the latest Prodigy project and continues to work with underground legends Dilated Peoples.

Pharoahe Monch: “Desire” ( 2007 )

 *THROWBACK

Alchemist: “Hold You Down” ( 2005 )

5 ) Kanye West

Besides being the most annoying person in music history, Kanye is nice behind the boards.  Regardless of my feelings towards Kanye West the man (or child for that matter), he knows how to make GOOD music (pun intended).  His biggest asset to hip-hop might be the revival of Common’s career with the release of Be ( 2005 ).  I do respect the fact that West still works hard at being the best out there…But, this whole- Michael Jackson thing gotta go dude.

Kanye West: “Flashing Lights” ( 2008 )

Consequence: “The Good, the Bad, the Ugly” ( 2007 )

4 ) Just Blaze

Just Blaze is plain dope.  He’s the mastermind behind most of Jay-Z’s classic The Blueprint, and has contributed to some incredible music in recent years.  Just is a producer’s producer, and like 9^th Wonder, is a direct descendent of the golden -

era (ala Premier, Diamond D, etc.).  It seems like everything he lays down is guaranteed platinum, and whenever he drops a beat, people worldwide take note.  Just has been working heavily on the Saigon project (The Greatest Story Never Told) recently, which is sure to be great as long as it says “Just Blaze” under the production credits.

Saigon: “Come on Baby” ( 2007 )

The Game: “Why You Hate the Game” ( 2007 )

3 ) Timbaland

I know I might get some flack for this one, but it really doesn’t sway my decision.  As a matter of fact Timbaland is arguably the best overall producer (all genres included) in music.  The only reason he made the number 3 spot and not higher, is based on the recent hip-hop artists he chooses to work with (i.e. Flo Rida).  Regardless, Timbo has crazy style and could make my grandma sound like the G.O.A.T. with one beat.  He’s definitely the best pop producer out (and one of the best of all time), and has cemented his name in hip-hop history.

Flo Rida: “Elevator” ( 2008 )

Jay-Z: “Ain’t I” ( Unreleased 2008 )

2 ) 9^th Wonder

Many have compared his style to Pete Rock in his heyday (early 90’s).  I would like to think of 9^th as a direct descendent of the golden era style of production

(heavy samples and crisp drums).  He is a very unique type of producer though, who manages to jump in and out of the mainstream (Destiny’s Child, Erykah Badu), while still maintaining respect within the underground (Buckshot, Little Brother).   Regardless, his beats are always banging and he continues to impress with his growing catalogue.

9^th Wonder & Buckshot: “Hold it Down” ( 2008 )

Erykah Badu: “Honey” ( 2008 )

 *THROWBACK

Little Brother: “Whatever You Say” ( 2003 )

 1) Madlib

The man of many names (Madlib, Quasimoto, Beat Konducta, etc.) was the only producer mentioned by all contributing editors at Bass Rocks, which is one of the main reasons he holds down the crown.  Not only that, but Madlib is very deserving of the title in 2008.  As Stones Throw becomes more and more dominant within the independent community, Madlib seems to only get better with time.  His past two contributions (Guilty Simpson: Ode to the Ghetto and Percee P: Perseverance) are nearly flawless when it comes to the production.  Madlib is responsible for more classic material than most (Madvillain, The Unseen, The Further Adventures of Lord Quas, Champion Sound, and Soundpieces: Tha Antidote), and continues to surprise the masses with his talent.

Erykah Badu: “The Healer” ( 2008 )

 Percee P: “Raw Heat (45 version)” ( 2008 )

 

 *THROWBACKS

 Madvillain “Accordian” (2004)

Lootpack: “Whenimondamic” ( 1999 )