According to Billboard magazine, in the first 25 years of the 21st century, 326 singles reached the No. 1 position on the Billboard Hot 100. While more than 300 producers contributed to these chart-toppers, only a small group achieved repeat success, and even fewer maintained consistent influence over the past quarter century.
After previously honoring the century’s leading artists, albums, and songs, Billboard has shifted the spotlight to the creative minds behind the music, unveiling its list of the Top 25 Producers of the 21st Century on the Hot 100. This ranking recognizes individuals whose technical skill, innovation, and artistic vision have not only propelled songs to the top of the charts but also shaped the sonic identity of popular music in the modern era. The selection features both behind-the-scenes producers and multi-talented artists who also perform on their hits.
Between January 1, 2000, and December 28, 2024, fewer than half of the producers credited with a Hot 100 No. 1 were able to achieve a second chart-topper. Of those, only 33 reached the milestone of four or more No. 1 hits. To determine placement in cases of ties, Billboard considered the number of top 10 hits each producer achieved during the period, followed by their total chart entries.
The countdown is being revealed in stages from August 11–15, 2025, beginning with positions 25–21 and culminating with the announcement of the top five.
25. Bryan-Michael Cox
Cox established himself as a dominant figure in early 2000s R&B, co-producing four Hot 100 No. 1 singles alongside Jermaine Dupri: Usher’s “U Got It Bad” (2001), “Burn” (2004), and “Confessions Part II” (2004), as well as Mariah Carey’s “Don’t Forget About Us” (2005–2006). Making his first Hot 100 appearance in 1999, Cox went on to collaborate with Toni Braxton, Janet Jackson, and Jagged Edge. His work continues into the 2020s, including producing Muni Long’s 2024 hit “Made for Me,” which reached the Hot 100’s top 20.
24. will.i.am
Best known as the leader of the Black Eyed Peas, will.i.am produced four Hot 100 chart-toppers: Fergie’s “Big Girls Don’t Cry” (2007), BEP’s “Boom Boom Pow” (2009) and “Imma Be” (2010), and Usher’s “OMG” (2010), which also featured him as a performer. His diverse production portfolio spans collaborations with Estelle, Nas, and the Pussycat Dolls. In recent years, will.i.am has broadened his scope to Latin pop, producing for J Balvin (“RITMO [Bad Boys for Life]”), Ozuna (“Mamacita”), and Shakira (“Girl Like Me,” with BEP).
23. Boi-1da
Canadian producer Boi-1da has left a lasting mark on hip-hop and pop with a signature sound rooted in dancehall and reggae influences. His four No. 1 hits include Eminem’s “Not Afraid” (2010), Rihanna’s “Work” featuring Drake (2016), and Drake’s “God’s Plan” (2018) and “First Person Shooter” featuring J. Cole (2023). Known for his enduring partnership with Drake, Boi-1da has produced more than 40 of the rapper’s Hot 100 entries, in addition to tracks for Cardi B, Jack Harlow, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, and Nicki Minaj.
22. Corey Rooney
Rooney helped define the early 2000s blend of R&B and pop. He first topped the Hot 100 with Destiny’s Child’s “Independent Women Part I” (2000–2001), a hit that spent 11 weeks at No. 1. He later produced three of Jennifer Lopez’s chart-toppers: “I’m Real” (2001), “Ain’t It Funny” (2002), and “All I Have” (2003). Rooney also produced Lopez’s enduring hit “Jenny From the Block” (2002), which peaked at No. 3 and remains one of her signature songs.
21. Greg Kurstin
Kurstin began his career producing alternative pop for artists like Lily Allen and 3OH!3 before emerging as one of the most influential pop producers of the 2010s. His first No. 1 came with Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” (2012), followed by notable hits for P!nk, including “Blow Me (One Last Kiss).” He later produced Adele’s “Hello” (2015) and “Easy on Me” (2021), as well as Sia’s “Cheap Thrills” featuring Sean Paul (2016) — all Hot 100 No. 1s. Kurstin remains a sought-after producer, with recent credits including Halsey, Tate McRae, Maren Morris, and Kelly Clarkson’s holiday hit “Underneath the Tree,” which entered the Hot 100’s top 10 in December 2024.
This feature is based on reporting and data compiled by Billboard magazine as part of its 21st Century Charts retrospective series.
