The Notable Influencers * Listed in No Specific Order of Importance
Lex Luger
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
Wiz Khalifa
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
Bun B
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
Common
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
Big Boi
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
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
