Hip Hop Awards 2023: Two Legendary Producers Received Their Hip Hop Flowers
Amid the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic-induced lockdown and uncertainty, legendary producers Swizz Beatz and Timbaland revolutionized the music industry with their social media-born event, Verzuz.
The online phenomenon brought together legendary artists and producers in a captivating musical battle format. The first-of-its-kind event witnessed iconic matchups, including a showcase between Brandy and Monica and an intense face-off between rappers Jeezy and Gucci Mane.
In recognition of their enduring contributions to the genre, the superproducers were honored with the prestigious "Rock The Bells Cultural Influence Award,” presented by ceremony host and rapper Fat Joe.
The accolade recognizes their “impressive cultural contributions, talents, and unbound creativity that has cemented them as two of the most innovative forces in music and popular culture.”
“I always dreamed I’d be on stage accepting an award about hip hop. Doing music back in Virginia, [I] never thought that I would make it, but now I’m here. Me and my brother created something special, and it ain’t over,” Timbaland shared in his acceptance speech.
Swizz dedicated his award “to all the producers coming from nothing making it into something. to all the creatives, all of the artists,” as well as his Ruff Ryders family and the late DMX, “because without all of these foundations, I wouldn’t be where I’m at.”
The “Ruff Ryders' Anthem” producer reiterated Timbaland’s previous remarks about the return of Verzuz, noting that “it wasn't something for the pandemic. That was something for the world.”
Swizz Beatz, a Bronz, NY native, rose to prominence in the late 1990s after getting his start in hip hop as a DJ. He later found widespread success after teaming up with Yonker’s native DMX and later Philadelphia-based rapper Cassidy.
Hailing from West Virginia, Timbaland also found success in the mid-90s. He quickly became known for his production style, often combining various musical elements and sounds from outside cultures.
Timbaland's collaborations with artists like Missy Elliott, Aaliyah, and Justin Timberlake have produced some of the biggest hits in contemporary music.
