The Notable Influencers * Listed in No Specific Order of Importance
Boi 1nda
One may not expect hip hop's latest superproducer to be born and raised in Canada, but Boi 1nda, 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
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
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
Swizz Beatz
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
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
