It’s no secret that producers are the unsung heroes of hip-hop. Whether it’s flipping through the dustiest crevices of a record store to create an iconic sample, or adding the perfect amount of bass distortion to make your speakers vibrate just the right amount, it’s a job that heavily relies on the person’s passion for not only the genre, but music as a whole. Oftentimes, the producer is tasked with creating a sound and atmosphere that not only compliments the artist, but challenges them.
And here’s the thing–listeners often miss how much thought goes into these songs. They might catch the rapper’s flow, but not the subtle hi-hat change or the chopped vocal tucked in the back. Don’t those intricate details deserve to be heard and appreciated in the same way as the lyrics and delivery performed by the rappers? I think so, so today I’m going to give you a couple “off the beaten path” recommendations for records you can check out that highlight the underappreciated art of production. Maybe it will bring you a newfound appreciation for the people behind the drum machines.
If you have a pulse on hip-hop, you probably know who Kenny Beats is. Even if you don’t know, you know the name. Kenny’s had a fair amount of our beloved artists in the studio including IDLES on their 2021 record “CRAWLER,” Denzel Curry’s “Unlocked” (2020), and many more. Kenny’s proven his versatility when it comes to his production, and his 2022 debut album “Louie” is a fantastic showcase for it. “Louie” carries a unique pride and bounce from start to finish. It’s a confidence few can replicate—even with vocals. It has a confidence that’s only doubled down with the occasional backing vocals from artists like Remi Wolf, or the ad-libbing from experimental hip-hop legend JPEGMAFIA. The record tells a story, even without verses and choruses throughout.
2. “Special Herbs (vol. 1-10)” – MF DOOM
As we rapidly approach the five year anniversary of hip-hop legend MF DOOM’s death, it’s important to remember what a genius this man was with production. While most overlook his production credits because of his infamous collaborations with Madlib and Danger Mouse (also incredible producers), DOOM has amassed quite the lineup of production credits, and “Special Herbs” is a great way to dive in. “Special Herbs” spans ten volumes (on vinyl, they’re split into pairs). It collects DOOM’s instrumental work, with a few tracks credited to his late brother Subroc. With each track showcasing a jazzy, boom-bap sound we all know and love him for, these LPs are sure to make any hip-hop head bop, and find even more respect for the late legend.
3. “In My Mind” – Pharrell Williams
Okay, okay… look. This one kinda breaks my initial criteria, but I don’t know if I’d be able to sleep if I didn’t mention Pharrell at least once on this list. Whether you know him for his hit 2000s group “N.E.R.D,” his scoring work on “Despicable Me,” or if you’ve been having yourself a Clipse summer with “Let God Sort ‘Em Out,” Pharrell is an absolute madman when it comes to production. Ask the new generation of rappers and producers about their inspirations, and Pharrell’s name comes up almost every time. “In My Mind” is an incredible sampler into who Pharrell is and what makes his sound unique.Whether it’s pairing catchy guitar riffs with punchy drums, or programming synth grooves that’ll keep you dancing for hours, Pharrell’s style has impacted the current hip-hop generation in ways that don’t always get talked about, and this record makes his talent abundantly clear.
While these may not be the quintessential producer albums, there’s something to be said about their importance in an ever-evolving culture. Producers shape the sound of hip-hop in ways that often go unnoticed, but once you start listening for it, you’ll hear their fingerprints everywhere. Next time you nod your head to a beat, remember–there’s an architect behind the sound. And once you’ve gone down the rabbit hole of finding samples, appreciating drum patterns, and the overall energies each producer brings to the table, you’ll never wanna come back up.
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