(AllHipHop News) Music industry veteran and advertising executive Steve Stoute has been involved in Hip Hop for over two decades. The former manager of Nas and Mary J. Blige is also the author of The Tanning of America. The book examines Hip Hop culture’s role in shaping consumerism in the modern world.
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With his expertise in business and music, Stoute was recently asked by Hot 97’s Angie Martinez to name the five most influential people in Hip Hop. He lists Dr. Dre, Jay Z, Sean “Diddy” Combs, and Kanye West as the four main individuals who have an effect on changing culture.
Stoute also mentions Pharrell Williams as another artist who can impact people’s behavior. He states Drake and Rick Ross as others who are on the rise in influencing the direction of culture, but there was one prominent rap mogul he left out of his choices – 50 Cent.
“[50 Cent] hasn’t had a hit in a really long time. He has not made anything musically that has changed anything in a very long time,” says Stoute. “I feel like he’s always gearing up for something that never happens. Hopefully, now that he’s independent and there’s no record company to blame, his aggressive content can get on the air.”
Stoute goes on to explain how success in the music field leads to success in the business field. According to him, 50’s lack of hit records puts him behind his peers like Kanye.
“The last great song he made was ‘I Get Money,'” adds Stoute. “Kanye’s put out three, four albums since then.”
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Watch Steve Stoute’s interview below.
