August 18th 2023.
The celebration of hip-hop's 50th birthday continues. Variety recently released a list of the greatest hip-hop executives of all time. These people are the unsung heroes of the genre; the hardworking visionaries who have been behind the scenes since the early 1970s.
Over the years, these executives have come in many shapes and forms, from those with no musical talent to artists taking control of their own destiny and the destiny of the artists they mentor. It's important to note that the list was based on GOAT status, so executives who have risen to prominence in the last 10 years were not included.
The list was topped by Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, Mr. G-Unit himself. After the success of his debut studio album "Get Rich or Die Tryin" in 2003, 50 Cent grew his label to include Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, and Young Buck. He has since become a major force in the entertainment industry, producing the hit series "Power".
Coming in at number 8 is Dr. Dre, co-founder of two of the most prolific forces in music: N.W.A and Death Row Records. His influence is undeniable, having brought the world the sounds of Snoop Dogg, Tupac Shakur, Eminem, and Kendrick Lamar. Not to mention the ever-present Beats by Dre headphones.
The list also included a number of high-profile female executives, such as former BET CEO Debra Lee, Quality Control Music founder Ethiopia Habtemariam, and Urban One Founder Cathy Hughes. It also paid homage to those who are no longer here, such as Def Jam Records Co-founder Andre Harrell and Violator Founder Chris Lighty, who brought Busta Rhymes, Nas and A Tribe Called Quest to the forefront.
All in all, the list celebrates the great visionaries who have helped shape hip-hop into the influential genre it is today.
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