Large Professor, born William Paul Mitchell on March 21, 1973, in Harlem, New York, grew up in a family that had a deep love for music. His parents and sister were fans of disco and hip hop, which greatly influenced him from an early age. He was exposed to a wide variety of music genres growing up, which sparked his passion for creating music of his own.
Large Professor started his music career while attending John Browne High School. It was during this time that he met an up-and-coming rapper named Nas. After classes, Nas approached Large Professor and asked him to mix his demo for what would later become the legendary album Illmatic. Even though Large Professor initially declined a producer credit on the demo, it ended up being his big break in the music industry. The success of Illmatic solidified his reputation as a talented producer, and he continued to collaborate with Nas on future projects.
Large Professor was the frontman for the Toronto hip hop band Main Source, where he worked alongside fellow members K-Cut and Sir Scratch. After gaining experience with Main Source, Large Professor decided to pursue a solo career, focusing more on his production work. His solo projects allowed him to explore his creativity and establish himself as a respected figure in the hip hop community.
Throughout his career, Large Professor has worked with numerous hip hop stars, including Rakim, Common, and Busta Rhymes. His production credits can be found on major hip hop albums, solidifying his reputation as one of the top producers in the industry. In fact, About.com ranked him as the number 5 hip hop producer on their Top 50 list, showcasing his immense talent and influence in the music world.
Large Professor, also known as Xtra P, has left a lasting impact on the hip hop scene with his unique production style and lyrical abilities. His dedication to his craft and his passion for music have earned him a well-deserved place among the legends of hip hop. As he continues to create music and collaborate with other artists, Large Professor's influence on the genre will undoubtedly endure for years to come.
Outside of his music career, Large Professor remains a private individual, focusing on his work and creative pursuits. His upbringing in Harlem, New York, and his love for music continue to inspire his artistry and drive to create timeless music that resonates with audiences around the world.
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