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
