A pioneering rapper and producer from the 1990s, known for his lyrical dexterity and innovative production style that influenced a generation of hip-hop artists. He's also credited with discovering and mentoring notable rappers like Nas and Jay-Z.
Large Professor, also known as Extra P. and Large Pro, is a renowned American rapper and music producer from New York City. He is best known as a founding member of the underground hip hop group Main Source and as a mentor and frequent collaborator of the legendary rapper Nas.
William Paul Mitchell, aka Large Professor, was born on March 21, 1972, in Harlem, New York City, and raised in Flushing, Queens. He attended IS 237 and John Bowne High School, where his passion for music and hip-hop culture began to take shape.
Large Professor started making beats with two turntables, a Casio SK1 sampler, and pause tape cassettes before his mentor Paul C taught him how to use an Emu SP1200. His unique techniques set him apart from other producers, and he went on to produce three tracks for Eric B. and Rakim's album "Let the Rhythm Hit Em" in 1990, including the hit single "In the Ghetto".
In 1991, Main Source released their debut album "Breaking Atoms", which featured Large Professor's production skills and included hits like "Just Hangin' Out", "Looking at the Front Door", and "Live at the Barbeque", the latter being Nas's first public appearance on a track.
Large Professor's music reflects his passion for creating something new and innovative. He believes in pushing the boundaries of hip-hop and exploring new sounds. In an interview, he once said, "I was trying to catch it from a different part of the record. I would catch it from the third hi-hat and be flipping it."
About.com ranked Large Professor at No. 13 on its Top 25 Hip-Hop Producers list, solidifying his influence on the genre. His work with Main Source and Nas has inspired a generation of hip-hop artists, and his unique production style continues to shape the sound of contemporary hip-hop.
Large Professor considers "Looking at the Front Door" one of the most emotional records of his career, saying, "That's a deep record. At that time in life, I was eighteen years old. It was a kid with a pure heart, just writing, and putting his soul out there for the world."
Large Professor's philosophy on music is reflected in his quote, "I was trying to catch it from a different part of the record. I would catch it from the third hi-hat and be flipping it." This quote showcases his innovative approach to music production.
Large Professor's influence can be seen in the many hip-hop artists he has worked with, including Nas, Akinyele, and Joe Fatal. His music has been sampled and referenced in various genres, solidifying his impact on pop culture.
Large Professor's contributions to hip-hop have earned him a place in the history of the genre. His innovative production style and his work with Main Source and Nas have left an indelible mark on the evolution of hip-hop.
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