Music producers' influence on R & B music

Are music producers larger than the artists themselves these days?  There was a time when the producers main role was to help with the music selection on an artists album.  The producer would bring creative ideas and help set the musical tone.  No one knew who the producer was unless you looked for the credits on the back of the album cover. Over the years the producers role has changed tremendously. 

Today's Producers

Some of today's producers aren't just behind the scenes they can be heard directly on the album.  In fact most producers have become artists themselves.  Timbaland's described on his website as a super producer.  This is a valid title considering that he's produced hits for the likes of: Justin Timberlake, Destiny's Child, Aaliyah, Jodeci, Ginuwine and many more.  Timbaland has also simultaneously managed to make albums himself.  He currently has one of the hottest songs in the country featuring Drake entitled "Say Something".  Another producer turned artists is none other than Sean "P. Diddy" Combs.  Ask anyone in the business and they will tell you no one does it like "Diddy".  There was a time when he was behind the scenes those days are long gone.  He's produced for Mary J. Blige, Usher, Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men and the hip hop legend The Notorious B. I. G.  Diddy  is considered a mogul--his hands aren't only in the music business but all business. Diddy's latest project is the album "Last Train to Paris" in which he actually sings with the help of auto-tune.  He owns his own record label Bad Boy Records.  He started his own clothing line Sean Jean.  He even designed the green "throw back" uniforms for the Dallas Mavericks.  He also helped develop the Vodka brand Ciroc.  Diddy is known for promoting and hosting the most memorable parties in the entertainment industry.  Dallas/ Ft. Worth experienced Diddy's parties first hand this past February during All Star Weekend.  There are other producers that follow the lead of Diddy and Timbaland such as Swizz Beatz and Brian Micheal Cox.  All of these producers have had a great impact on R & B music and there's new producers following in their footsteps daily wanting to gain the title of super producer.  Charlie Brown of Off Top Records and CBG Entertainment is a local producer.  If you're looking for that one of a kind sound and want to step up your music game contact Off Top Records.  For more information Charlie can be reached at charliebrown0819@yahoo.com.