The Notable Influencers * Listed in No Specific Order of Importance
Sway
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
Will.i.am
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
Soulja Boy
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
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
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
Trae
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
Mac Miller 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...
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