One of the many unsung players in the game of hip-hop is the producer. So many of us tune into some music not even listening to the artist in question, but dancing along to the beat, most likely created by an entirely different person. This begs the question, "Which producer is making us dance the most?" Our friends at SeeTheSound.com decided to spotlight two of the biggest producers in the game today and create an infographic, putting them head-to-head in a battle of production prowess to see who hits harder (pun intended): Mike WiLL Made It of Atlanta, Georgia, and DJ Mustard of Los Angeles, California.
Both producers are credited with affecting and changing the sound of hip-hop in the mainstream, as well as their respective regional niches. DJ Mustard popularized his "ratchet" sound with placements on songs from Tyga, Young Jeezy, 2 Chainz, as well as extensive work with fellow L.A. up-and-comer YG. Mike WiLL, meanwhile, built upon the foundations created by Drake right-hand man Noah "40" Shebib and trap pioneer Lex Luger, creating a distinct sound all his own, which he's used in the hip-hop game with artists like Future & Juicy J, as well as crossing over to the pop world to work with Miley Cyrus.
When you break down the numbers, it's that crossover appeal that gives Mike WiLL the edge as far as airplay, placements, and sales. Not only has his work with Miley Cyrus made him a household name to moms and their teenaged daughters, but his placements have gone to highly established artists, such as Lil Wayne and Ciara. DJ Mustard's placements are with up-and-coming artists such as YG, Kid Ink, and Ty Dolla $ign, who are still working to make their names known in the minds of more than hip-hop heads and the West Coast. It's still early on in both of their careers, however, and six months to a year from now, the statistics could be flipped. It's up to you, the listener, to decide that.
Give us your opinion on which producer's sound you dig more by voting below, and make sure to take a look at the numbers in the infographic provided by SeeTheSound.
