This past summer, Insomniac Magazine released an expanded edition of 2018’s Underground Elite to showcase some of the most notable emcees on the rise. NOW we close out the year with a tribute to Hip Hop’s hardest-working producers with a whopping star-packed list of 80 behind the boards visionaries on the rise. Give the drummer some & check out the list below! (Note, this is list spans four posts, so be sure to go to each page to absorb the entire expanded edition.
APOLLO BROWN – Detroit’s production powerhouse may not be known by clueless radio personalities on commercial “Hip Hop” stations but the underground’s held him in high regard for years! Sporting an impressive resume which includes collaborations with the likes of lyrical luminaries Joell Ortiz, Planet Asia, Ras Kass, Westside Gunn, Conway, Skyzoo & Ghostface Killah, the sonic mastermind crafts compelling soundscapes that will never be forgotten. Sample some of his creative highlights below & experience the audio warrior in action.
BIGBOB – The beatmaker works around the clock to deliver the latest heat! A week without a new BigBob track doesn’t exist. He can adapt to all styles of Hip Hop and keep the crowd jumpin’. His relentless work ethic will never be overlooked.
BIG GHOST LTD – Simply put, the man is production royalty…although the word “production” doesn’t truly begin to describe his stellar contributions to an artist’s vision. What Big Ghost actually does is study the subject, enter his world, then conjure an entire body of work so well-suited to the emcee you would think he was the artist’s very conscience. Every project from Big Ghost is unique unto itself. He turns an ordinary release date into a special event!
BILLY LOMAN – Who’s that lurking around the corner?!? Is someone out there?!!? The music mastermind is known for creating ominous, chill-inducing sonic backdrops that listeners can’t help but nod their heads to! Each track is infused with enough cinematic flair to fill an entire multiplex. Close your eyes & picture the scene!
BOZACK MORRIS – The production maverick is far too talented to deliver ordinary tracks to the listeners. Instead he creates animated, full-bodied constructions that take on a life of their own. The second the beat drops on a Bozack joint you want to stop EVERYTHING else you’re doing & give the song your undivided attention. Nothing can distract you from the producer’s innovative compositions. Bozack’s a sonic Svengali who keeps listeners under his magical spell.
BUCK DUDLEY – Do you want to hear a track that creates an atmospheric mood of pure terror? How about a 70’s disco influenced joint or production transmitting ethereal vibes from the heavens? Buck surveys the sonic landscape & paints all of these musical canvasses with ease. The fact that the aforementioned genres seamlessly meld into the harder-edged confines of Hip Hop is evidence of his boundless creativity…and a testament to his brilliance.
CAMOFLAUGE MONK – The go-to-guy for grimey understated production. Monk will drop a hardcore beat then layer it with tinkling piano keys or the slightest guitar riff to accentuate the action. He takes minimalism to dazzling new heights without sacrificing the boom bap. Many try to emulate his in-studio expertise…but they fail every time.
CHUCK (CHARLIE) CHAN – Reppin’ for the home team with action-packed production, the sonic auteur knocked it out the park with paranoia-inducing bangers for Killy Shoot, Deuce Hennessy, and GeneralBackPain! Approach with caution & check the sounds. His tracks are deadly but don’t be scared away!
CLYPTO – Blessed with the ability to transform a somber, reflective sample into a mesmerizing showcase of Hip Hop soul, Clypto proved to be an omnipresent force in 2018. The tireless production firebrand dropped so much heat he left our speakers scorched! We don’t know what he’s planning to hit us with next but we DO know it’ll be dope!
