Tupac Shakur was a well known rapper born in Harlem, but raised in Baltimore that later lived in California. He is a very influential rapper that has parents that were apart of the Black Panther movement. This greatly influenced his rhymes as he mixed the Gangsta rap culture with the social movement. His words are still quoted today even in the class room as he spoke with much conviction.

Another legendary rapper was Christopher Wallace aka Notorious B.I.G. or Biggie Smalls. He brought a very punchline, lyrical dexterity, play on words, and cadence kind of rapping that was unseen. He held from Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York City, and grew up doing freestyle battles around his neighborhood. He came out during a time when the West Coast Hip-Hop scene was at the forefront. New York dominated in the 80s, and B.I.G. brought back more attention to the East Coast Hip-Hop scene after Gangsta Rap became mainstream in the 90s.

The first name that comes to mind is Lil Jon and the East Side Boyz who produced mega-hit “ Get Low’. I couldn’t get that song out of my mind for weeks! This song definitely put Lil and the gang in the top spot for this down and dirty southern style. Back it up and play that song again, DJ!

Ying Yang Twins pull a close second overall with the popular New Orleans Saints song “Halftime’. Kaine and D-Roc blasted out of Atlanta with longstanding fury and haven’t stopped yet. And they shouldn’t.

Not to be overlooked, however, is Pitbull. A little bit of an enigma, not sure if he’s reggaeton, rap, crunk, hip hop, or what. Really, who cares? He makes a dance floor sizzle and fits the genre despite the identity crisis.Related Article : Pitbull ‘Transitions’ But Still Gets Respect From Hip-Hop

Graffiti and B-Boying were the first major introductions in the mainstream for the early 80s as both were very stunning visually. However, emceeing started to become more popular in the downtown areas of New York City. Also, major record labels saw them as more viable means of generating revenue. The first major Hip-Hop artist signed to a major label was Kurtis Blow back in 1979. By the mid 1980s, Run DMC became really mainstream and in the late 80s they formed a major hit doing a remake with Aerosmith called “Walk This Way”. This made Hip-Hop more of a mainstay in American culture.

As of now, Hip-Hop stands as a multi-billion dollar industry with diverse stakes in record labels, clothing lines, branding, adult beverages, television shows, movies, restaurants, sports, plays and management companies.

DJ Premier (Christopher Martin of Texas) is one of the most influential producers of Hip Hop. His roster of Hip Hop artists includes artists like Jay-z, 50 Cent, Kayne West, Apathy, Snoop Dog, Bun B and Nas. He gained are great deal of his fame from producing Gang Starr’s music.

Pete Rock (Peter Philips) is part of the East Coast 1990′s revolution. He is known for creating jazz rap a merger of jazz with Hip Hop, which he did quite successfully. His artists are Stetsosonic, Gang Starr, A Tribe Called Quest and The Roots.

Dr. Dre (Andre Young) popularized West Coast G-funk and is a producer of great talent. He has produced songs for Eminen and 50 Cent. He is founder and CEO of the production company, Aftermath Entertainment.

RZA (Robert Diggs of New York) produced Wu Tang Clan’s music and the horrorcore of the Gravediggaz. RZA has produced and performed his own music under several different monikers. He is known as Prince Rakeem, The Scientist, Bobby Digital and Rzarector.

The Large Professor (William Mitchell of New York) is the fifth most influential man in Hip Hop. He has produced such artists as Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, Eric & Rakeem, Main Source and Mobb Deep.

Next year we’re sure to see a new very talented artist take the reins and produce other great artists just as the artists listed above. These producers are the greatest Hip Hop has produced for a while. It might take some extraordinary work to dethrone these greats, but I’m sure someone will try.