The Notable Influencers * Listed in No Specific Order of Importance
Bernard "Bun B" Freeman
Since the death of his former UGK partner Pimp C, Bun B has worked hard to keep the legacy of the Underground Kingz intact. His latest album Trill O.G. received the heralded 'Five Mic' rating in the Source--the first album to receive that... Read More
Dr. Michael Eric Dyson
As a commentator for NPR, CNN and HBO's "Real Time With Bill Maher," Dyson has helped keep race and class at the forefront of political dialogue in America. An ordained minister, Dyson has also discussed the role of theology... Read More
Radric "Gucci Mane" Davis
Despite having been incarcerated for one year on probation violation before being released in May of 2010, Gucci Mane has maintained his position near the top of the hip-hop industry. The State Vs. Radric Davis, Gucci’s 2nd album... Read More
Amy Doyle
Amy Doyle oversees programming for one of television's most iconic brands. MTV remains at the forefront of youth culture, and keeping it there is the 39-year old Doyle. As MTV executive vice president of music and talent, Doyle... Read More
Dana "Queen Latifah" Owens
Queen Latifah's long been one of hip hop's most versatile and successful personalities. This year, she continued to maintain high visibility as a pitchwoman for CoverGirl cosmetics and Jenny Craig, and as a voiceover star... Read More
Aldrin "DJ Toomp" Davis
DJ Toomp has long been one of the most admired individuals in southern hip-hop; having begun his career as a DJ, touring with early southern rap stars like MC Shy-D & JT Money. Now an in-demand producer, Toomp has worked with seemingly everyone from Rick Ross to Ludacris... Read More
Eskay
NahRight.com has remained one of the most respected hip hop sites online by not compromising its credibility for salacious headlines. Eskay has become one of the web's most revered names in urban blogging. He even briefly took his talents to XXL.com to become the editor-in-chief... Read More
Jermaine Dupri
The man who's been crafting monster hits for almost 20 years in the industry, Jermaine Dupri's reputation speaks for itself. He's produced or mentored some of the biggest selling acts in hip hop and continues to outwork his... Read More
Fred Mwangaguhunga
Fred Mwangaguhunga's MediaTakeOut.com is quite possibly the most controversial urban website online. But under Mwangaguhunga's vision and leadership, the popular gossip site is has become the go-to online resource... Read More
Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean
The 2010 BET Hip Hop producer of the year, Swizz's productions have been featured on seemingly everyone's albums this year; from Jay-Z to Plies to Chris Brown. Of course, his marriage to Alicia Keys kept his name... Read More
