Rap is music that highlights the rapper, the one who handles the words that will be repeated by millions of people. However, all too often the producer is relayed in second place. Wrongly, because without them, there is simply no music. Just Focus has prepared a list of 5 genius producers who have revolutionized rap. Focus!
1.DJ Kool Herc
If this name doesn't ring a bell, it's because it's the oldest on this list and probably the most important. Clive Campbell, his real name, is neither more nor less than the inventor of the Hip-Hop movement. It was in the early 90s in the neighborhoods of the Bronx, that Kool Herc distinguished himself in the art of DJing. His genius invention was this: Use old funk or Disco CDs, still very popular at that time, and isolate some of the instruments, creating a break in music: break-beat. Thus, during this "break", the dancers showed their talent by performing several acrobatic figures, giving birth to breakdance. In short, you will understand, without DJ Kool Herc, the Hip-Hop movement and by extension rap, would probably never have seen the light of day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kb3Tg0N2k7M&ab_channel=MrAtika110
2. Dr Dre
From the Bronx to New York, you go directly to Compton. This poor neighborhood of Los Angeles is as important to hip-hop culture as New York. Los Angeles, renowned for the cool attitude that can be felt in the streets but also for having marked rap thanks to artists whose talent is no longer to prove. We can mention the group NWA, Snoop Dogg or more recently Kendrick Lamar. The common point between all these artists, you guessed it: Dr. Dre. Certainly the best known on this list, it is reputed to have changed the L sound.Has. Indeed, his classic albums, The Chronic and The Chronic 2001, are timeless classics that you must have listened to at least once in your life. If this producer is so famous, it is for the "Dre touch", this meticulousness and rigor that he incorporates into his mix. Listening to The Chronic, it's hard to believe it came out in 1992. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0F0CAEoF4XM&ab_channel=UPROXXVideo
3.Kanye West
The fascinating thing about Kanye West is that everyone knows him for a particular reason. Many know him as a rapper, some know him because he is Kim Kardashian's husband, others know him as a fashion designer or even as a presidential candidate of the United States… But before being so versatile, Kanye was first and foremost a producer, a very good producer. He began his career alongside Jay-Z and then produced for all the best of hip-hop, from Drake to Beyoncé or Rihanna. Known for bringing soul samples up to date, he has made it his trademark. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRd7yoCeqTE&ab_channel=JAY-Z-Topic
4. Scott Storch
This 4th producer had a sawtooth life. Successful producer, Scott Storch has produced for big names in American rap. Moreover, he is behind the classic Still D.A.E, recognizable thanks to these singular piano notes, an instrument that is his favorite and present in many of his compositions. Unfortunately, Scott Storch hit rock bottom and ended up ruined because of his cute little sin: Cocaine. While in 2004, his fortune was estimated at more than 70 million dollars, he was officially declared bankrupt in 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CL6n0FJZpk&ab_channel=DrDreVEVO
5. Metro Boomin
We conclude with the youngest of this list of American producers. It is no less important. Like Dr.Dre, Metro Boomin is a real star without having gone behind the microphone. He has produced for the entire current American scene. Drake, Migos, Future and Young Thug. His "name drop" is one of the best known in rap. Metro Boomin has clearly given a revival to trap music, making it more enjoyable and mainstream. In addition, he started a real trend by carrying out successful Producer-Rapper collaborative projects like Savage Mode with 21 Savage . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuO4_P_8p-Q&ab_channel=KanyeWest-Topic Here is a list of 5 genius American producers who have brought a lot or even revolutionized rap at different times. Of course, we could have added others but this top is still representative of the versatility of rap music and also shows the importance of the producer in the musical creative process. If you want to discover more about the history of hip-hop, we invite you to read this article right here
