The 11 Most Influential Black Music Producers Of The Decade

Source: Paras Griffin / Getty

June is the OFFICIAL celebration of black music.  Black Music Month was originally founded by music moguls Kenny Gamble and Ed Wright in 1978, and with the help of President Jimmy Carter on June 7, 1979, the month of June was officially declared Black Music Month.

The influence that black artists and black music have on American culture and cultures around the globe is indisputable. From visual influence to sonic influence, generations of African-American recording artists and musicians have inspired some of the most influential artists of all time. With hearing being one of the most importance senses an individual can possess, we decided to round up the 15 most influential black music producers over the past 10 years. The sounds these producers have created over the years transcends the importance of visual impressions.

From creating the sound, to developing the creative direction, and often mixing and mastering their music, the importance of a good producer is irrefutable.  So check out the 11 producers who have created the sound of the past decade.

1. Kanye West 

Source: Mychal Watts / Getty

Notable Production Credits: Jay-Z, Foxy Brown, Jermaine Dupri, Mase, Beyonce, Himself, DMX, Alicia Keys, Cam’ron, Janet Jackson, Jadakiss, Brandy, John Legend, Mariah Carey, Lil Kim, Common, Dead Prez, Beanie Sigel.

2. Mike Will 

Source: Kyle Goldberg / GlobalGrind

Notable Production Credits: Rihanna, Juicy J, Waka Flocka, Miley Cyrus, Meek Mill, Young Jeezy, Future, Ciara, Britney Spears, Kelly Rowland, Lil Wayne.

3. DJ Mustard

Source: Nicholas Hunt / Getty

Notable Production Credits: Diplo, Young Jeezy, French Montana, Tyga, YG

4. Zaytoven 

Notable Production Credits: Nicki Minaj, Gucci Mane, Usher, Yo Gotti, Soulja Boy, Future, Rocko, Plies

5. Timbaland

Source: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty

Notable Production Credits: Aaliyah, Justin Timberlake, Missy Elliott, Jodeci, Eminem, Nas, Jay-Z, Xscape,

6. Pharrell

Source: Neilson Barnard/NBCUniversal / Getty

Notable Production Credits: Lindsay Lohan, Maroon 5, Pitbull, Game, Jay-Z, Frank Ocean, Robin Thicke

7. DJ Khaled

Source: Gabriel Olsen / Getty

Notable Production Credits: Beyonce, Jay-Z, Drake, Lil Wayne, Justin Bieber

Mannie Fresh 

Source: Cindy Ord / Getty

Notable Production Credits: Lil Wayne, Juvenile, T.I., Young Jeezy, Kanye West, Rick Ross, T-Pain, Gucci

8. Hit-Boy

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtrtHcnHxWv/

Notable Production Credits: Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Mary J. Blige, A$AP Rocky, DJ Khaled, Kid Cudi

9. 9th Wonder

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByXwLV0AWWn/

Notable Production Credits: Jay-Z, Little Brother, De La Soul, Destiny’s Child, Memphis Bleek, Mary J. Blige

10. Salaam Remi

Notable Production Credits: Nas, Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys, Fergie, Miguel, Nelly Furtado, Melanie Fiona, Fugees, Ciara, Jazmine Sullivan, Ne-Yo, Joss Stone, Whitney Houston

11. Dr. Dre

Source: Elsa / Getty

Notable Production Credits: N.W.A., Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar, Tupac, Nas, Nine Inch Nails, Mary J. Blige, Jay-Z, Gwen Stefani, Game, DMX.