It’s no secret that Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz established themselves as Southern icons through their artistry but that probably wouldn’t have been able to be accomplished without the help of some incredible producers. And with careers as legendary as Wayne and Chainz, there’s no doubt that they’ve worked with some of the greatest producers of all time. Both have built incredible catalogs alongside some of the best behind the boards but who would they put in the GOAT position?
During Complex’s GOAT Talk with the ColleGrove collaborators, the two dished out on who they believe the GOAT producer of all time is. 2 Chainz said that it was none other than Kanye West who holds that spot for him. But, for Wayne, he listed the Cash Money OG Mannie Fresh, who undoubtedly produced some of his most impactful records, along with Yeezy. Considering Ye revealed that Wayne will be on Vultures, it seems like we might get more heat from the “Barry Bonds” collaborators soon.
Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz On The GOATs: Rappers, Mixtapes & More
While their choice of producers might not be surprising, some of their other picks certainly caught fans off-guard. For example, their choice for the GOAT mixtape. 2 Chainz took it back to the 2000s, praising Lil Wayne’s Dedication and Jeezy’s Trap Or Die. Surprisingly, Lil Wayne didn’t choose any of the iconic mixtapes from his catalog. Instead, he bestowed the honor on Future’s 56 Nights. Elsewhere, Lil Wayne called Jay-Z and Missy Elliott the GOAT MCs of all time while 2 Chainz gave that title to his close friend and collaborator.
Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz recently came through with their latest joint project, Welcome 2 ColleGrove, a follow-up to their 2016 album. The album boasts appearances from Benny The Butcher, Vory, 21 Savage, and Fabolous, along with 50 Cent serving as the narrator. Check out the clip of Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz discussing their picks for the GOAT producer above and sound off in your comments with your thoughts.
Hit-Boy, a powerhouse in the music production realm, has solidified his status as an influential figure in the industry, amassing an estimated net worth of $7 million, as reported by Gorilla Overview. His journey is a testament to relentless dedication and exceptional talent, reshaping the landscape of contemporary music production.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 03: Hit-Boy attends the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 03, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Born Chauncey Hollis Jr. on May 21, 1987, Hit-Boy’s passion for music burgeoned during his formative years in Fontana, California. His interest in beat-making and production burgeoned during his teenage years, sparking a journey that would redefine modern music. Hit-Boy initially gained recognition for his production work with Kanye West on the iconic album Watch The Throne alongside Jay-Z. Furthermore, this collaboration catapulted him into the spotlight, showcasing his innate ability to craft compelling beats and melodies that resonate with audiences globally.
Evolution As A Producer & Industry Impact
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 18: Nas (L) and Hit-Boy attend a birthday party for Monica Bittenbender & Simon Kim at Cote Korean Steakhouse on May 18, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Hit-Boy’s prowess extended far beyond his initial success, embarking on a prolific career marked by collaborations with a myriad of music icons. Additionally, his production credits boast names like Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Travis Scott, and Kendrick Lamar, among many others, contributing to chart-topping hits and Grammy-winning tracks. Furthermore, his own artistry as a rapper flourished with projects like Tony Fontana and The Chauncey Hollis Project, showcasing his versatility not just as a producer but as a multifaceted artist in the music industry.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 18: Hit-Boy attends a birthday party for Monica Bittenbender & Simon Kim at Cote Korean Steakhouse on May 18, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Hit-Boy’s impact transcends the realm of just producing music; he’s become a visionary force shaping the sonic landscapes of contemporary music. His ability to blend genres seamlessly and curate sounds that resonate across cultures undoubtedly underscores his influence in an ever-evolving industry.
Conclusion: Hit-Boy’s Monumental Influence
In conclusion, Hit-Boy’s staggering net worth of $7 million mirrors his profound influence and innovation in the music production landscape. His journey from a young aspiring producer to an industry titan reflects not only his financial success but also his indelible mark on the evolution of music. Hit-Boy stands as an emblem of ingenuity, continually reshaping the music industry and leaving an indelible legacy as a pioneer in contemporary music production.
Just Blaze is undoubtedly one of hip-hop’s most skilled producers. Throughout his prolific career, the New Jersey-based beatmaker has crafted tracks for some of the biggest names in hip-hop. Just Blaze’s grandiose style of production mixed with intricate musicality has resulted in some of hip-hop’s most iconic songs. He specifically dominated the 2000s with his easily identifiable sound that has never staled.
Just Blaze has produced many major hit singles, including T.I.’s “Live Your Life,” and Joe Budden’s “Pump It Up.” He also produced numerous tracks on Eminem’s Recovery. Blaze is also the man behind some of hip hop’s most culturally impactful moments like Jay Electronica’s “Exhibit C” and “Exhibit A,” Fabolous’s “Breathe,” and Freeway’s “What We Do.” Beyond hip-hop, Blaze has collaborated with the likes of Beyoncé, Usher, and Mariah Carey. Today, we are ranking Just Blaze’s 7 greatest productions from least to greatest. Take a look at the list below.
“Oh Boy” is a classic among the many songs that Just Blaze produced on Cam’ron’s Come Home With Me. Just’s name may be the song’s first words, but one can instantly recognize the producer’s signature sound on the track. He flips Rose Royce’s “I’m Going Down” into a simple loop, around which Cam’ron and Juelz Santana base their verses. A brilliant chipmunk soul sample, “Oh Boy” made for easily one of Cam’ron’s best songs. Just Blaze and The Diplomats reprised “Oh Boy” on Mariah Carey’s “Boy (I Need You).” They would eventually recreate their magic again on “I Really Mean It.”
Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d. city plays like a short film, and its closing track is certainly cinematic. “Compton” ends the hip-hop classic on an extremely high note as Just Blaze supplies a triumphant beat for Kendrick Lamar and Dr. Dre to exchange bars. He takes the song to greater heights towards the end, adding extra flourishes to the production. The addition of the talk box also makes the song feel distinctively West Coast. Ultimately, “Compton” is one of the album’s pinnacle moments, thanks to Just Blaze’s production.
5. “Touch The Sky”- Kanye West Ft. Lupe Fiasco (2005)
Many of Kanye West’s greatest hits are self-produced, but the Just Blaze-produced “Touch the Sky” sees him fully focusing on his bars. The song prominently samples Curtis Mayfield’s “Move On Up,” slowing the song down with additional percussion. Just Blaze does not manipulate the sample much at all. He allows it to become the main backdrop for Kanye and Lupe Fiasco’s rhymes. While Just’s best beats are often composed very intricately, the sample on “Touch the Sky” did not need much modification. The use of “Move On Up” drives the track for a phenomenally produced instrumental.
4. “Show Me What You Got” – JAY-Z (2006)
Just Blaze has given many of his best productions to JAY-Z, a few of which are included on this list. “Show Me What You Got” is easily the best of the multiple standout tracks that he produced on Kingdom Come. If “Touch the Sky” is Just Blaze at his most simplistic, then “Show Me What You Got” is one of his most intricate beats. A combination of multiple samples, drum programming, and live instrumentation; the song is powerfully jazzy in its production.
Just Blaze sampled “Darkest Light” by the Lafayette Afro Rock Band for its main backing track and Johnny Pate’s “Shaft of Africa” for the lead melody. He explained the process for the song’s creation in an episode of NPR Music’s The Formula, where he continued to build on top of the samples. He and 1500 Or Nothin’ “jumped on keys, guitar, bass, and organs” for one masterful composition. Just Blaze served as the main orchestrator in the production while the instrumentation from 1500 Or Nothin’ brought it to greater heights. With an excellent beat from Just Blaze, “Show Me What You Got” served as JAY-Z’s perfect comeback single.
3. “Lord Knows” – Drake Ft. Rick Ross (2011)
The instrumental for “Lord Knows” has Just Blaze written all over it. From its stunning gospel sample to the scattered percussion, it contains the maximalist elements of production that Just Blaze is known for. Arguably one of hip hop’s greatest gospel flips, “Lord Knows” samples “Lord, Lord” by Andrew Brown and the National Baptist Convention Choir. The combined samples were flipped into a hard-hitting beat drop. It serves as the perfect soundtrack for Drake to spit some of his most legendary bars. Just Blaze strips the production back during Rick Ross’s verse, adding another lively element to the beat. Possibly Drake and Ross’s most legendary collaboration, “Lord Knows” captivates listeners, not only with its lyrics but with its remarkable production.
2. “Public Service Announcement (Interlude)” – JAY-Z (2003)
Starting with perhaps the most famous bassline in both of their catalogs, JAY-Z commands the Just Blaze production as he re-introduces himself on “Public Service Announcement.” While Jay drops some of his most impressive bars on the track, the iconic album interlude is unmistakable with its Just Blaze-produced beat. Sampling “Seed Of Love” by The Little Boy Blues, the organ and drums crash over the famous bassline. One of JAY-Z’s most iconic tracks and one of Just Blaze’s best productions, “Public Service Announcement” is a hip-hop staple. What is even more impressive about the song is that Just Blaze made the beat in about ten minutes.
1. “U Don’t Know” – JAY-Z (2001)
Just Blaze has produced instrumentals for many of JAY-Z’s greatest songs, but his best beat is one of their earliest collaborations. Producing on The Blueprint was a breakout moment for Blaze, handling three different tracks. But, “U Don’t Know” stands out, immediately grabbing listeners with its energetic production and Hov’s commanding presence. The fiery beat puts all attention on Jay to spit some of his toughest rhymes. “U Don’t Know” is a quintessential Just Blaze, production marking the Roc-a-Fella sound of the 2000s. A high-energy track, the song also includes flourishes of soul with its chipmunk samples and vocal screams. The aggressive rapping from M.O.P. on the song’s remix also adds to the intensity of the instrumental. “U Don’t Know” displays JAY-Z and Just Blaze’s musical chemistry as one of Hov’s best lyrical moments and Blaze’s greatest production.
