The homies over at SnobHop put together a list of some of the best rapper/producer duos of all time. While it can be said that projects with multiple producers provide for a variety of sounds the value of having one producer and one emcee on a project is heavily understated.
But alas, so many duos to choose from, and so little time. With that in mind, here’s our list in no particular order.
The List
1. Swizz Beatz & DMX
This one is a given. DMX and Swizz have been collaborators since the Ruff Ryder days and the hits just kept coming. They get a spot on the list because the Ruff Ryders Anthem is so got dang timeless *Hank Hill voice*
2. T.I. & DJ Toomp
Two LP’s: Trap Muzik & KING. Man listen, if you neither one of those albums are in your top 50, hell even your t0p 100 hip-hop albums, then you my friend don’t know rap music. Either that or you hate the south. This duo birthed classics like” 24’s, Be Easy, U don’t Know Me, What You Know etc. The chemistry T.I. & Toomp share is undeniable, and it’s one of the best duo’s hip-hop has ever seen.
3. OutKast & Organized Noize
‘Kast and ONP are a given. Countless classics from Southernplayalistic, all the way through Stankonia and beyond. If we had to do a ranking, although this list isn’t in any particular order, OutKast & ONP are top three all time. Don’t debate us.
4. Rick Ross & Justice League
You guessed it, Rozay and the Justice League definitely make this list 100 times over. And that’s off the strength of the Maybach Music series. Ross’ brand of rap fits so well of the smooth, colorful landscapes that the Justice League provides. Every time they combine it’s a guaranteed smash.
5. Snoop Dogg & Pharrell
Bush came a few years to late for us… But man, it was great! And it reminded us of one key fact: When Snoop & Pharrell get together they make pure magic. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I mean their joint discography includes: Beautiful, Signs, Drop it Like it’s Hot.. It’s a no-brainer. If Snoop & Pharrell drop another record it’s a lock. Guaranteed.
6. Gucci Mane & Zaytoven
Do we even have to explain this one? The discography is so long it should really go without saying… Gucci & Zaytoven are early pioneers of the trap music sound. And while it can be said that Trap music’s other progenitors like T.I. & Jeezy eventually went mainstream, Gucci kept it gutta. Balance out Gucci’s gruff tone with Zaytoven’s whimsical production (he’s a killer on the keys), and you’ve got a match made in heaven.
7. Future & Metro Boomin
WE HAD TO PUT FUTURE & METRO BECAUSE, WELL… If young Metro don’t trust you…
8. JAY-Z & Just Blaze
This was a tough one… JAY-Z has great chemistry with so many producers. But the real question is who’s the best. Is it Kanye? Or is it Timbaland? What about pharrell? Well, we think the obvious, and at times most overlooked choice is Just Blaze. Why? The Blueprint album. Although Ye shared production duties on that album, most of the standouts were from a Mr. Justin Blaze. You can disagree with us,Numbers don’t lie, check the score board.
9. Drake & 40
Drake & 40 have a special chemistry that’s very reminiscent of old school hip-hop days. Let me explain; Although Drake has a myriad of beat-makers on his albums, 40 is the executive producer of the SOUND. He keeps the project sounding cohesive and when he does handle the actual beat making duties on the album, he often produces the standout. Although Boi-1da is a close second here, 40 is the winner because of his executive role. There could arguably be a Drake without Boi-1da. But Drake without 40? scary.
10. Cash Money & Mannie Fresh
Mannie’s the GOAT. seriously. He deserves so much more credit than he receives for not only the sound that he pioneered in the south, but for the work he did on ALL of the early Cash Money albums. Have you REALLY looked at the credits? ALL the tracks on the Hot Boyz Guerilla Warfare album. ALL the tracks on Juvenile’s Tha G-Code. ALL the tracks on Lil Wayne’s Tha Block is Hot. Mannie’s top 5 dead or alive.
That’s our list guys, feel free to share your thoughts below! Who did we leave off, and why?
-Snobhop