Contributed By Scott Lipscomb

Being on any all century list is a huge honor, but to be the 2nd ranked on a list of the top producers is outstanding. The Virginia Duo of Pharrell and the Chad Hugo were second to only to Max Martin.

Billboards’ list named 50 producers handpicked by their staff with name, defining work, signature sound, and a hidden gem from their catalog.

The signature sound from the duo was described as “Liquid guitars, clanging percussion, and the most intoxicating synth tones you’ve ever heard — usually kicked off with a four-stab count-off, and often punctuated with a keyboard sound like a dying firework — which played as big a part as anything in hip-hop taking complete control of popular music in the ’00s.”

2002 seemed to be there defining year with hit songs “Hot In Here” By Nelly and “Grindin'” by Clipse that showed off “staggering simultaneous aptitude for pop-conquering maximalism and streets-locking minimalism.”

The hidden gem of the duo was “I Ain’t Heard Of That” by Slim Thug and Bun B which is an ‘addictive shuffle.” The layered percussion and synth whooshes were an essential to any producer during the time.

Earlier in the year, they produced Brent Faiyaz’s “Wasting Time” featuring Drake, Snoh Aalegra’s “In Your Eyes,” IDK’s “Keto” featuring Swae Lee and Rico Nasty, and two Moneybagg Yo tracks “Projects” and “Certified Neptunes.”

Snoop Dogg’s “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl” and Ludacris’ “Money Maker” are just 3 of the many Hot 100 number 1s the duo has produced.

The top 20 names on the list were rounded out by the likes of Timbaland, The-Dream and Tricky Stewart, Mike WiLL Made-It, Kanye West, Noah “40” Shebib, Mustard, Lil Jon, Swizz Beatz and Dr. Dre.