My Bass Rocks

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Like we always do here, it’s time to deliver another Bass Rocks top ten lists.  This time around, we concentrate on hip-hop’s greatest producers of all time.  Obviously the staples are included, but there are some definite surprises in the mix..But we’ll let you be the judge.

Peep game after the jump!

10) Prince Paul

Besides his time with Stetsasonic, Prince Paul has provided production assistance on some incredible material.  Namely, he was the producer guru behind the early De La Soul albums (3 Feet High and Rising, Buhloone Mindstate, and De La Sol is Dead), but he also contributed his efforts with The Gravediggaz and Handsome Boy Modeling School (to name a few).

His catalog speaks for itself, making Prince Paul one of the most important figures in hip-hop history.

9) Marley Marl

As one of the founding members of the legendary Juice Crew, Marley Marl’s influence in hip-hop is undeniable.  Not only did he completely dominate New York in the 80′s, but he produced some of the greatest albums in hip-hop history.  From Big Daddy Kane, all the way to LL Cool J, Marley Marl is in definite contention for GOAT status.

Go listen to Big Daddy Kane’s first two LP’s again if you disagree…Fire son!

8 ) Diamond D

Diggin’ In The Crates ringleader Diamond D is responsible for a numerous amount of classic hip-hop tracks, along with full-lengths.  Stunts, Blunts, & Hip-Hop still stands as one of the better albums in rap history, during a time when dominating New York was near impossible.  He also provided beats for such classics as Lord Finesse’s The Funky Technician and Pharaoh Monch’s Internal Affairs.

Whenever a top ten producer list is in question, Diamond D should always be in consideration.  He’s a true mastermind and deserves all the credit thrown his way.

7) Easy Mo Bee

Easy Mo Bee is one producer that doesn’t garner enough attention in the mainstream.  Everybody knows his songs, but few know the brains behind them.  He was the go-to guy during Bad Boy Record’s golden era, including such classics as Craig Mack’s “Flava in Ya Ear,” as well as a majority of Biggie’s Ready to Die.

Do a little research on Easy Mo Bee and you will be pleasantly surprised…Trust!

6) Rick Rubin

Where would hip-hop be without this crazy-ass dude?  Let’s see…No Run-DMC, LL Cool J, T La Rock, or Beastie Boys?  I don’t even want to think about it..

Even though he stayed away from rap in his later years, opting to work with such artists as Johnny Cash and The Red Hot Chili Peppers, there’s no denying his legacy in hip-hop.

5) RZA

It’s been said before that if Wu-Tang formed like Voltron, that GZA would be the head.  This is where I tend to wholeheartedly disagree.  Without that insanely rugged sound from RZA, we would never know about the Wu-Tang, or Shaolin, or Cuban Linx for that matter.  The man is a genius when it comes to composing music, and is a true pioneer in his own right.  Enter the 36 Chambers will always be on the top ten hip-hop albums list, and this is mostly due to RZA’s raw sample chops, off beat drums, and dark texture.

RZA is top 5, no questions asked..

4) Dr. Dre

Dr. Dre could easily be regarded as the best to ever produce hip-hop music.  His influence is unparalleled, and he’s the man solely responsible for an entire movement in the early 90′s (G-Funk anyone?).  Practically, everything he touches becomes an instant hit, which can’t be said for most producers in the game (past or present).  Not only that, but no individual has ever had an album more anticipated than Dr. Dre, whether it’s 2001 or Detox, which is something to be said.

The man is an absolute perfectionist, and this fact can be viewed through his extensive catalog.  Each beat sounds perfectly-produced, and wouldn’t be this way without Dre’s competitive nature.

3) Pete Rock

The Boy Wonder is the first piece of the king producer triad.  While some people (myself included) believe Pete Rock made his best music during the C.L. Smooth days, his legacy will always remain with his unparalleled remix game.  To this day, his remix to Public Enemy’s “Shut ‘Em Down” continues to be regarded as the best yet.  Not to mention the mind-blowing remix to Jeru the Damaja’s “Can’t Stop the Prophet.”

Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that he is the mastermind behind the greatest hip-hop song (more like anthem) of all time, “T.R.O.Y.”  That track continues to sound better over time, and seems to age like a fine wine..

2) DJ Premier

Christopher Martin aka DJ Premier aka Preemo comes in at the #2 spot.  This one is a really close race between him and Pete Rock for official G.O.A.T. status, but Preemo has the slight edge here.  Not because he makes better music per se, but just based on the impact he’s had in hip-hop over the years.  From his untouchable work with Guru (as the duo Gang Starr), all the way to Biggie Smalls, he’s left his footprint in some of the most memorable music from the golden era.  Namely, most classics from NY during the early to mid-90′s…These include Ready to Die, Illmatic, and Reasonable Doubt (to name a few).

Moreso, Premier is synonymous with the New York sound.  With the dirty samples and scratched choruses, he was (and still is) the go-to guy for that classic NY sound…Now that’s something to be said for.

1) J Dilla

This one is a lock.  J Dilla is the greatest producer in hip-hop/rap history.  From his earlier years as Jay-Dee, when he contributed to such classics as Labcabincalifornia and Beats, Rhymes, & Life, all the way to the Dilla years on Stones Throw.  Like the previous two producers, he is defined not by the amount of good tracks he produced, but the amount of classic albums he orchestrated.  Through is brief but unequivocally dominant stretch as a producer, he maintained a majority of creative control over the following records:

* Pharcyde: Labcabincalifornia

* A Tribe Called Quest: Beats Rhymes, & Life and The Love Movement

* Slum Village: Fantastic Vol. 1 and Fantastic Vol. 2

* Common: Like Water for Chocolate

* Jaylib: Champion Sound

* J Dilla: Donuts, The Shining, Welcome 2 Detroit, and Ruff Draft

From the above list, it’s plain to see the diverse sounds he was able to create for a wide range of artists.  He was diverse in nature, which put him in another category of beatsmiths.  Typically in hip-hop, a producer has a certain sound that they stick with, and don’t venture too far from their formula (i.e. 9th Wonder’s drum kit).  Not Dilla though.  He had the unique ability to work with all different types of musicians, from Erykah Badu all the way to Frank N Dank (to name a few).

J Dilla will always be regarded king over at Bass Rocks, and his legacy will always be remembered in music.

R.I.P. to the King!