No doubt that these are the two biggest producer in hiphop, and each of them were founders of two of the most influential and acclaimed rap groups: Wu-Tang Clan and N.W.A.
RZA
Production Style: Much of RZA's beats are sampled from ninja kung fu movies, but he samples lightly. His beats are smooth, simple, catchy, but are not overly involved to the point where it perfectly compliments the lyrical members of the Wu Tang Clan. The sheer amount of variety in his beats, coupled with the fact that many of his best productions were low-budget shows how versatile and skillful of a producer he is.
Rapping Style: While RZA doesn't have the smooth delivery or the eccentricity that the other members do, he is, by his own merits, a great lyricist. His lyrics are uniquely complex with many syllables and a large vocabulary, delivered at varying speeds. Sometimes abrasive, but overall, full of passion.
Proteges (production advanced the careers of): Almost all Wu-Tang solo efforts
Dr. Dre
Production Style: His beats are rich, deep, heavy, meant to be thumped on a bass speaker. From the 90's, his synthesized beats, from NWA to 2001, created a unique sound in his albums. In the 2000's, his production for Eminem and 50 Cent would prove to be not just beats which could be danced to at a club, but Dre can effectively create the dark gloomy horror imagery which compliments Eminem's rap style.
Rapping Style: His deep heavy voice adds the weight to his beats. Though he relies heavily on ghostwriting, he delivers whatever is written to him well.
Proteges (production advanced the careers of) : Eminem, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, The Game
My thoughts. Dre had some tracks that could blow any other productions out of the water and has acheived productions values even RZA couldn't reach up to, but overall, I think RZA had a larger variety and a larger number of well produced songs. So I call it a tie, at least until I can decide.
Your thoughts?
















