Polow Da Don and Drumma Boy lead the way while vets like Swizz Beatz, will.i.am and The Legendary Traxter round out the top 25.

In a year where digital downloads, master ringtones and singles accounted for the bulk of legitimate sales, Billboard magazine’s annual top R&B/Hip Hop producers list was mostly comprised of new entries. Mainstays like Kanye West, Just Blaze, T-Pain and Salaam Remi were nowhere to be found on the 2010 list. It should be noted that Billboard’s list is based on both input from critics and how many singles each producer landed in the “Hot 100” chart.

Polow Da Don, who was fourth on 2009’s list, led the way with 12 charted singles. Memphis native Drumma Boy made his highest appearance at the number two spot, with the most notable of his five charting singles being “No Hands.” The Waka Flocka Flame, Wale and Roscoe Dash collaboration is certified gold and has been on the charts for 13 weeks, peaking at the number 16 spot. Kane Beatz, who produced Young Money’s “Bedrock” and Stargate who handled the boards for a trio of number one singles by Katy Perry (“Firework”), and Rihanna (“Rude Boy,” “What’s My Name”) hold down the third and fourth spots respectively. Frequent Drake collaborator Noah “40” Shebib rounded out the top five with eight titles placed on the “Hot 100” singles chart. Chief among them were the Alicia Keys and Drake duets “Fireworks” and “Unthinkable (I’m Ready).”

Other newcomers to the list included Kevin McCall (12th), who worked on Chris Brown’s “Deuces” and Lex Leuger (25th) who produced Rick Ross’ “MC Hammer” and “B.M.F.” Meanwhile, a blast from the past came in the form of veterans such as Naughty By Nature’s KayGee (24th) and Missy Elliott (22nd).

Billboard’s 2010 R&B/Hip Hop Producer’s List