Marley Marl

One of old-school rap's first (and finest) super-producers, Marley Marl organized under his Cold Chillin' Records banner an incredible roster of crucial rappers including his cousin MC Shan, Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, Roxanne Shante, Kool G Rap, and Master Ace.



His pioneering use of sampling techniques (best heard on 1986's "The Bridge" by MC Shan) was credited with increasing rap's accessibility. Besides his countless outside productions, Marl also recorded two rather inconsistent albums of his own, with backing tracks serving as vehicles for displaying a vast array of guest performers. Marl continued producing into the late '90s (including high-profile LPs by Capone-N-Noreaga, Rakim and Fat Joe) and also hosted a weekly rap radio show in New York.