All hail king Kendrick. The West Coast rapper has been crowned MTV’s “Hottest MC in the Game.”
After much anticipation, the full list was revealed on Thursday night. The “Poetic Justice” hitmaker makes his debut appearance at the top of the list based on a unanimous vote by MTV’s Hip-Hop Brain Trust.
The Grammy-nominated 2 Chainz earns the runner-up spot, while last year’s top dog, Rick Ross, falls to #3.
Hip-hop veteran Nas makes his first appearance ever on the list at #4 along with newcomers A$AP Rocky (#8) and Future (#9), who also score their first placements.
As always, the list was the subject of much debate. Kanye West vented about his #7 spot during an interview with DJ Enuff. “Number 7 bothers me,” admitted ‘Ye, while weighing in on who deserves the No. 1 spot. “I think that [Lil] Wayne is the number one rapper in the world.”
However, his G.O.O.D. Music signee Big Sean was content with his placement. “Wow thanks to @MTV 4 saying I was a star on Cruel Summer n My Detroit mixtape n features were crazy last year. #6 hottest MC is awesome,” tweeted a grateful Sean.
Despite the controversy, Kendrick believes the list is healthy for hip-hop. “It’s very important for hip-hop,” he told Rap-Up TV. “I love that they have debates like that. We need that. … It’s still competitive and I’m trying to compete with everybody to be the best.”
MTV’s Hip-Hop Brain Trust selected the lyricists based on a combination of rhyme skill, flow, buzz, commercial success, business ventures, web presence, and cultural influence.
MTV’s “Hottest MCs in the Game VIII” List
1. Kendrick Lamar
2. 2 Chainz
3. Rick Ross
4. Nas
5. Drake
6. Big Sean
7. Kanye West
8. A$AP Rocky
9. Future
10. Meek Mill
Do you agree with the list? Who do you think deserved a spot in the top 10? Weigh in below.