Many in their late twenties and early thirties , around the years two-thousand and two-thousand-three, as one of hip-hop’s definitive eras. The platinum era, where a handful of incredible producers each moved the game forward with their own wholly unique sound. Though he’s currently in the midst of an epic run with albums , Alchemist was actually part of that era all those years ago, a younger man still turning heads with his hard-hitting production. 

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Today, on the same day he dropped off a new collaboration album with , Alchemist took a moment to reflect on the year 2001, by way of a throwback Source Magazine story: “Chairmen Of The Board.” Highlighting and summarizing some of the time’s defining voices, the spread focuses on , Neptunes, Alchemist (“he may not be a household name just yet”), , Rockwilder, , , and .

On paper, it’s clear that we’re looking at a one of a kind roster full of legendary beatmakers. Alc took a moment to recognize that very fact, showing his humility with a genuinely wholesome caption. “2001. Source Magazine. Look at the killers i had to swim with!!!!!” he writes. “Every person in this is a god to me. Salute to my comrades. Forever grateful.” DJ Premier also took a moment to chime in, generally speaking for all of us by saying “WOW!!! THAT WAS A GOOD YEAR!!!”

What do you think — was this the best era for producers in hip-hop history?