MTV’s “Hottest MCs In The Game” Top 10 List – Hiptics.com Predicts The Results
MTV News is scheduled to release their list for the Hottest MCs in the rap game in less than a week. Here’s how MTV justifies their selections.
As always, the MTV News Hip-Hop Brain Trust has been keeping a close collective eye and ear to the game. We’ve been watching who’s been moving the needle on the culture, who has impacted the game with superior skill, unmatched style and uncannily superior execution with their art and business. It’s not just music — it’s about a movement.
Here’s how Hiptics.com expects MTV’s list to appear (as of August).
1. Drake, 2. Eminem, 3. 50 Cent, 4. Kanye West, 5. Lil Wayne, 6. Kid Cudi, 7. Plies, 8. Fabolous, 9. Rick Ross, 10. Joe Budden
UPDATE: MTV pushed back their list to October, and finally released it last week. Here’s the results:
1. Jay-Z, 2. Lil Wayne, 3. Drake, 4. Kanye West, 5. Rick Ross, 6. Gucci Mane, 7. Young Jeezy, 8. Fabolous, 9. 50 Cent, 10. Raekwon
Jay-Z Thinks MTV’s Top 10 Hottest MCs List Lacks Credibility | The Truth About MTV’s Top 10 MTVs Hottest MCs List
Check out how I think the list should appear. I’ve added my own arguments for each artist.
10. Kanye West
- Kanye is still heavy on the radio in 2009 via guest appearances. Mr. West has been rapping (without auto-tune) on popular singles by Beyonce (“Ego”), Kid Cudi (“Make Her Say”), and Jay-Z (“Run This Town”).
- He might have sabatoged Drake’s career (not on purpose) with the horrible job he did directing the music video for ”Best I Ever Had,” but Kanye is still a creative force to be reckoned with.
- Amber Rose is a former stripper who’s now famous simply for being associated with Kanye West. NY Mag summed up Amber Rose’s rise to fame perfectly: “Not since George Clooney plucked Sarah Larson from cocktail-waitress obscurity has an unknown become so famous so quickly.”
- Kanye has brought a lot of great music to his G.O.O.D. Music fam. Take Big Sean, for example. Don’t forget Kid Cudi (who almost made the list).
9. Joe Budden
- Joey is the hottest rapper on the Internet. Hiptics.com’s footage of him from Rock The Bells was viewed 22,000 times in two days, and it wasn’t because of my incredible Flip-Cam skills. The real reason is because Joe Budden generates interest.
- Slaughterhouse is a great look for hip hop. Joe Budden deserves a lot of credit because he came up with the idea of forming a rap supergroup with Royce, Crooked, and Joell. Oh yea, and their self-titled debut album is nothing short of high quality.
- Like Kanye West, Joe Budden made his girlfriend famous. The world wanted to know Tahiri because she’s Joe Budden’s girl, and because of her structure.
8. Wale
- MTV didn’t list Wale as an option for “Hottest MC,” but I’m going to include him. His single, “Chillin ft. Lady Gaga,” has become one of the defining songs of summer 2009. I was just in Naples, Florida (Plies territory) and heard “Chillin” multiple times on the local hip hop station, 105.5 FM. I even had a friend who doesn’t even appreciate rap quote Wale’s “say you gotta lotta whips, but I got a lot” line.
- Wale’s mixtape, Back To The Feature, received a lot of Internet love. His album, “Attention Deficit,” isn’t due until October, but an album listening session left critics blown away by the material.
- The DC emcee has never released an album, yet was able pack clubs from San Francisco to Buffalo for his Attention Deficit Tour. Have you ever been to a Wale concert? I’ve been to two, and can attest that his fan base is strong and growing. I first saw Wale perform in at S.O.B.’s in New York City. He tore it up, and even brought Skyzoo on stage for a few numbers. The NYC hip hop crowd is tough to please. After all, hip hop originated in NYC. The crowd showed a lot of love, though. Later, I caught his 4/20 performance in Bloomington, Indiana. It was a completely different type of crowd, but Wale received the same type of response. Enthusiastic.
7. Plies
- “Plenty Money” from 2008’s Da REAList has been in heavy rotation this summer, and Plies made headlines by throwing out $50,000 at a concert. Who does that?
- Plies does numbers without the big time exposure that some of the MCs on the list receive. Da REAList was the number 1 rap album seven weeks after its release.
- His brother, Big Gates (the head of Plies’ record label), is now a free man. Gates was sentenced to hard time right before Plies debuted with Tha Real Testament in 2007. My point being that Plies is stronger than ever.
- Plies’ ode to oral (“Becky”) has been heating up since it was released. It’s brutally honest and possibly one of the most sexual hip hop songs of all time, but people love it. You would think radio would never play a record like that, but just today I heard “Becky” being played in Atlanta. Gimme that Becky…
- Plies’ fourth album, Goon Affiliated, is due in September. Plies released his first three albums within 16 months and has waited less than a year to release his new CD. Plies might not win an award for lyricism anytime soon, but Mr. Real consistently connects with his audience.
- Have you ever seen the type of concerts Plies puts on? He had a show in New Orleans, the same night as a Lil Wayne performance. More people in Lil Wayne’s hometown chose to catch Plies live.
6. Lil Wayne
- Wayne’s rock album (“Rebirth”) may never be released, but you must be one of the hottest MCs when you’re corny attempt at rock songs end up on the Billboard charts.
- Drake, the #1 hottest MC, is Lil Wayne’s protegee. Don’t forget that Nicki Minaj is also down with Wayne’s Young Money camp. If you don’t know about Nicki, she’s the dopest femcee I’ve heard in a while.
- Wayne is the reason we ever hear Birdman on the radio. That’s an accomplishment in itself.
- Wayne has so much momentum from his monstrous 2008 that it’s impossible for him to totally fall of the list. Also, you make this list by default when Katie Couric interviews you.
5. Jay-Z
- Jay-Z proved he’s still one of the most influential MCs (even if he’s closer to 40 than 39) when he dropped “Death Of Auto-Tune.” While Hiptics.com was aware what the song was really about, Hov single-handedly made everyone talk. I asked Big Sean and Juelz Santana what they thought of Jay-Z’s “D.O.A.” because it was such a relevant topic of conversation in the hip hop world.
- Rappers love to talk about Jay-Z. Whether it’s Jim Jones calling him an “old sucka” or The Game questioning his fertility, Jay-Z matters to his fans and to the rappers who want his spot.
- Blueprint 3 is the most anticipated album of 2009 that has yet to be released, and the second single (“Run This Town ft. Rihanna & Kanye West“) is in heavy rotation in major radio markets.
4. Eminem
- Men lie. Women lie. Numbers dont. Eminem’s has sold more albums than any other MC this year. I would put him at the #1 spot if it weren’t for the fact that Mr. Mathers is so far removed from the hip hop grind. As this 2003 issue of XXL noted, “[Eminem] is now a global pop-culture figure. He is Elvis, Madonna, Michael Jackson.”
- After a long hiatus, Eminem gave fans exactly what they wanted with Relapse. Eminem rapping multi-syllable zaniness over 16 brand-new Dr. Dre instrumentals is pretty much a win-win. Can we lose the accent, though?
- “Beautiful” is one of the most popular songs of 2009, and the music video for “3 AM” is one of the best hip hop shorts this year.
3. Gucci Mane
- I’ve been living in Atlanta this summer and cannot escape Gucci Mane. He’s constantly on the radio (Brr!!!) here in the A. Girl Talk predicted this all when he told Hiptics.com that Gucci would be the next rapper to blow up.
- “Wasted ft. Plies” is a commercial hit with universal appeal.
- Gucci is featured on hit singles by Mario (“Break Up”), OJ Da Juiceman (“Make The Trap Aye”), and Mariah Carey (“Obsessed Remix”). Don’t forget that the videos for all three songs are in-rotation. Gucci Mane, Mariah, bling blow wow…
- La Flare has a slew of fresh song that have videos to accompany them. Most notably, “She Got A Friend ft. Juelz Santana & Big Boi” and “Photoshoot.”
- His mixtape with DJ Drama, The Movie Part 2, is worth a listen.
2. 50 Cent
- 50 single handedly made early 2009 entertaining for hip hop fans. He was dissed out of nowhere by Miami rapper Rick Ross, but his response(s) revolutionized rap beef. What other rapper would think of flying someones baby’s mom to New York City for an interview and shopping spree? How about get her a publishing deal for her tell-all book?
- Curtis Jackson doesn’t do a lot of guest verses, but he made a smart hip hop political move by rapping on Wisin & Yandel’s single “Mujeres In The Club.”
- The War Angel LP is the best mixtape of the year thus far. It’s short, hardcore, and enjoyable from start to finish.
- Fif dropped another quality mixtape, Forever King, less than a month after War Angel LP.
- “Okay You’re Right” is the first 50 Cent single in a while that no one can deny. The video is pretty dope, too.
1. Drake
- So Far Gone was an excellent mixtape that generated a massive single (“Best I Ever Had”). It also served as a medium for Drake to showcase his talent as a song-writer. I would say it’s more R&B than rap, but very impressive nonetheless.
- Major labels wined and dined Drizzy to get him to sign their contracts. He ended up staying as independent as possible, but will be distributed by Universal Republic. Nice move, Drake.
- Like Wale, Drake’s travel schedule was crazy as he sold out shows in clubs across the United States. Who cares if the promoters charge $500 for an interview, right?
- When you don’t have an album in stores, but are asked to collaborate with artists like Mary J. Blige, Jamie Foxx, and Jay-Z, you’re probably the hottest MC in the rap game.
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Where lloyd banks
Rick Ross by far dropped the best album this year hands down. How many albums you sell don’t make you a dope MC. It just give you an idea on how many white people listen to your music.
who made this list? its terrible kill yourself if you did
HAHHAH U GOTTA B KIDDING ME!!! half these people arnt even REAL mcs….where is hip hop goin…are u serious??? FUCKINI GUCCI MANE?????? ABOVE EM JAY AND KANYE???? stop lyinn plies and wale???? omg stop playin
Allen: Lloyd Banks is one of the best spitters in the game, but his 2009 activity is largely limited to mixtapes and touring.
Killyourself: Make a better list and post it as a comment. I’d like to read it.
Danny Def: This list is not about who’s the BEST MC, it’s about who’s the HOTTEST aka who generates the most interest.
That list is wack why is plies, joe button, wale on this list rick ross and young jeezy should be on there
This list is mad stupid! Gucci who? And You put Kanye at ten? So you are saying that between Gucci and Kanye, Gucci is more influential? Are yall nuts!? Wait, who the f@#ck is Wale? Im not even wasting time on this sh@it, i’ll take it that you guys were high when you made this. Apology accepted.
Phill: I justified each artists placement on the list
Igotta: Read this part again: “We’ve been watching who’s been moving the needle on the culture, who has impacted the game with superior skill, unmatched style and uncannily superior execution with their art and business. It’s not just music — it’s about a movement.”
ADD YOUR OWN LIST TO THE COMMENT SECTION
T.I. Is the best MC in the game hands down and you guys didn’t put him on the list. Stop hating on T.I.P
^ I’m a longtime T.I. supporter, but the reason he didn’t make the list is because of his incarceration. A basketball player can’t be MVP if he/she is injured for the season, right?
Em is a fukin MC..no pop cuture figure u dikhead…Em deserves to be on TOP…havent you heard Relapse…..Every song except We Made you was pure Rap……for hardcore RAP lovers like me
Em is the best rapper alive PERIOD!!! But this man is gettin’ no kind of respect from MTV or BET!!! That’s a shame! They hatin’ on him that bad?! Because he’s white and very talented?!
I agree with Jay-Z and what he said, that top ten lacks credability, Does jay deserve his accilades, absolutely but the hottest today in my opionion, is Eminem, I would say Drake but, The Forever single, and the way Eminem smashed it, wow….he staked his falg in my opinion…..so ket me give my two cents as far as top ten today is concerned, cause if this was a all time list well not to mention Pac, Big and Rakim would be slapping Hip-Hop in the face…..and I am 34, have seen this culture become waht it is today and it just isb’t what it used to be…..never will be again……FORGET SALES, WE ARE TALKING WHO GETS ON A TRACK AND CAN BRING ANY INSTRUMENTAL TO LIFE OR WHO CAN PAINT PICTURES WITH WORDS….SO here is THAT Top Ten
1) Eminem 2) Jadakiss 3) Jay-Z 4) Young Jeezy 5) Drake 6) T.I. (and to the TI supporter who must not watch sports, who has EVER been injured in any sport for a season and won a MVP?? That was a funny statement…no athlete has ever won an MVP for being injured, do the research next time.) 7) Nas 8) Rick Ross 9) 50 Cent (I fought with that pick) 10) Lil Wayne ( when he is on his grizzy)…I’ll get ripped for a few, including Nas, but how is he not when his latest album got Grammy nominations?????? Holla…..
^ Brian, An athlete who was injured for a season never won an MVP Award…NO KIDDING!. That was my point; T.I. cant be on the list if he’s not active in the game right now. Step your reading game up.
Thanks for the comment, though. -Cfro
THIS LIST IS DIRT
Best I ever had SuCKs
MAN these MC suck
and Jay-Z… The man who built his career of stealing off of other rappers Come on
If this is the best MC’s then the quality of Music has dropped to dirt over the past years I mean this is terrible
^ It’s not the BEST list, but rather the HOTTEST MCs right now (or when I made the post in August). I went by MTV’s criteria. If I had to make a best MC’s alive list, it would look a lot different.
this is some bullshit half of these dudes arent even real mc s an all gucci does is talk about the same shit over and over again all the girls yu fuked and all the weed yu smoke gets old after a while hip hop has really lost quality these days i guess it really is dead
^ hip hop is not dead. It’s very much alive. You would know that if you checked http://hiptics.com every day.
The world would be missing something huge without hip hop. Yay! Drake #1 on your list lol.
Who tha fuck made this chart ? Where are Method Man ,Guru , Raekwon , MOP , Mos Def , KRS One , Rakim and the other classics still producing ? Hip hop is not dead the term of hip hop has been used too much for fake shit like 50 cent and the other fake motherfuckers ive never heard before . Kanye was good but he got commercial and shit
and eminem is a fucking commercial cocksucker and im not racist because im white
Umm ya…where tha hell is T.I and Game? a lot of the dudes on this list is trash. Ya Jay is dope, kanye, em, Wayne, n drake are too I like em all but the others are garbage. Gucci ain’t bad. But to me, I think tip and game should be the first 2 spots. They are really the only ones I would say are the best rappers alive. And Jay. I like the shit out of Wayne but I don’t think he shoul be the best rapper alive cuz of some of the shit he drops is terrible. Game and ti still spit the truth and I think they should receive more credit than this!! What do you think???
This is a horrible list. Where is Lupe Fiasco?