Large Professor

William Paul Mitchell, better known by the stage name of Large Professor, is an American rapper and record producer. Based in New York City, he is a founding member of the underground hip-hop group Main Source, and is credited with having discovered and mentored fellow New York City-based rapper Nas.

Large Professor's fingerprints are all over *Illmatic*, the 1994 album that redefined East Coast rap and introduced Nas to the world—a co-sign that proved his ear for talent was as sharp as his production chops. Before mentoring Nas, he'd already established himself as the sonic architect behind Main Source, the Queens collective that bridged underground boom-bap and radio accessibility. His work on "Life's a Bitch" and "The World Is Yours" showcased a producer who understood that the best beats don't compete with the rapper; they elevate him. Though his own releases as a solo artist never matched the cultural impact of his production work, Large Professor remained essential to New York's 90s sound—a behind-the-scenes legend who shaped one of hip-hop's most enduring masterpieces.