Dr. Dre is a legendary American rap artist, record executive, producer and actor notable for his “West Coast” and “G-Funk” hip-hop beats. Born Andre Young on February 18, 1965, Dr. Dre began his musical career as a member of distinguished underground hip-hop acts “World Class Wreckin’ Cru” and “N.W.A” along with Mc Ren, Ice Cube, Eazy E and DJ Yella. His first solo debut entitled “The Chronic” is the biggest-selling Hip-hop beats album released in 1992. His first solo single, “Let Me Ride” earned him a Grammy Award for Best Rap Single in 1993. In 2000, Dr. Dre started to venture in music production by launching the careers of 50 Cent and Eminem. In 2001, he made his acting debut in the films “The Wash” “Set It Off” and “Training Day”.
Timothy Zachary Mosley or well-known as Timbaland is a Grammy-winning rapper, singer, songwriter and music producer famous for his collaborations with prominent artists including Nelly Furtado, Justin Timberlake, OneRepublic, Katy Perry and Keri Hilson. An older brother of iconic Hip-hop artist “Sebastian”, Timbaland started his music career in 1996 when he produced RnB singer Ginuwine’s debut album, “Ginuwine: The Bachelor”. He also produced Missy Elliot and the late Aaliyah’s debut album, which earned him commercial regard among urban music critics and fans as well. However, his claim to fame started when he collaborated with Missy Elliot for “Get Your Freak On” which became a worldwide hit in 2001.
Faheem Rasheed Najm or notably known as T-Pain started his career as a freelance rap artist for the underground rap group, “Happy Headz”. T-Pain is recognizable for using “Auto-Tune Pitch” effect in many of his songs. In 2008, he earned a Grammy Award for his collaboration with Kanye West for the single, “The Good Life”. Two years later, he won another Grammy Award for “Blame It”, his first single with Academy Award-winning actor Jamie Foxx. T-Pain became one of the most controversial Hip-hop artists due to his previous involvement in car chase scenes and other legal issues.
Kanye West is considered as the biggest-selling rap artist of all time. Kanye’s musical style ranges from a variety of genres such as RnB, Hip-hop, baroque pop, Electronic, synth and classical music, making him the most versatile musician in the world today. His previous albums, “The College Dropout”, “Late Registration”, “Graduation” and “808s and Heartbreak” received critical praises and numerous accolades from BET, Soul Train and Grammys. His latest album entitled “My Beautiful Dark Twisted February” is the fourth biggest selling album in the US today.
Jonathan Smith or simply known as Lil’ Jon is remarkable for his “Crunk” sub-genre and collaborations with urban music superstars including Usher, Brooke Valentine, Petey Pablo and LMFAO. According to music writer and critic Jason Birchmeir of Allmusic website, Lil Jon’s musical style is basically accompanied with “bass-heavy” effects that are evident in his debut album “Put Yo Hood Up”. In 2006, Lil’ Jon collaborated with rock band The Killers for “Sam’s Town”.
Source by Jake Z Poore
