Great producers do more than just make beats. They help give the artist and song direction. They help the listener understand the emotion and concept behind the music/song. There are few producers you could point to that do this better than Prince Paul. From his beginnings with Stetsasonic to working with hip hop legends such as Big Daddy Kane, MC Lyte, and Queen Latifah (to name just a few), Paul's style has become well respected and mimicked throughout the years.

Paul's big break came when he produced one of hip hop's most groundbreaking albums - De La Soul's "3 Feet High and Rising". Most notably, as can be seen throughout "3 Feet High and Rising", Prince Paul is credited with being the first to sample TV commercials, skits, and many other sounds outside of the standard funk records. These samples helped to establish what songs were about and provided comedic relief. This new style of sampling opened hip hop to a new world of possibilities and sounds. Even as part of the group Gravediggaz (which also featured members RZA, Frukwan, and Too Poetic), Prince Paul's sense of humor is often displayed in his music.

Without Paul's innovation, the art of producing and sampling would have been greatly stunted. He has influenced several of the best producers in hip hop today and has helped elevate hip hop to another level. So, for his humor, creativity, and influence, we say to Prince Paul... Respect Due.

What are your thoughts on Prince Paul? Do you have a favorite track produced by him? Leave all your thoughts and comments below. You can send any e-mails to straightouttahiphop@gmail.com. 

Peace.