The 25 Most Powerful People in Rap (Right Now)

Watch the throne? Yeah, you should: These are the kingmakers whose rings require kissing.

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Image via Complex Original
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It's harder than ever to keep up with the relationships between media, money and music.

 
In the hip-hop world, what does it mean to have power? Who are the people behind the scenes—as well those in front of the cameras—who have the real ability to make things happen? Who are the artists, booking agents, radio suits, DJs, A&Rs, label execs, and (yes) editors who everyone else can't say no to?

25. Elliott Wilson

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24. Peter Schwartz

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23. Ryan Schrieber

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22. Mona Scott Young

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21. Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith

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20. Funkmaster Flex

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19. Frank Cooper

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18. Lee "Q" O'Denant

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17. Theo Sedlmayr, Esq

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16. Ebro Darden and Thea Mitchem (Tie)

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15. Doc Wynter

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14. Gee Roberson and Cortez Bryant

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13. Steve Stoute

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12. Questlove

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11. Benjy Grinberg Rostrum

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10. Lyor Cohen

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9. Paul Rosenberg

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8. "Big" Jon Platt

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7. Mike Caren and Michael Kyser

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6. Sean "Diddy" Combs

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5. Kanye West

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4. Jimmy Iovine & Dr. Dre

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3. Joie "I.E." Manda

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2. Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter

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1. Bryan "Birdman" and Ronald "Slim" Williams

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