The Notable Influencers * Listed in No Specific Order of Importance
Jermaine Hall
Jermaine Hall has steered VIBE magazine back to the forefront of hip hop and pop music and culture. The magazine Editor-In-Chief, Hall has been guiding the iconic magazine brand for the better part of two years and in 2011... Read More
Dr. Teeth
The man born John Tucker has quietly become one of the most sought-after directors in the world of hip hop music videos. The skilled Houston native realized when he was a music major at Texas Southern University that he... Read More
Big Boy
Big Boy's 5-10 a.m. weekday show, "Big Boy's Neighborhood," has pushed 106 FM into the stratosphere, giving station KPWR some of the most enviable ratings in urban radio. In 2010, Big Boy's show was No. 6... Read More
Ice Cube
Ice Cube's reputation as a hip hop renaissance man continued well into 2011, without he rapper/actor embarking on a dizzyingly varied array of projects. Having released his latest album, I Am the West in late 2010... Read More
Pete Rock
Legendary superproducer Pete Rock came into 2011 with a bold announcement. The acclaimed beatsmith assured fans that he would be releasing a whopping five albums before year's end. While producing tracks for other... Read More
Bruno Mars
After penning one of the biggest summer hits in recent years, B.o.B.'s "Nothing On You," Bruno Mars wrote the monster breakup anthem of late 2010, Cee-Lo Green's smash "Forget You." And Mars wasn't through--with... Read More
Harvey Levine
How did we exist for so long without TMZ? The gossip brand is one of the most cited entertainment news sources in the business. Since launching in 2005, the website and TV show have grown to become the most cutting-edge... Read More
DJ Kay Slay
DJ Kay Slay remains one of the most respected DJs in hip hop. In 2011, his interview show has had explosive features with a unique and eclectic array of emcees, ranging from newcomers like Mac Miller and Jon Conner to... Read More
Magic Johnson
Early in 2011, Magic Johnson Enterprises and investor Ron Burkle's Yucaipa Companies announced a strategic investment in Vibe Holdings LLC. Johnson himself was named Chairman of the company, which also... Read More
Ludacris
Ludacris is one of the hardest working men in hip hop. While the Atlanta rapper is prepping his forthcoming album Ludaversal for a late 2011 release, he's kept busy throughout the year with a myriad of business... Read More
The Notable Influencers * Listed in No Specific Order of Importance
DJ Vlad Lyubovny
One of the most bombastic and recognized DJs in the business, Miami-based "DJ Vlad" Lyubovny is a mainstay of hip hop media because of his ability to be both one of the industry's most well-known personalities and his... Read More
Cortez Bryant
One of the most powerful, yet below-the-radar men in hip hop is Cortez Bryant. As manager for Lil Wayne, Bryant shepherds the career of one of the biggest stars in music. As Chief Visionary Officer of Young Money Entertainment... Read More
Dizzee Rascal
Dizzee Rascall is UK hip hop. The brash and outspoken rapper has long been an icon in his native country, due to his unflinching honesty and willingness to represent for the grime movement. He wears his emotions... Read More
Rick Ross
In 2011, Rick Ross continued his push from Miami rap sensation, to bonafide star, to hip hop mogul-in-the-making. Ross continued to reap the commercial rewards of his blockbuster 2010 album, Teflon Don, but also proved... Read More
Datwon Thomas
For fifteen years, Datwon Thomas has been one of the most respected men in hip hop journalism. He's transitioned from print media, to online and back to print' all without ever losing a shred of his cache and respect... Read More
Nas
Still one of the most respected rhymers in hip hop, Nasir Jones has spent the last two decades building a resume that places him near the top of the ‘Greatest Hip Hop Artists of All Time' list. A testament to his... Read More
Kevin Powell
Kevin Powell, a hip hop journalist, activist, community speaker and politician, has long been one of the more respected writers of his generation. He continued his work into 2011, speaking on panels around the country... Read More
No I.D.
No I.D. resumed his place as one of the most talked-about beatmakers in hip hop. The legendary Chicago hip hop producer has reunited with his longtime collaborator, rapper Common, for the upcoming album The... Read More
Fred Mwungagubunga
Fred Mwungagubunga's story epitomizes the Do-It-Yourself ethos of hip hop entrepreneurship. The founder of MediaTakeOut walked away from a career as a corporate lawyer to launch the world's most beloved... Read More
J. Cole
Like Young Money superstar Drake in 2010, North Carolina emcee J. Cole came into 2011 with high expectations and mounting pressure to deliver on the promise he had shown on mixtapes throughout the year. Signed to Jay-Z's Roc... Read More
The Notable Influencers * Listed in No Specific Order of Importance
Dr. Dre
While fans are still awaiting the release of his next magnum opus, Detox, Dr. Dre finally whet their appetites with the release of a couple of singles in 2011 that reminded everyone just how brilliant the good doctor... Read More
DJ Greg Street
DJ Greg Street is as much a part of Atlanta hip hop as white tees and Bankhead. The legendary radio personality still has a penchant for landing top interviews, still maintains a presence at all major events, and still... Read More
Drake
Drake's dominance of the pop charts continued into 2011. After the success of the Toronto rapper's debut album, Thank Me Later, he was nominated for four Grammy awards at the 2011 ceremony; including Best Rap Album... Read More
Dr. Cornel West
Cornel West continued to be one of the more respected members of the Civil Rights generation with considerable influence within the hip hop community. His willingness to provide a voice for many African Americans as it... Read More
Jim Jonsin
Producer Jim Jonsin continues to prove he is one of urban music's most consistent production men. The Jonsin-produced Usher hit "There Goes My Baby" took home Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Eminem's... Read More
Abou Thiam
Abou Thiam is a star-maker and one of music's brightest young business minds. Nolonger dismissed as 'Akon's little brother,' Thiam, as VP of A&R for Def JamRecordings is one of music's most quietly powerful voices. After... Read More
David Mays
As print publications continue to flounder, Hip Hop Weekly has proven its staying power by remaining true to its roots and maintaining its street aesthetic. Founder David Mays has helped steer the publication and its unique... Read More
Stephen Hill
BET is no longer the sole Black network dotting the landscape of American television, but that hasn't diminished its cache in the Black community nor its relevance to hip hop culture. As President of Music Programs and... Read More
Eskay
Nah Right remained on the cutting edge of hip hop news and culture throughout 2010 and 2011. Founder Ahsmi "Eskay" Rawlins is the mastermind behind a digital powerhouse that's been celebrated by Rolling Stone... Read More
Tech N9ne
Indie rapper Tech N9ne has proven that you can build a thriving reputation and career without succumbing to the major label machine. The Kansas City, Missouri rapper has quietly become an indie mainstay and one of the... Read More
The Notable Influencers * Listed in No Specific Order of Importance
Lex Luger
A chart-topping prodigy from Virginia, Lexus Amel Lewis--better known as superproducer Lex Lugar--is only 20 years old and already has compiled a production discography to rival the most seasoned veterans in hip hop... Read More
Angela Yee
Radio superstar Angela Yee ended 2010 with a major professional transition. The frank and funny DJ left Sirius/XM's Shade 45 for a co-hosting gig on Power 105.1's "The Breakfast Club." She joined Charlamagne... Read More
Antoine Fuqua
The director behind the acclaimed urban classic Training Day experienced a resurgent 2010 and 2011. After ending 2010 with the announcement that he would directing the highly-anticipated Tupac Shakur biopic and also... Read More
Wiz Khalifa
Pittsburgh native Wiz Khalifa had a breakthrough year in 2011. The hip hop upstart became a household name this year on the strength of one of the year's most recognizable early singles, a hit debut album and tour, and... Read More
Bun B
Former UGK member Bun B continued to prove that he's one of hip hop's most beloved and respected elder statesmen throughout 2011. Appearing on albums and mixtapes ranging from Big K.R.I.T to Jay Electronica to Killa Kyleon... Read More
Common
Common may be almost 20 years removed from his debut as a smart-alecky Chicago backpacker, but the Windy City rhymer's influence on hip hop culture is arguably at an all-time high. With his highly-anticipated new album... Read More
Big Boi
While the never-ending question for Antwan "Big Boi" Patton has always been 'When is Outkast getting back together,' the more visible half of the acclaimed Atlanta duo has remained a high-profile figure in the world of hip... Read More
Marve Frazier
Bossip has built its reputation on vicious commentary on pop culture. And editor Marve Frazier has been the guiding force behind the site's exploding growth. She's also helped steer the development of Mogul Media... Read More
Alfred Liggins III
CEO & President of Radio One, a comprehensive radio, television and online network serving African-American audiences, Alfred Liggins III casts a long shadow of influence over African American entertainment. Responsible for... Read More
L.A. Reid
Long one of the music industry's most powerful and respected executives in music, L.A. Reid had an eventful 2011 that could prove to have ongoing ramifications in the world of entertainment. Reid departed Island Def... Read More
