Pete Rock

Easily one of the best and most influential producers of the 1990s, Pete Rock's track-making mastery is responsible for many hip-hop classics. He released three albums with partner C.L. Smooth between 1991 and 1994, incorporating mellow beats and a heavy jazz influence into his work. He's worked the boards for a wide assortment of rap stars -- everyone from Kid 'N Play and Heavy D to Nas and Rakim. He released Soul Survivor in 1998, a solo LP featuring a gang of guests including Black Thought, Raekwon, and Kool G. Rap. In 2001, he teamed up with BBE Records for their Beat Generation series, offering the excellent Petestrumentals LP.