Music Producers, Ranked

Produced Michael Jackson's Thriller, the best-selling album of all time, and earned 28 Grammys from a record 80 nominations across jazz, pop, and film.

Pioneered the G-funk sound on The Chronic and launched Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and 50 Cent as a producer before co-founding Beats Electronics.

Produced nearly every Beatles recording and translated their studio experiments into orchestral arrangements, earning the nickname 'the Fifth Beatle.'

Co-founded Def Jam and produced landmark records across hip-hop, metal, and folk, from Beastie Boys and Red Hot Chili Peppers to Johnny Cash's American series.

Redefined late-90s and 2000s beats with stuttering, syncopated production for Missy Elliott, Aaliyah, and Justin Timberlake's FutureSex/LoveSounds.

Has written or produced roughly 30 Billboard Hot 100 number-ones, second only to Paul McCartney, for Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, and The Weeknd.

As half of The Neptunes he defined the sound of 2000s radio, and later produced global hits including 'Happy' and Daft Punk's 'Get Lucky.'

Led Chic and produced era-defining records including Bowie's 'Let's Dance,' Madonna's 'Like a Virgin,' and Daft Punk's 'Get Lucky.'

His loose, off-grid drum programming on Donuts and work with A Tribe Called Quest and Slum Village made him one of hip-hop's most influential beatmakers.

Coined and pioneered ambient music, then produced landmark albums for Talking Heads, U2, and Bowie's Berlin trilogy.

Popularized sped-up 'chipmunk soul' sampling on The College Dropout and produced for Jay-Z, though his later erratic public conduct clouds the legacy.

Shaped the dominant trap sound of the 2010s with Future and 21 Savage, and his solo album Heroes & Villains debuted at number one.

Produced Amy Winehouse's Back to Black and the diamond-certified 'Uptown Funk,' winning multiple Grammys and an Academy Award.

Won three consecutive Producer of the Year Grammys for shaping records by Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, and Lorde.

Founded Major Lazer and co-produced the global smash 'Lean On,' but his trend-chasing across dancehall, EDM, and country draws mixed critical takes.

Racked up a record number of UK Top 10 hits and festival anthems, though critics knock the formulaic, interchangeable drops.

Assembles chart-topping all-star singles like 'I'm the One,' but is widely mocked for functioning as a hype man and executive rather than a hands-on producer.

Produced massive pop hits for Katy Perry and Kesha, but Kesha's abuse allegations and the ensuing legal war made him radioactive in the industry.

Invented the influential 'Wall of Sound' production technique, but was convicted of second-degree murder in 2009 and died in prison, permanently tainting his name.