Widely known initially for his work as a producer and MC with the rap group
Main Source,
Large Professor soon after became a full-time producer working with such acts as
Big Daddy Kane and
A Tribe Called Quest.
Professor originally became involved in rap when he won a tryout held by
Main Source members
K-Cut and
Sir Scratch in 1989. Contributing significantly to the creative direction of the group,
Professor eventually broke with
Main Source over creative differences . He then lent his hand to albums by some of rap's biggest names, including
Eric B. & Rakim,
Nas, and
Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth. For his full-length solo debut, 2002's
1st Class,
Large Professor called in favors from friends including
Nas,
Q-Tip, and
Busta Rhymes. ~ Steve Kurutz, All Music Guide