Large Professor

Large Professor is one of the most long-standing -- and underrated -- producers in hip-hop, creating tracks for some of the biggest names in the business. He got his start making beats for artists like Kool G Rap and Rakim, before joining up with Main Source and going to work behind the boards as well as on the mic. Their 1991 album, Breaking Atoms, remains a cherished classic, with the timeless hits "Looking At The Front Door" and "Live at the Barbeque." Though he left the group behind, his impact and influence steadily grew through his top-notch compositions for other rising stars. His resume reads like a who's-who of quality hip-hop, with Nas, Big Daddy Kane, A Tribe Called Quest, and Mobb Deep. Large Professor continues to record as a producer and emcee; he released Rap Professionals in 2000.