Everyone covered who I like so I'll list some names that weren't mentioned:
Prefuse 73- No one talks about this guy but he takes beats to another level. I love that lo-fi buzzy sound. He's probably the most adventurous beatmaker out there.
newer cats: Illmind, Oddisee, M-Phazes- Check out Kenn Starr's album Starr Status, every beat is on point!
Chief Excel from Blackalicious: Gift of Gab is one of the best lyricists of all time imo, and Excel's beats are able to keep up with his talent.
Cool Calm Pete: This guy is so slept on. His LP "Lost" is one of the best and most complete hip hop albums I've heard. He did most of the production and within the context of the album, it's no less than perfect.
Nicolay: What he did with Foreign Exchange showed that he's a match for even the great 9th Wonder. His beats are complex but really smooth and maintains a cool groove. He makes the best feel good beats imo.
People Under the Stairs: Analog baby! Bring that fat sound back!
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