Ruff Ryders

A production team/label collective out of Yonkers, N.Y., the Ruff Ryders blew up on the strength of DMX's first two albums, and in 1999 released their platinum compilation Ryde Or Die, Vol. 1. Fuelled by catchy synth beats and heavy airplay, it spawned several massive hits, including Eve's "What Ya Want," and Jay-Z's "Jigga My N*gg*." Vol.2 (2000) was less popular but included appearances by Snoop, Method Man, and Busta Rhymes. Vol. 3, featuring Ludacris, Bubba Sparxxx, and Petey Pablo, surfaced in late 2001.