An In-House Producer – Things Hip-Hop Can’t Live Without

To be successful in hip-hop in 2013, an artist has to learn what production works best for him. Even if there's a beatsmith that's popular, every and any rapper may not be able to match the backing without sounding contrived. Meek Mill knew what he had in Jahlil Beats years before Rick Ross came knocking and even once signed to MMG, the Philly rapper brought Jahlil along for the ride.

Perhaps the best example of what teams should do is hire a few producers who can match the sound of the rappers under an imprint and bang out smash after smash. Gucci Mane, Waka Flocka and their in-house producers -- Lex Luger and Southside -- set a precedent in southern rap with their run of hit records over the course of a few years.