For Hip Hop Producers? Many questions?

Who is your fav producer of all time? I mean not just right now cuz they're hot and topping the charts. I personally like Pharrell and Timbaland equally. They have some smooth edgy stuff. Kinda leaning more toward Pharrell. Which takes me to my next question, what do you think makes a great producer, his distinct sound, or his network connections? Listen to these guys. Instrumentally, you can tell a Pharrell track cuz naturally he lays down similar drum patches in and throws in smooth chords. As for Timbaland, he always got rough sick beats. Course both these guys know who to link up with. I mean, I'm sure you can spot a J Dilla track from a Dre track, right? Let me know what you think.

i feel the same way as you do about Pharrell and Timba, i also really like Dre. i like these producers bcuz of all there ability to producer so much more music besides hip hop and Rap. When u are on Pharrell, Timba, or Dre track you know ur big or gonna make it big.

I dont like producers that you can tell right away who produced the song or the album bcuz all of there sounds are the same. Example, lil jon and swiss beats.

from the first second i hear a lil jon or swiss beats songs i know exactly who the producer was bcuz they have the same flavor for every song out they have.

Seattle Babe.

RZA is my personal favorite producer... he has an extremely unique sound

Dr. Dre
DJ Preme
Pete Rock
RZA
J Dilla

Dr. Dre is my favorite because his body of work is so large and he has such a great ability to innovate. Also, his work is extremely detailed and it is easy to tell just by listening to his beats that he put a huge amount of work into making it sound just right.