The Notable Influencers * Listed in No Specific Order of Importance
Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson
He hasn't released an album in almost four years, but that has done little to slow 50 Cent's ascension to the top of hip hop business and entrepreneurship. After his GUnit Records imprint signed a distribution deal with...
Read More
Debra Lee
BET continues to be the primary entertainment source for African American music and culture on television. Chairwoman and CEO Debra Lee is at the helm of the iconic network, and understands the tremendous responsibility...
Read More
Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter
Jay-Z is still sitting at the top of hip hop. He was ranked #1 on Forbes' Hip Hop Cash Kings list of the industry's biggest earners in rap music. His $150 million deal with Live Nation, stake in the popular 40/40 clubs...
Read More
Kanye West
One of the most iconic rappers in the world, Kanye West seems to be everywhere and into everything. Despite his controversial reputation, West's creativity and ambition know no limits, and he has aligned himself with some...
Read More
Marshall "Eminem" Mathers
For anyone that missed Eminem's comeback in 2010, the Detroit rap superstar carried the momentum into 2011 and continued to ride a wave of goodwill that sustained him throughout the year. His 2010 album, Recovery was...
Read More
Lexus ''Lex Luger'' Lewis
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
Cameron ''Wiz Khalifa'' Thomaz
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
Bernard ''Bun B'' Freeman
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
Andre ''Dr. Dre'' Young
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
Aubrey ''Drake'' Graham
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
James ''Jim Jonsin'' Scheffer
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
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
Dylan ''Dizzee Rascal'' Mills
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
William ''Rick Ross'' Roberts II
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
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
John ''Dr. Teeth'' Tucker
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
Kurt ''Big Boy'' Alexander
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
Oshea ''Ice Cube'' Jackson
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
Peter ''Pete Rock'' Phillips
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
Clifford ''T.I.'' Harris
Despite being incarcerated, Atlanta superstar T.I. hasn't lost a bit of his cache in hip hop circles. The last few years of his career have been peppered with ongoing legal issues, yet the man born Clifford Harris has...
Read More
Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All
One of the most talked-about hip-hop collectives in recent memory, OFWGKTA (also known as simply Odd Future) have combined bizarre lyrical content, wild live performances, and the attention-getting personality of their...
Read More
Onika ''Nicki Minaj'' Maraj
Has there ever been a female rapper more visible than Nicki Minaj? The Young Money starlet made the transition from exciting newcomer to bonafide superstar in 2011. Her debut album, Pink Friday, was released in late...
Read More
Jordan Tower
Jordan Tower is one of the best and most renowned names in hip hop video. His company, Jordan Tower Films has produced music videos for notable and up-andcoming hip hop artists; and he's released several hip hop DVDs...
Read More
Dana ''Queen Latifah'' Owens
Queen Latifah continues to be hip hop's everywoman. The woman born Dana Owens continued to make sure she had her hands in as many different fields of business, art and entertainment as possible. And the world has not...
Read More
Aldrin ''DJ Toomp'' Davis
Hip hop has a wealth of talented producers. The boardsmen who provide the backdrop for many of today's biggest emcees are among the most gifted artists in the music business, but very few of them have the kind of longevity...
Read More
Charlamagne Tha God
There's one man in hip hop radio that does not care how you feel. Charlamagne Tha God's scathing sense of humor has become infamous. The controversial co-host of 105.1's hit morning show "The Breakfast Club"...
Read More
Julie Greenwald
Atlantic Records president Julie Greenwald may have begun her career as an assistant to Lyor Cohen, but she has grown into one of the industry's smartest and most powerful executives. As President of one of music's most...
Read More
Calvin ''Snoop Dogg'' Broadus
He's a rapper, businessman, actor, pitchman, and philanthropist. Snoop Dogg is still arguably the most recognized man in hip hop, and he continues to ensure that his profile will not be diminishing any time soon...
...
Read More
Jermaine Dupri
He's produced hits for everyone from Usher to Mariah Carey to Jay-Z. He's been one of the most powerful and respected executives in music. He's even been a platinum-selling rapper. Jermaine Dupri has done virtually everything...
Read More
Michael Rapino
Live Nation is one of the most powerful entities in entertainment. Since it's merger with Ticketmaster, it has become the foremost brand in concerts and promotion, as well as providing managerial services for some of...
Read More
''Terrence J'' Jenkins
"Terrence J" Jenkins is one half of BET's "106 & Park" hosting tandem that also includes Rocsi Diaz, but in 2011, the popular veejay continued to expand his professional repertoire outside of his day job bringing...
Read More
Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams does a little bit of everything. The superproducer/recording artist/philanthropist/businessman keeps his hands in so many different pots, its sometimes difficult to succinctly describe in a few...
Read More
Nahala ''Mr. Boomtown'' Johnson
Mr. Boomtown continues to be among the most in-demand video directors in hip hop. A year after winning the BET Award for Director of the Year, he was nominated once again in 2011. Boomtown shot a staggering 30 videos...
Read More
Tim Westwood
The man who has held interviews with everyone from Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All and Snoop Dogg is one of hip hop's most well-known and powerful personalities in journalism. He's definitely the go-to personality...
Read More
Matthew ''Boi 1da'' Samuels
One may not expect hip hop's latest superproducer to be born and raised in Canada, but Boi 1da, like superstar rapper Drake, proves that hip hop talent is thriving north of the border. He's been working with stars as far...
Read More
James ''J.'' Prince
J. Prince is the Godfather of Southern Hip Hop. As founder of Houston's Rap-A-Lot Records, Prince has had a hand in some of the region's most legendary figures, ranging from the Geto Boys and Scarface to UGK. The label...
Read More
Russell Simmons
Forbes magazine estimated Simmons to have a net-worth estimate of $340 million as of April of 2011. His companies Phat Farm, Argyleculture and American Classics are cornerstones of the urban clothing industry and he...
Read More
''Big Sean'' Anderson
Over the past year, Detroit rapper Big Sean graduated from G.O.O.D. Music understudy to bonafide hip hop star. A hit album, hit singles, and cosigns by seemingly every notable rapper in hip hop helped fuel Sean's meteoric...
Read More
Kaseem ''Swizz Beatz'' Dean
A year after marrying superstar Alicia Keys and welcoming a new baby boy, superproducer Swizz Beatz didn't allow marital bliss to slow him down going into 2011. Swizz not only continued building one of the more...
Read More
Sway Calloway
Being one of the longest-tenured and most-recognized journalists in hip hop has its perks, but MTV personality Sway has built his reputation on an easy-going demeanor and a knack for getting the biggest names to speak...
Read More
William ''will.i.am'' Adams, Jr.
There are few artists, producers and personalities in hip hop as ubiquitous as will.i.am. The Black Eyed Peas frontman is a rapper, dancer, producer, activist, spokesperson, and admitted techie--and he showcases each facet...
Read More
DeAndre ''Soulja Boy'' Way
In a year full of ups and downs, Soulja Boy was still one of the most talked-about artists in hip hop. The Atlanta rapper was the subject of seemingly-constant media scrutiny throughout 2011; whether it was because...
Read More
Craig Kallman
As Chairman and CEO of Atlantic Records, Craig Kallman heads one of the music industry's most powerful labels. Home to acts like T.I., Wiz Khalifa and countless others, Kallman and Atlantic house some of music's...
Read More
Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson
Questlove, as drummer of the acclaimed hip hop band The Roots, is one of the most respected figures in music in general and hip hop in particular. Questo was named one of 2011's Top Tweeters...
Read More
Bryan "Birdman" Williams
Listed as the fifth richest man in hip hop by Forbes Magazine, Bryan "Birdman" Williams, alongside his more low-profile brother Ronald "Slim" Williams, sits atop the Cash Money Records empire, which has three of the biggest...
Read More
Sean "Diddy" Combs
Combs was ranked #2 on Forbes Hip Hop Cash Kings list, behind Jay-Z. And while Jay may have out-earned Combs in 2010 and 2011, he has not surpassed Diddy's overall wealth. Forbes ranked Combs #1 on its list of the Wealthiest...
Read More
Jimmy Iovine
Jimmy Iovine has had a hand in the careers of everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Snoop Dogg to Eminem to Lady Gaga. An industry vet with over 35 years experience in music on a myriad of levels, Iovine is one of the most power...
Read More
Dwayne "Lil Wayne" Carter
Lil Wayne may have spent much of 2010 incarcerated, but he returned to the music industry reinvigorated and wasted no time reclaiming his spot at the head of hip hop's table. Wayne's Young Money imprint continued to be a...
Read More
Lyor Cohen
Lyor Cohen is the North American Chairman and CEO of Warner Music Group, which means he runs one of the most successful and powerful record labels in the largest media market in the world. A veteran of the music...
Read More
Lonnie ''Common'' Lynn, Jr.
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
Antwon ''Big Boi'' Patton
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
Antonio ''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
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
Aaron ''Tech N9ne'' Yates
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
Nasir ''Nas'' Jones
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
Ernest ''No I.D.'' Wilson
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
Jermaine ''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
Peter ''Bruno Mars'' Hernandez
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
Keith ''DJ Kay Slay'' Grayson
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
Earvin ''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
Chris ''Ludacris'' Bridges
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
Julia Beverly
Julia Beverly knows everyone in hip hop. Growing Ozone Magazine from a local publication to an internationally-recognized brand was no easy feat, but Beverly parlayed a love for southern hip hop and an unparalleled work...
Read More
Elliott Wilson
Since founding RapRadar back in 2009, Elliott Wilson has proven that he has the savvy to make the transition from respected print journalist to powerhouse of online media. Wilson has had tenures at VIBE and most notably was...
Read More
"Grouchy" Greg Watkins
There are few brands in hip hop journalism as respected and popular as AllHipHop. Founder "Grouchy" Greg Watkins and his partner, Chuck "Jigsaw" Creekmur, founded the website in the late 90s and in the 2000s, it became...
Read More
Tyree ''DJ Drama'' Simmons
DJ Drama has made himself one of the most recognized DJs in hip hop. There isn't a more respected mixture DJ in hip hop than Drama, and he maintains that status by maintaining strong ties to seemingly everyone in the rap game...
Read More
Joseph "Rev. Run" Simmons
Hip hop legends don't come much bigger than Run DMC, and Rev. Run has remained the more visible half of the surviving two members of the iconic rap group. Philanthropist, entrepreneur, motivational speaker...
Read More
Kevin Liles
A hip hop power player for the better part of two decades, Kevin Liles continues to prove why he's been able to remain a respected mover-and-shaker in an industry notorious for short-lived careers. Liles has worked as...
Read More
Keri Hilson
Keri Hilson has been a successful songwriter far longer than she's been a star. But the Atlanta native stardom arrived in force five years ago and she's been going strong ever since. Throughout 2011, Hilson continued...
Read More
''Necole Bitchie'' Kane
With over 1.1 unique visitors, 3.78 million overall visitors and over 12 million page views per month, Necole Bitchie has become a go-to online destination for urban gossip and fashion commentary. Necole has grown...
Read More
Justin ''Just Blaze'' Smith
Having worked with Jay-Z, Eminem, Jay Electronica, and countless other hip hop superstars over the years, superproducer Just Blaze's name and reputation are well-known. Throughout 2011, Blaze and his company...
Read More
Wasalu ''Lupe Fiasco'' Jaco
One of the most celebrated emcees in hip hop since he debuted back in 2006, Lupe Fiasco had never caught the mainstream's attention. That all changed in 2011, for a myriad of reasons. Fiasco's Lasers album finally...
Read More
Rocsi Diaz
The sexy co-host of BET's hit show "106 & Park" is still one of the most popular and influential figures in hip hop for teens and twentysomethings. Rocsi and her cohost, Terrence J, provide a platform for artists to...
Read More
Devyne Stephens
UpFront Megatainment music mogul Devyne Stephens is a Renaissance man. Actually, that cliche may be an understatement. He runs Dreamland, a huge 17- acre estate that is available for ultra exclusive events, weddings and...
Read More
Sandra Rose
Blogging is not for the faint of heart. And Sandra Rose is many thingsâ€"but ‘faint of heart' is not one of them. The most controversial name in the urban blogosphere, Rose's website is known for its...
Read More
Thomas ''Cee-Lo Green'' Callaway
The rapper/singer/songwriter received five Grammy nominations for the hit single "F**k you!" and it achieved platinum status in six countries. His performance of the song--alongside actress Gwyneth Paltrow...
Read More
Radric ''Gucci Mane'' Davis
Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane spent much of 2011 juggling various legal woes, but that didn't mean that the 1017 Brick Squad Records founder wasn't also sustaining his position as one of the more influential figures in southern...
Read More
Steve Stoute
Steve Stoute is an industry veteran who's name evokes respect and who's reputation for being an upfront and knowledgeable mover-and-shaker is welldeserved. Having made his career working with some of the industry's...
Read More
Barry Weiss
As the chairman and CEO of Island/Def Jam, Barry Weiss sits at the head of hip hop's most iconic record label. Nonetheless, it is never easy to replace a legend-- and that's just what Weiss has had to do at Def Jam. Weiss...
Read More
Toure
Toure is still one of hip hop's most recognized commentators and one of the most respected journalists in the entertainment industry. He's written about rap and rappers for more than twenty years and via his blogging...
Read More
Lucian Grainge
Stepping into the shoes of the legendary Doug Morris was no easy task, but Lucian Grainge was up to the challenge. As the new head of Universal Music Group, Grainge takes the helm of one of the biggest labels in music....
Read More
Rocky Williform
Rocky Williform has proven himself to be one of the most forward-thinking minds in hip hop media and culture. The founder of micro-blogging media juggernaut HipHopBlog.com has made an indelible mark...
Read More
Gabriel Hart
Gabriel Hart may not be a household name, but everyone in the industry is aware of his gift for dazzling visuals. The video and commercial director is one of hip hop's most in-demand lensmen, having shot for everyone from...
Read More
Vanessa Satten
Vanessa Satten is Editor-In-Chief for hip hop's most respected publication, XXL Magazine. In her two years at the helm, Satten has landed some of the most controversial and entertaining personalities and stories in the...
Read More
Lee ''Q'' O'Denat
Lee "Q" O'Denat keeps WorldStarHipHop at the cutting edge of online hip hop news and gossip. O'Denat, a one-time homeless high school dropout, built the site from the ground up and now it's one of the biggest sites...
Read More
Frazier ''Trae'' Thompson III
One would be hard-pressed to find a more beloved rapper in Houston, TX than the man known as Trae the Truth. He's respected for his work ethic and gritty, honest rhymes, and has gone from upstart emcee to elder...
Read More
Malcolm ''Mac Miller'' McCormick
Pittsburgh native Mac Miller emerged as the unlikely hero of independent hip hop in 2011. Mac spent the past two years building a fanbase and this year, all of his hard work finally paid off...
Read More
 |
