MTV’s latest, “Top 10 Hottest MCs,” list was recently released and quickly scrutinized for many reasons. I definitely don’t agree with the list and give you a few reasons why below.
via Nigel D.
Nicki Minaj was indeed hot in 2011 but her biggest single was, “Super Bass,” which is more Pop than rap. While Nicki Minaj’s popularity continues to grow she strays more and more away from Hip Hop. From the Lady Gaga like outfits to her new single, “Starships.” Lil Wayne’s , “Tha Carter IV,” went 2x platinum and was on two of Hip Hop’s biggest singles in 2011 with, “Look At Me Now,” & “I’m On One.” While Nicki Minaj’s brand continues to flourish, she hasn’t eclipsed Lil Wayne.
2011 was the year Meek Mill’s popularity sky rocketed. His song, “I’m A Boss,” was in constant rotation through out the year. While the street buzz was huge, the song wasn’t as big on the charts. I don’t see one song and a mixtape being enough to put him over artists that dropped solo albums. J. Cole and Young Jeezy both dropped albums that sold over 200k in the first week of sales. Big Sean dropped an album and had hits with, “My Last,” and “Marvin Gaye & Chardonnay.” I would say in 2011 Meek Mill may of been one of the MCs with the most buzz and 2012 he will have to prove he is one of the hottest with an album and touring.
Kanye West arguably dropped the best rap albums for 2010 and 2011 with, “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,” and “Watch The Throne.” Kanye West dominated Grammy night winning, best rap album and best rap song. “Watch the Throne,” debuted with 436k and the tour was a huge success. While Lil Wayne and Drake sold more records, Kanye West in my opinion delivered the better music.
Rick Ross has been one of the most consistent rappers over the last few years but in 2011 he was not the hottest MC. His highly anticipated solo album got pushed back and his two singles failed to make major noise. Rick Ross did a great job delivering verses on hits and blowing up Wale and Meek Mill but, “Self Made,” had lukewarm success. Rick Ross remained one of the hottest MCs in 2011 but didn’t do enough to be considered the hottest. I don’t see it plausible to put him over artists like Kanye, Drake or Lil Wayne. With, “God Forgives, I Don’t,” dropping this year, look for Rick Ross to possibly earn the title by the next countdown.
J. Cole’s debut album, “Cole World,” sold 217k records in the first week of sales and went on to go Gold. This is more than Big Sean(87k), Wale(164k) & Wiz Khalifa (198k), who made the list. While I wasn’t a big fan of, “Workout,” the single still went platinum. “In The Morning,” was also a big song and J. Cole did successfully tour the U.S. and Europe. Along with sales, J. Cole’s lyrical ability has remained highly regarded by fans and he was nominated for a Grammy. With these accolades it is ridiculous not to have J.Cole on a list of the top 10 hottest MCs.
