Super Producers of the '90s and the Top of the Millennium

Beatmakers who rocked hip hop's second golden era.

We Won't Stop - Diddy hit up Instagram this week and announced that he was reassembling his legendary Hitmen production squad that made Bad Boy a powerhouse when he dominated the end of the '90s and the top of the millennium. To make the reunion even hotter, Puff also added a new member to the legendary unit and his name is... Kanye West.The post read:  "Ladies and gentlemen I'm pleased to announce that I am back behind the board! I got the hitman with me @chucklife365 @iammariowinans @hitmansteviej_1@itsseanc @lvizual DDOT, NASHIEM & the newest member of the hitman KANYE WEST #BREAKINGNEWS#Everythingisgoingtobealright #MMM."  As Puff prepares to take over the charts once again, let's take a look at some of the hottest super producers who rocked the '90s and the early years following Y2G. —Michael Harri...
Swizz Beatz - Swizz Beatz Ruff Rode into the game in 1998 supplying heat for his crew members DMX, Eve and the LOX and eventually spread his flavor to other MCs like Jay Z, Noreaga, Busta Rhymes, and Cassidy. His laundry list of hits and anthems include "Ruff Ryder's Anthem," "Money Cash, H**s, "Wild Out" and "Hotel." (Photo: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for VH1 Save The Music)
Just Blaze - Just Blaze had been in and out of various New York studios but caught fire when he linked up as Roc-A-Fella's in-house go-to man crafting bangers for Jay Z, Beanie Sigel, and Memphis Bleek. He got his weight up producing the bulk of The Dynasty: Roc La Familia and more hits like Cam's "Oh' Boy," Freeway's "What We Do" and Fabolous's "Breathe." Just proved he had that R&B touch too after he got behind the boards for Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey and Usher.  (Photo: Mike Windle/Getty Images for H&M)
Mannie Fresh - DJ Mannie Fresh solidified Cash Money as an unstoppable force when the New Orleans crew hopped from the indies to the majors with Juvenile's "Ha." Handling 99 percent of the production in C.M.'s self-contained camp, Mannie ushered in the "Bling Bling" era with more heat that included "Back That Azz Up," "I Need a Hot Girl," "Get Your Roll On" and "Go DJ." The former Big Tymer has also branched out and produced for Yasin Bey, T.I., Gucci Mane and Rick Ross. (Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images)The Neptunes - The Neptunes literally grinded their way to the top as studio rats studying under Teddy Riley, but became their own force in 1998 when Nore's "Super Thug" took off. Chad and Pharrell had no breaks as they went on a platinum run producing hits for Jay Z ("I Just Wanna Love U (Give It to Me)", Mystikal ("Shake Ya A**"), and Ol' Dirty Bastard ("Got Your Money").  While locking down hip hop, they also showed their reach on the pop and R&B side by making noise with Babyface, Kelis, Ray J, Brandy, Beyonce and Britney Spears.  (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images) 

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Swizz Beatz - Swizz Beatz Ruff Rode into the game in 1998 supplying heat for his crew members DMX, Eve and the LOX and eventually spread his flavor to other MCs like Jay Z, Noreaga, Busta Rhymes, and Cassidy. His laundry list of hits and anthems include "Ruff Ryder's Anthem," "Money Cash, H**s, "Wild Out" and "Hotel." (Photo: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for VH1 Save The Music)

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