Back in the days when hip-hop first started, the DJ was the most important guy on the stage. In fact, an MC had to ask for a DJ's permission to be featured with him. That's why you'll notice that in the names of groups like Eric B. & Rakim, Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, and Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, the DJ/producer's name always came first. Nowadays, a lot of hip-hop fans can't name a producer unless they are an MC themselves. The latest victim of this trend: Ryan Lewis.
