Large Professor

Large Professor first gained recognition through his dual roles as producer and MC within the rap collective Main Source, before shifting focus to full-time production work alongside acts including Big Daddy Kane and A Tribe Called Quest. Entry into the rap world came after he prevailed in a 1989 audition arranged by Main Source members K-Cut and Sir Scratch. Having shaped the group's artistic vision in substantial ways, he later split from Main Source amid creative disagreements. Production credits on albums by leading rap names followed, among them Eric B. & Rakim, Nas, and Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth. His first proper solo album, 2002's 1st Class, drew on guest contributions from longtime associates Nas, Q-Tip, and Busta Rhymes, while 2008's Main Source incorporated appearances by Big Noyd, AZ, and Styles P.