Joe Nicolo

Hip-hop producer, studio engineer and label owner from Philadelphia.

Became well known within hip-hop circles when he created Studio 4 where many classic Philly hip-hop recordings from the late 80s and early 90s took place.

This led to him becoming staff producer at Columbia Records where he produced for a more diverse range of artists including Billy Joel and The Rolling Stones.

While at Columbia he also created the Ruffhouse imprint which brought many hip-hop acts to wide attention, notably Cypress Hill, Kris Kross and The Fugees.