Rappers and producers often get the praise they deserve, but executive producers —the person who oversees the development of the album— are sorely undervalued.
In light of Slaughterhouse announcing Just Blaze as the executive producer of their forthcoming album, we decided to compile a list of producers we’d like to see take on that role, too.
Our thought process went as follows. Certain artists have the talent, but lack the vision. Others need someone to bring out the best qualities in their music. One MC in particular simply owes it to his fans to reconnect with a certain Roc-A-Fella affiliate.
In any case, we’re coming for 800 percent if any of these collabs come to fruition. No lie. Hit the jump to see who we paired. Let us know which musical figures you’d like to see executive produce your favorite rapper’s project in the comments.
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Photo: Just Blaze
Hi-Tek & G-Unit
Go back and read through G-Unit’s discography —we’re talking solo and group. The producer and one half of Reflection Eternal has given just about each member of the collective quality tracks with sonically different mood. He clearly has an understanding of the sound they’re most comfortable with. Consider The Game’s The Documentary standout “Runnin'” as proof.
Organized Noize & Big K.R.I.T.
The production team that brought us everything from TLC’s “Waterfalls” to “Ludacris’s “Saturday (Oooh Ooooh)” could teach the King Remembered In Time a thing or two about honing that southern sound. They could help him find a worthy hit, too.
Just Blaze & Jay Electronica
Call us selfish, but we feel like this is owed to us after previous collaborations like “Exhibit A,” “Holiday,” and “Exhibit C.”
Rick Ross & Jadakiss
Say what you want about the biggest Bawse. He can put together a cohesive project with the best of them. The MMG frontman could ensure that the LOX rapper balances the street tracks with marketable singles that still reflect who he is as an artist.
Havoc & Action Bronson
Hav crafted countless classics for Mobb Deep, and he’s from Queens. Bronsolino has the bars and he’s close with The Alchemist. We suggest that he take advantage of that relationships.
Noah “40” Shebib & Andre 3000
Don’t count on seeing a Three Stacks album anytime soon. But if a Hip-Hop lover can dream, we think Drake’s in-house producer would be great for developing a cohesive, contemporary sound for the Atlanta legend. Call it More Love Below. Pause.
RZA & Kanye West
We assume that this would be more of a collaborative effort than your standard artist/executive producer relationship. Both have numerous classics under their belt, too.
El-P & Earl Sweatshirt
Veteran El Producto showed what he could do as an executive producer on Killer Mike’s gem R.A.P. Music. His aggressive production could bring the animal out of the already lyrical Odd Future MC.
Emile Haynie & The Weeknd
The only non-rapper on this list should take heed to our recommendation. Haynie played a large part in Kid CuDi’s rise and musical direction. The Toronto singer’s music is similar in mood. This could be a musical marriage of epic proportions.
Questlove & Kendrick Lamar
The Roots drummer has overseen the musical process for each of their 10 albums. K. Dot has said that much of his music is inspired by neo-soul rather than Hip-Hop. Why not let a Soulquarian executive produce your LP?
