Lex owned hip hop in 2011. His raucous, horror-movie-on-crunk-juice productions provided the perfect backdrop for hits by Jay-Z and Kanye ("H.A.M."), Ace Hood (“Hustle Hard”) and Rick Ross and Lil Wayne (“9 Piece”). We named him Producer of the Year at the BET Hip Hop Awards, and there's no doubt he lived up to the honor.

G.O.O.D. Music signee Hit Boy was responsible for one of the dopest, most undeniable hits this year, Jay and Kanye's "Paris." The song's opulent, woofer-busting bounce made him a shoo-in for this list, though he also crafted bangers like Pusha T's "Oh My God" and Game's "The Good, the Bad, the Ugly."

An artist must be allowed time to think, given ample opportunity to search the vast chasm of their imagination for an idea only they have talent to manifest. When paid this allowance the results can be substantially lucrative.

Jimmy Jazz debuted its first store over 20 years ago when President & Founder, James Khezrie, noticed an increasing demand for popular menswear in New York City.