Mustard produced most of YG's acclaimed 2014 debut album, My Krazy Life, then didn't work with him again until 2018's Stay Dangerous. Considering the two had been working together back when YG was just buzzing locally around Los Angeles, the two artists having such a huge moment meant a lot to their success. In 2013, YG and Mustard, longtime friends, collaborated on "My Nigga," which would be YG's first big hit. When you've been on the same team since 2009, there will be ups and downs within the journey. Freddie and Madlib continue to be a nearly untouchable rapper-producer duo who keep their output close to chest, ramping up anticipation at all times. Their 2019 follow-up (yes, they waited five years) Bandana took Freddie even to higher heights, and forced anyone not in the loop on Madlib's greatness to take notice. Freddie continued to become a tangibly better rapper year over year, and their 2014 collab album Pinata changed his career, making him one of the most sought-after rappers in the underground circuit.
Meanwhile, Madlib can take samples from any era or genre, and craft magic. Madlib was already well-known for crafting beats for legends like MF Doom Freddie was a respected lyricist but was still up-and-coming. The latter is an extremely sound technical rapper, who made his name in coke rap, but is really moving when he raps about his own personal demons. Working together professionally since 2011, with the single "Thuggin" (and it's associated EP of the same name), Freddie Gibbs and Madlib are a true underground rap success story. Zay is the producer behind a lot of the Guwop's discography, and plenty of his classics like "Icy," his first taste of success, "Bricks" and more. Rhyming over Zaytoven's trademark organs and 808s led to Gucci evolving into the trap rap pioneer we know and love today. Gucci Mane was making music around Atlanta, but when he met Zaytoven in 2004, his prolific output began. Often enough, there are rappers who start to work with producers from the start of their career, then go on to become legends together. Here, XXL highlights some of those lauded pairings of rappers and producers, and the impactful music they created together that will inspire generations to come. Throughout history, there have been plenty of rapper-producer duos that have helped shape each other's sound. In hip-hop, a rapper finding a producer to grow with is so vital, especially in a genre that evolves and changes so quickly. When an artist wants to create anything on a grand scale, it takes a team. Sometimes it can even take years to find someone who can match the creative output or see a similar vision, but there is nothing like that moment when it hits.