Rap-Up.com || Kendrick Lamar Tops MTV’s ‘Hottest MCs in the Game’ List

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.

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165 Comments

BOJMAN
March 7th, 2013 at 7:40 pm
WHERE PUSHA AT???

[Reply]
da fan Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 11:18 pm
@BOJMAN, He is where he belongs. “far frm da list” Even in the hottest 20, he wouldnt be in there

[Reply]
Pereezy,YMCMB. Rich Gang:Flashy LifeStyle May 21th Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 11:23 pm
@BOJMAN, The Real List, f**k MTV
1- Lil Wayne
2- Tyga
3- Rick Ross
4- Drake
5- Future
6- Meek Mill
7- 2 Chainz
8- Kanye West
9- Big Sean
10- Nicki Minaj

[Reply]
.. Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 5:44 am
@Pereezy,YMCMB. Rich Gang:Flashy LifeStyle May 21th, LOL. No.

[Reply]
Rabid wayne stwert Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 7:04 am
I fuck the list..where is weezy and jay-z?why macklemore is not in the list? TIf i would be the selector:
1)lil wayne
2)kanye west
3)jay-z
4)nas
5)asap rocky
6)drake
7)macklemore
8)rick ross
9)future
10)nici

[Reply]
Regulators Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 11:19 am
@Rabid wayne stwert, Macklemore only has 1 hit and that really can’t be taken seriously when you compare that to other, serious MC’s who’ve had successive hits on billboard.

[Reply]
Zack Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 7:08 am
@Pereezy,YMCMB. Rich Gang:Flashy LifeStyle May 21th, why dont you just throw in Gudda Gudda too?

[Reply]
Pereezy,YMCMB. Rich Gang:Flashy LifeStyle May 21th Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 11:01 am
@Zack, lol i should. i’m sorry. im dumb. anyone who thinks lil wayne should be on this list (gonna predict 2chainz don’t exist) is an IDIOT.

[Reply]
Pereezy,YMCMB. Rich Gang:Flashy LifeStyle May 21th Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 2:58 pm
@Pereezy,YMCMB. Rich Gang:Flashy LifeStyle May 21th, F**k You N**a, and don’t steal my F**kin’ Name.

[Reply]
Azula Reply:
March 9th, 2013 at 11:41 pm
@Pereezy,YMCMB. Rich Gang:Flashy LifeStyle May 21th, I’m guessing you’re about 13. Kendrick deserves the top spot, the rest of their list is shitty but Kendrick is by far the best MC right now, he is on another level of wisdom and lyrical ability. Lil Wayne is long past his peak, Kanye still has potential to put out more great music, and Drake is great and growing/maturing. Still, Kendrick is by far the best and is helping hip hop evolve.

[Reply]
Cudi Reply:
March 10th, 2013 at 2:40 pm
@Pereezy,YMCMB. Rich Gang:Flashy LifeStyle May 21th,

[Reply]
Daytonas5000 Reply:
March 11th, 2013 at 5:49 pm
@Pereezy,YMCMB. Rich Gang:Flashy LifeStyle May 21th, SHUT-UP, WEST KOAST GOT THIS, sweet-cakes! Where the WEST @? Kendrick don’t even rank! GTFOH

[Reply]
bigman Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 5:12 pm
my list
Kendrick Lamar
Nas
T.I.
The Game
J Cole
Meek Mill
Drake
Asap Rocky
Rick Ross
Kanye West since his mother died hes gone way down the drain

[Reply]
CAPTAIN MURPHY Reply:
April 3rd, 2013 at 3:12 am
@bigman,
my list of HOTTEST mc’s of 2012-2013
1. drake
2. kendrick lamar
3. asap rocky
4. childish gambino
5. ab – soul/schoolboy q
6. kanye west
7. j.cole
8. tyler the creator
9. big sean
10. meek mill

[Reply]
Korofyah Reply:
March 20th, 2013 at 3:40 pm
@Pereezy,YMCMB. Rich Gang:Flashy LifeStyle May 21th, your and idiot if you think all these people are better than nas, but then again your probably like sixteen

[Reply]
This guy chats plain bullshit on list Reply:
April 22nd, 2013 at 6:03 am
@Pereezy,YMCMB. Rich Gang:Flashy LifeStyle May 21th,
You don’t know about hip hop music if thatts your f*****g list, Kendrick deserves to be number 1. Along with Nas 2.and then Meek at 3rd.
Go F**k your mum in a farm

[Reply]
John.R Reply:
March 10th, 2013 at 8:56 am
Where is T.I. ? Hes better and has more hits then everyone on the list MTV doesnt even play rap music anymore how would they know lmao a top 10 without T.I. Is just bullshit.

[Reply]
Osama
March 7th, 2013 at 7:43 pm
Im kinda mad Wale and J.cole aint on here??? Whats up with that?

[Reply]
iL0veee__ Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 8:30 pm
@Osama, Personal I believe that Wale and J.Cole are better rappers than Meek, Asap Rocky, 2Chainz ….
The list Shouls have been … As Follow
1. Nas
2.Kendrick Lamar
3. Drake’
4. J.Cole
5. Wale
6. Big Sean
7. Future
8. A$AP Rocky
9. Kanye West
10. Rick Ross

[Reply]
ik Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 9:09 pm
@iL0veee__, It’s not about who the better rapper is but who the hottest was during the 12 month span.

[Reply]
shut uppp Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 9:10 pm
@iL0veee__, hottest. not best

[Reply]
happy Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 8:14 am
@iL0veee__, I agree with you as well. Nas is that dude! 20 years in the game! Dude skills are unmatched! To me Nas is the Greatest of all Time Back then and definitley right now. Life is Good album was a pure master piece! I just don’t understand how the man do it! 20 years in the game, unparallel to any other rapper. I guess he was right back then “Ether”, it burns slow!!! G.O.A.T

[Reply]
Queen B #1 Reply:
March 10th, 2013 at 9:18 am
@iL0veee__, I like your list. But put Kanye in 4th and we good

[Reply]
XO till we overdose... Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:41 pm
@Osama, WHY IS 2 CHAINZ #2???????? WHYYYYYYYY
2 chainz is actually the worst popular rapper EVER

[Reply]
HabaneroDro Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 9:18 am
@XO till we overdose…, 2 chainz got EVERYBODY jocking the flow…

[Reply]
No Reggie
March 7th, 2013 at 7:44 pm
Where Tyga or even (low-key) Hit-boy

[Reply]
No Reggie
March 7th, 2013 at 7:45 pm
And how is A$AP #8 -___- poor list

[Reply]
VMili Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 11:11 am
@No Reggie, A$AP is #1!!!!

[Reply]
Juiceman
March 7th, 2013 at 7:50 pm
Uhh, lil Wayne?

[Reply]
NAH(cheif keef voice)
March 7th, 2013 at 7:57 pm
WHERE J. Cole AT!!!

[Reply]
john
March 7th, 2013 at 7:59 pm
are you kiddin? no j cole?? fuckin list is whack as hell, ridiculous

[Reply]
jay Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 4:30 am
@john, j cole didn’t come out with any music in 2012

[Reply]
buttfucker 69
March 7th, 2013 at 7:59 pm
Where traww at

[Reply]
Ale
March 7th, 2013 at 8:05 pm
No Wayne, Nicki or Jay Z ???

[Reply]
Jrizzel88
March 7th, 2013 at 8:07 pm
This list is pretty accurate..it’s the hottest right now…not of all time. Ppl looking for Pusha T, umm…where is his album?..J. Cole…where is his album? This is not hottest dudes with mixtapes list…And Wale? You can’t be serious…

[Reply]
Quest Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 8:35 pm
@Jrizzel88, Cole’s album is reportedly coming in June.

[Reply]
ik Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 9:11 pm
@Jrizzel88, I agree with you for the most part but it’s not about album but verses and appearances in general. Big Sean didnt have an album but he’s on there. A few appearances on Cruel summer doesnt count as an album but he came out with the Detroit mixtape and was relevant throughout the year

[Reply]
Skills213 Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 9:56 pm
@Jrizzel88, dickhead Cole’s debut album did more numbers than most of these niggas. His sophomore album coming in a few months

[Reply]
Mike
March 7th, 2013 at 8:09 pm
Where the hell is Lil Wayne???

[Reply]
Tev Milli
March 7th, 2013 at 8:09 pm
Kanye should’ve been higher…..
He gonna put it down this year tho watch….
thats all I have to say….

[Reply]
DSTROCK
March 7th, 2013 at 8:13 pm
Jay Z definitely deserves to be on here, no buts about that. Surprised that Wayne isn’t though I honestly couldn’t care less about him. And I sorta kinda think Nicki should’ve gotten a spot. When she actually RAPS she’s leagues ahead of Future and A$AP. Snubbed because of her pop records I guess

[Reply]
Simon
March 7th, 2013 at 8:13 pm
It’s pretty amazing that after 20 years Nas is still hanging in there with all the newcomers. In my opinion he’s the best one out of that list but I guess isn’t the “hottest” at the moment.

[Reply]
Monkeyman Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 1:50 am
@Simon, I sincerely agree with you. NAS is half man half AMAZING. That last album was great!

People sleeping on Nas.

[Reply]
happy Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 6:16 am
@Monkeyman, I agree with you as well. Nas is that dude! 20 years in the game! Dude skills are unmatched! To me Nas is the Greatest of all Time Back then and definitley right now. Life is Good album was a pure master piece! I just don’t understand how the man do it! 20 years in the game, unparallel to any other rapper. I guess he was right back then “Ether”, it burns slow!!! G.O.A.T

[Reply]
cosign3
March 7th, 2013 at 8:16 pm
I understand what the list was trying to achieve. However, using the artists they picked, it should’ve been

1. Kendrick Lamar
2. 2 Chainz
3. Drake
4. ASAP Rocky
5. Nas
6. Kanye West
7. Big Sean
8. Rick Ross
9. Future
10. Meek Mill

Rick Ross shouldn’t have been #3. His album was underwhelming and his singles didn’t make much of an impact. Can’t really agree with his high placement on here.

ASAP Rocky deserved to be higher, he had an amazing rookie year, a quality album, and one of the biggest singles of the year.

Drake definitely deserved bronze status this year, not #5.

Glad Wayne wasn’t on here, he’s really lost his touch.

[Reply]
Gruuuga Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 9:44 am
@cosign3, I totaly agree with your list.

[Reply]
Regulators Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 11:23 am
@cosign3, Yeah much better. Although I’m not to sure why Big Sean made it… with no album or major showstoppers this year.

[Reply]
cosign3 Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 7:36 pm
@Regulators, I can understand why he was on it, but I think J. Cole probably deserved it more. But in his defence Big Sean had decent verses on Clique, Mercy and I Don’t Like Remix. Also, I thought his verse at the end of Tyga’s I’m Gone was pretty underrated.

[Reply]
ETC3
March 7th, 2013 at 8:17 pm
2 chainz????? Really????? I can’t talk and I can still rap better than him!

[Reply]
Morgan
March 7th, 2013 at 8:32 pm
MTV has absolutely no credibility, so I don’t know why y’all are getting pissed about the absence of J. Cole. If you’re actually rapping about something of substance, you’re likely not to make the list. They snubbed him a while back, too, and he still got a Grammy nomination.

[Reply]
Regulators Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 11:25 am
@Morgan, Right. They shouldn’t even make this list. It’s not like they really cater to a hip-hop audience.

[Reply]
REAL
March 7th, 2013 at 8:37 pm
Its hottest Mcs not hoteest rappers..I thought it was a differences .why 2chanzs and Future….the shit they rap lyrical isnt all that… wale, jcole should have took there place, where is jayz even… tyga is better lyrical in the past year than 2 chanz and Future.

[Reply]
miles
March 7th, 2013 at 8:39 pm
I don’t understand why people are so upset about the list. its 100% accurate

HOTTEST MCs In The Game

NOT

BEST MCs in the Game.

A lot of the rappers on that list aren’t that good, BUT they are definitely the Hottest rappers out

[Reply]
.. Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 5:48 am
@miles, No it’s still wrong. So many more relevant (and yes, talented) MC’s in the game right now. Plus the list is out of order. I’d say the list was 45% accurate.

[Reply]
xedos
March 7th, 2013 at 8:39 pm
Why future on thus list?

[Reply]
BEDSTUYFLY Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 12:30 pm
@xedos, THIS LIST IS BULLSHIT. 2 CHAINZ #2? THE DUDE CANT EVEN RAP!AND WHERES J.COLE & HOVA? THANK GOD THEY LEFT NICKI OFF, FOR A MINUTE I THOUGHT MTV WAS GOING TO BE ASS KISSERS…
AND KENDRICK LAMAR #1??? HIS ALBUM WAS GOOD… BUT DAMN REALLY? #1?

[Reply]
Speechless
March 7th, 2013 at 8:42 pm
rick ross CANNOT rap!!! I dont know who would waste money on his album and why. j. cole should be on this list.

[Reply]
Felipe
March 7th, 2013 at 8:46 pm
No entiendo qué mierda hace Rick Ross en esa lista. Azealia Banks está haciendo lo suyo y me hubiera encantado verla aquí

[Reply]
Brasko801
March 7th, 2013 at 8:54 pm
A lot of you are missing the rules to this list! It’s an annual list so if an artist doesn’t out out an album, win any awards r out out a significant amount of music then they won’t be on here. With that said, are you f****** kidding me 2 chainz number 2??? What has hip hop come to lol, k. Dot being number is iffy as well. His album was okay but e was much better in 2006, his style and delivery was much better then

[Reply]
Rah
March 7th, 2013 at 9:02 pm
This list is a joke, Drake shuts the internet down when he drops a track …if this was a 2012 year and review then cool, but if its bout the HOTTEST MC ?!?! then Drizzy clearly got robbed …HECK he the #1 & #2 on this damn list opened for him on his own damn tour lol

*rant over*

[Reply]
angrychinaman
March 7th, 2013 at 9:03 pm
where is eminem? immortal technique? poison pen etc… screw this list!

[Reply]
Music
March 7th, 2013 at 9:14 pm
WHO THE FUCK IN THE WORLD PUTS 2CHAINZ AHEAD OF KANYE AND DRAKE

sorry bout the caps. just tryna emphasize

[Reply]
Music
March 7th, 2013 at 9:15 pm
WHO THE F**K PUTS 2CHAINZ AHEAD OF DRAKE AND KANYE

sorry about the caps, just trying to emphasize

[Reply]
MusicJunkie
March 7th, 2013 at 9:33 pm
This Is A Shxtty List . Im Shocked . 2 Chains ? future ? FOH

[Reply]
Ice
March 7th, 2013 at 9:40 pm
1. Kendrick Lamar (YES)
2. 2 Chainz (ARE THEY SERIOUS?)
3. Rick Ross (HECK NO)
4. Nas (YES)
5. Drake (YES)
6. Big Sean (YES)
7. Kanye West (YES)
8. A$AP Rocky (YES)
9. Future (Rapper? Singer maybe.)
10. Meek Mill (NO)

Add J. Cole, Jay-Z, Game, and Big K.R.I.T. instead. Outkast would be #1 if they were together, but Big Boi solo gets an honorable mention.

[Reply]
JK Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 9:43 am
@Ice, I’d say I agree with you at least somewhat

[Reply]
Regulators Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 11:27 am
@Ice, Yeah but how in the hell is Big Sean over Kanye West????? SOMEBODY PLEASE TELL ME!! LOL

[Reply]
damnjuckies Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 4:28 pm
@Ice, I agree with your opinion ! I’m not a big Kanye fan but I think he should’ve came before 2Chains -_- . I would even preferred Nicki over 2Chains or Rick Ross. Even though she’s fell off.

[Reply]
imANDR3
March 7th, 2013 at 9:48 pm
I cant believe they’ve chosen future over j.cole wtf??

[Reply]
deelee
March 7th, 2013 at 10:17 pm
im just so glad wayne isnt on it

[Reply]
henes peta
March 7th, 2013 at 10:27 pm
i think lilwayne and jay z should be on the list..

[Reply]
Zack
March 7th, 2013 at 10:36 pm
People see, to forget it says HOTTEST, not BEST. Jay-Z, J.Cole amd Wale arent in it because they havent had (many) hits this year.

Still ASAP and (i dont like him either) Future are waaaaaay to low. They had a lot of hits, but that low? Thats weird. I mean, Rozay had a good year, but not that good, and although Nas is a great rapper who made a amazing album, his songs didnt make Billboard hits. 2 Chainz, Kendrick Lamar and ASAP should be 1, 2 and 3 and not mr, Maybach.

[Reply]
Zack Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:36 pm
@Zack, seem*

[Reply]
REAL SH!T
March 7th, 2013 at 10:37 pm
Where the fuck is Wiz Khalifa at

[Reply]
Rich Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 7:03 am
@REAL SH!T, For real, he was huge last year and this year.

[Reply]
Jade
March 7th, 2013 at 10:46 pm
My n*gga K. Dot #1, as expected. Very much, well deserved. Salute to the whole TDE camp!

[Reply]
Jake
March 7th, 2013 at 11:00 pm
WHERE IS NICK… OH SHE WILL BE NUMBER 1 NEXT YR AFTER HE NEW ALBUM AND MIX TAPE DROPPS NICKI IS READY TO SLAY HIP HOP AGAIN

[Reply]
F.R.E Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 4:38 pm
Lol nicki #1 kill yourself she’s not even the best female rapper@Jake,

[Reply]
da fan
March 7th, 2013 at 11:15 pm
This list is not credible just bcos they put Future on it. Like wat da fuck? Is he even a rapper……

[Reply]
Pereezy,YMCMB. Rich Gang:Flashy LifeStyle May 21th
March 7th, 2013 at 11:18 pm
F**k These Ni**as,
Where Tunechi at?? I mean The Ni**a didn’t drop an album in Two years but was always on top, and he prolly made more money and spitted more verses than everysingle rapper on the List.

THis list is pure Trash, F**k Nas, F**k A$apç F**k K. Lamar.

[Reply]
Happy Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 12:08 pm
@Pereezy,YMCMB. Rich Gang:Flashy LifeStyle May 21th, Nas is the greatest!

[Reply]
Fuad
March 7th, 2013 at 11:25 pm
Where the hell is T.I.. He had the best album of year Troubleman..!!

[Reply]
Rek.
March 8th, 2013 at 12:02 am
2 Chainz, Meek Mill, nor Future should be on this list.

[Reply]
jmeye09
March 8th, 2013 at 12:21 am
Where is jeezy dropped album dec 20 2011 and went gold and only second to lamar in sales and unreal mix tape and tons of good features and up for a grammy and outsold ross in first week sales

[Reply]
S*
March 8th, 2013 at 12:30 am
2chainz!?? are u freaking kidding me!?? HELL TO THE N-O

[Reply]
Hugh
March 8th, 2013 at 1:12 am
Drake at #5 off No Lie & Fn Problems!

He’ll be #1 next year

[Reply]
SOS Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 3:07 pm
@Hugh, amen to that

[Reply]
Abdullah
March 8th, 2013 at 1:15 am
DAFUQ!! no wayne no nicki no pusha no jay-z! wtf is wrong mtv

[Reply]
NickiLyrics
March 8th, 2013 at 2:41 am
From reading all the comments it looks as if they fucked up cause Wayne isn’t on there. I really think Nicki should have been on there she surpassed all the criteria to be on that list.

So what if she does pop records. She raps to her pop records like VaVaVoom. & Has the highest selling rap album of 2012. & she still has HipHop records out.

Only reason Jay wasn’t on there because he has no music in 2012.

But overall they snubbed Wayne (because he’s rapping like he use to, even though he still is one of the hottest rappers out)

& they snubbed Nicki (Because she does pop songs and she’s a woman, didn’t know it was Hottest HipHop MC’s) smh

[Reply]
warlord Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 9:22 am
@NickiLyrics, the delusion

[Reply]
NickiLyrics Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 11:26 pm
@warlord, Your delusional. Please state your fav artist & watch I shut that ass down!!!

[Reply]
keep it real
March 8th, 2013 at 2:47 am
they took the piss.. how can Nicki not be one of the hottest MC’s when she had best selling RAP album of 2012?! MTV are dicks she shoulda got atleast top 5…

[Reply]
What's wrong with this list
March 8th, 2013 at 3:37 am
I bet this is out of the people that have or already brought new music. To not have Lil Wayne, Tyga, and Nicki. Somethings going on with this list. Like 2 Chainz? I don’t think so.

[Reply]
richboy
March 8th, 2013 at 3:37 am
bullshit list that

[Reply]
What's wrong with this list
March 8th, 2013 at 3:38 am
That have or are going to bring out new music. Which still applies to a lot more rapper then just these 10.

[Reply]
richboy
March 8th, 2013 at 3:42 am
that list is wack as hell as FUTURE AND 2 CHAINZ AINT NO REAL RAPPERS THEY GIMMICKS RAPPER
MY LIST IS
1. Kanye West
2. Drake
3. Rick Ross
4. Lil Wayne
5. Asap Rocky
6. Kendrick Lamar
7. Ti
8. Nas
9. Big Sean
10. J. Cole
AND ON THAT LIST EITHER RICK ROSS, KANYE OR DRAKE COULD HVAE BEEN NUMBER ANY OF THEM COULD HAVE BEEN. NONE OF THEM IS MY FAVOURITE RAPPER. J. COLE IS MY FAVOURITE RAPPER

[Reply]
vmili
March 8th, 2013 at 3:49 am
2 chainz? Swap his place with A$AP,
Future, Meek Mill, Big Sean and Rick Ross should not be on the list

[Reply]
RAPUP
March 8th, 2013 at 4:00 am
if it’s about the HOTTEST MC in the game, nicki should’ve got number one, but if it’s about the BEST MC in the game, then it goes to K-Dot.

[Reply]
X Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 5:09 am
@RAPUP, No it’s not. Nas etc. are above him. People are hyping this guy too much, stop acting like he is the best MC if you just know him as as A MC smh

[Reply]
it's me letters
March 8th, 2013 at 5:01 am
1. Chief Keef
2. Soulja Boy
3. Waka Flocka
4. Lil B
5. Nick Cannon
6. Plies

[Reply]
channelPink Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 5:31 am
@it’s me letters, 7. Kreayshawn 8. Iggy Azalea 9. Diggy 10. Scaff Beezy (SB)

[Reply]
SOS Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 2:59 pm
@channelPink, someone doesnt know a damn thing bout rap

[Reply]
Regulators Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 11:28 am
@it’s me letters, BWHAHHAHHAHA.

[Reply]
X
March 8th, 2013 at 5:07 am
What did this guy for rap music to get the first spot??????????????? Just no. Its to early for him to get the first spot.

[Reply]
outspoken Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 5:45 am
@X, are you serious? He stayed in his lane and is one of the few artist actually keeping hip hop alive and not turning to catchy pop-like record and still managed to sell 240k his first week without heavy promo. His sales now are about 740k and he continues to sell. Give props when its due cause he’s moving numbers like these already established artists with big machines pushing their product.

[Reply]
GSTAR
March 8th, 2013 at 5:09 am
stfu! wayne killed hiphop. ur welcome! kendrick deserves it. kanye keep on complaining…. be back on the lab and ditch that BBBtch kim and ul be back on top! we dont like the givenchy kanye, jesus walks kanye instead!

[Reply]
Superiority
March 8th, 2013 at 5:19 am
They should have added Diddy and Pitbull to make this list even more funny!

[Reply]
Superiority
March 8th, 2013 at 5:28 am
They should have added Diddy

[Reply]
Superiority Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 5:30 am
@Superiority, seriously hahahahahahahahaha. This list is too funny

[Reply]
outspoken
March 8th, 2013 at 5:41 am
I’ll I’m concerned with is they got number 1 right for once.

[Reply]
Hol'Up
March 8th, 2013 at 5:43 am
lol its funny people dont realise the criteria for the list.. everyone in there released a studio album, its based on mixtapes, (big Sean made it cuz his wus full of original dope songs), success of albums + singles, quality (maybe lol). so for me people who made the list are pretty deserving, pusha t, lil wayne, J.cole & many of our favorites barely released music last year, , drake prolly made the list based on his tour which gave boost to many of his songs and his album kept doin good numbers, plus he was good on features. what bothers me is the numbering, 2 chainz rick ross ahead of Nas? lol goons at MTV haha, A$AP Rocky shouldve been higher.

[Reply]
happy
March 8th, 2013 at 6:09 am
Nas should be at least #2 or number #1 the guy had the best album for 2012. They are talking about the hottest MC in the game, but to me Nas is the greatest ever in the game. Anyway, pound for pound lyrically listen to Nas’s album for 2012 compared to the rest on the list albums for 2012 and you tell me who can match his greatness. Kendrick is nice though and he remind of Nas when he was young. He is a pure talent so I am not mad at him getting that number 1 spot. Good look MTV and congratulations Kendrick!!! Keep working hard and enjoy your success.

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Rich
March 8th, 2013 at 6:59 am
If anyone stared a hella buzz last year it was Wiz Khalifa! WTF.

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Youdontknowmyname
March 8th, 2013 at 7:03 am
No Wayne??? This list is a joke. First no Wayne, Kanye should have been hire, Drake should have been number 1. What a joke.

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angelcake501
March 8th, 2013 at 7:18 am
drake could’ve been higher like how rick ross under above drake . drake has all they looking for

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toks
March 8th, 2013 at 7:19 am
the list for all i care may not be a 100% accurate…bu they sure got dat #1 spot….right …… really Kanye should shut his ass up coz….he def aint supposed to be #1 and also talkin bout Lil Wayne…deaad wrong

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angelcake501
March 8th, 2013 at 7:20 am
agreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeedddddd OMG LIKE THEY AINT SERIOUS

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angelcake501
March 8th, 2013 at 7:25 am
FUCK IT AZEALIA BANKS SHOULD OF BEEN ON THAT LIST SEXIST TYPE SHIT

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Jordan
March 8th, 2013 at 7:41 am
1. Kendrick lamar
2. J. Cole
3. Kanye West
4. Drake
5. Jay-Z
6. Eminem
7. Nas
8. A$AP
9. Hit-Boy
10. Kid Cudi

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GTFOH
March 8th, 2013 at 7:59 am
rick ross, 2 chainz and future should not be on this list.

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D BO$$
March 8th, 2013 at 8:26 am
yeah Kendrick deserves dat spot he’s given hip hop it’s place. buh if i might ask where is cassidy ?
1 kendrick lamar
2 asap rock
3 kanye west
4 nas
5 drake
6 cassidy
7 j cole
8 jay z
9 rick rozay
10 eminem
9

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D BO$$
March 8th, 2013 at 8:31 am
yeah Kendrick deserves dat spot he’s given hip hop it’s place. buh if i might ask where is cassidy ?
1 kendrick lamar
2 asap rocky
3 kanye west
4 nas
5 drake
6 cassidy
7 j cole
8 jay z
9 rick rozay
10 eminem

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kawu danlami
March 8th, 2013 at 9:15 am
Asap should be the one top of the list course he’s the thing hapeneing right now in the game. F*ck mtv with their damn list.

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Kendrick Lamar & 2 Chainz Top MTV’s Hottest MCs List | Hot 107.9
March 8th, 2013 at 10:00 am
[...] Source [...]
rebecca
March 8th, 2013 at 11:38 am
we all knew it!

[Reply]
Jade
March 8th, 2013 at 12:06 pm
Don’t be so closed minded. Y’all have to understand that this generation has clearly f*cked up what the real meaning of an ‘MC’ is. The way they [MTV] do it is by who was the hottest (hottest/most feauture, most hits, record sales, etc.) from the last 10-12 months. If that’s the case, correct me if I’m wrong, but I think the list should’ve been:

1. 2 Chainz (that n*gga was everywhere!)
2. Future
3. Kendrick Lamar
4. Big Sean
5. Rick Ross
6. Kanye West
7. Lil Wayne
8. Meek Mill
9. Drake
10. Nas

Sorry, but Rocky shouldn’t have been on that list, because he recently started poppin (worldwide) towards the end of 2012.

Now we all know that if this list were to include the GREATEST MCs of all time, they’d include Hov, Nas, Em, Biggie, Rakim, etc. But as for our generation, we have Kendrick, Cole, Pro Era, K.R.I.T., etc. So don’t trip…. it’s just a list, not to include it’s made by those who aren’t even real hip-hop heads. Now if it was Elliott Wilson, that’d be a whole ‘nother story. G been doin this sh*t since ’92! lol

Congrats to all those made the list though. Those who didn’t, this list just says “grind harder!”

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Happy Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 12:16 pm
@Jade, think about it Nas is still there after 20 some odd years! That speaks volumes! You made a good point my dude so I am sticking with you but I put Nas under 5! Dude, Life is Good album is a pure masterpiece. I just don’t think no other rapper can do this after 20 years! Good points though homie!

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Jade Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 4:27 pm
@Happy, I feel you. But what I was trying to say is that’s all he had. He wasn’t featured on anyone else’s joints, had zero radio play, but EVERYONE knew that his album, along side GKMC were the best albums of 2012. Tbh, all the joints on Life is Good itself, sh*ts on all the rappers that were listed, including all their records that they put out within the past couple months. He didn’t even need a hit to push the sales… it’s NAS. lol and as expected he brought it to the table as expected. We all know NOBODY on that list is f*ckin with Nas. But yeah, I understand what you mean homie… btw, I’m a female. (who would’ve thought?) I just love hip-hop! lol

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Leggo
March 8th, 2013 at 12:40 pm
I agree with the list. It’s based on popularity and acclaim for the past year. Does not mean they are the best of all times

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Leo
March 8th, 2013 at 1:05 pm
I understand that this is the “Hottest” MC list and not the best. But no one likes 2 Chainz forreal or Future, they’re jokes, not rappers if anything. (I mean of course they have fans but…you get what I mean). Whatever; cuz it’s hottest they’ll be up here because people have terrible taste apparently. My quick list, using the rappers already on their list (Hottest not best):

1. K. Lamar (he deserves that, he blow up)
2. Drake (TC had impact about up to 1/2 way at least through 2012)
3. Kanye (Cruel Summer, Mercy, etc)
4. 2 Chainz
5. A$AP
6. Future
7. Nas (was EXTREMELY slept on this year, it’s quite sad tbh)
8. Rick Ross (His album didn’t get much spotlight)
9. Meek Mill (his mixtape got pretty hot although his album didn’t get as popular)
10.Big Sean

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Kendrick Lamar Tops MTV’s Hottest MCs List | Hot 96.3
March 8th, 2013 at 1:17 pm
[...] Source [...]
Cyhi_213
March 8th, 2013 at 1:52 pm
Im thinking it should go like this
Rick Ross meek mill they alright but they shouldn’t be on there
But what gets me is why the f**** is Future there?
And 2Chainz eghhhhhhhh.

1.Kendrick Lamar
2.Nas
3.Kanye West
4.Asap Rocky
5.Drake
6.Big Sean
7.T.I.
8.Jay-Z
9.lil Wayne
10.J.Cole

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Zara Love
March 8th, 2013 at 2:46 pm
Why is J. Cole not on this list? This isn’t even a hottest MCs list, this is just a whoever is playing on the radio at the moment list. Please take Future OUT. Seriously, Future?

I don’t care much about the order, but yall have to be real with yourself. Calling Future an MC, yall gotta do better.

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TRA
March 8th, 2013 at 2:59 pm
I believe that Kendrick Lamar is the best rapper in hip hop right now. I am very happy that Kendrick Lamar was ranked Number 1 on the 2012/2013 MTV’s Hottest Mc’s List this year. Kendrick Lamar’s good kid M.A.A.D. City album got great critical reviews, great critical acclaim, universal acclaim, and rave reviews from unbiased music fans and unbiased music critics. Kendrick Lamar’s good kid M.A.A.D. City album was certified gold and sold over 700,000 copies this year. Kendrick Lamar had a great platinum hit single in Swimming Pools (Drank) which was a Top 20 hit single on the Top 100 Billboard Charts. I believe that Kendrick Lamar will be nominated for Best New Artist and Best Rap Album at the 2014 Grammy Awards. Kendrick Lamar deserves to win every award this year and next year.

A lot of people are very upset that Eminem, Jay-Z, J. Cole, T.I., Lil Wayne, and Nicki Minaj didn’t make the list this year. I believe that Eminem, Jay-Z, J. Cole, and T.I. are way better rappers than the majority of the rappers on this list, but the truth is that Eminem, Jay-Z, and J. Cole didn’t release any albums in 2012, and didn’t have any hit singles, that is why Eminem, Jay-Z, and J. Cole didn’t make the list this year. T.I. didn’t make the list because he had a very, hard time getting major radio airplay and he was completely outshined by all the other rappers last year and this year.

Nicki Minaj didn’t make the list for several reasons. Hip Hop fans, and radio stations stopped playing the majority of Nicki Minaj’s songs on the radio because they felt Nicki Minaj is a sellout who makes garbage music. Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded album was the best selling hip hop album of 2012, but the album received a lot of negative, bad critical reviews from hip hop fans. Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded album received mixed to average reviews from unbiased music fans and unbiased music critics. Nicki Minaj had more pop hit singles than hip hop hit singles, and that’s why she didn’t make the list. Lil Wayne didn’t release any albums last year, so he wasn’t going to make the list this year.

The rest of the list is very terrible, and very horrible. 2 Chainz and Rick Ross should not be ranked ahead of Nas and Drake. Big Sean should not be ranked ahead of Kanye West and ASAP Rocky. This is the worst MTV’s Hottest Mcs List of all-time.

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outspoken Reply:
March 8th, 2013 at 3:07 pm
@TRA, everything you said… Thumbs up!

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TheOnlyOne
March 8th, 2013 at 9:09 pm
If that really is the criteria for this list, Nicki should have been number one, because nobody can deny she has ‘rhyme skill, flow, buzz, commercial success, business ventures, web presence, and cultural influence’. Her buzz, commercial success, business ventures, presence and cultural influence should have put her at the top of the list, no other rappers last year came close to getting the endorsements she did, and noone else had a global tour either.
I guess the ‘Brain Trust’ just picked their favourites. smh.

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TRA Reply:
March 9th, 2013 at 9:06 am
@TheOnlyOne, I respectfully disagree with you saying Nicki Minaj should had been ranked Number 1 on the 2012/2013 MTV’s Hottest Mcs List this year. You can make the arguement that Nicki Minaj deserved to be on the list, but she didn’t deserve to be ranked Number 1 this year. In order to be ranked Number 1 on the MTV’s Hottest Mcs List, you must have great critical success and great commercial success. The reason why Kendrick Lamar was ranked Number 1 on the 2012/2013 MTV’s Hottest Mcs List this year is for the simple reason that Kendrick Lamar’s good kid M.A.A.D. City album got great critical reviews, universal acclaim, a 91 percent on Metacritic, rave reviews, and had great commercial success by being certified gold, and selling over 700,000 copies this year. Kendrick Lamar had two hit singles in Swimming Pools (Drank), and Poetic Justice.

Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded album was the best selling hip hop album of 2012, and had great commercial success, but it got bad, negative, critical reviews from both unbiased hip hop fans and biased hip hop fans. Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded album got mixed to average reviews from unbiased music fans, unbiased music critics, and unbiased pop music fans. There were a lot more pop fans who bought Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded album than it was hip hop fans, and that is why Nicki Minaj didn’t make the list this year.

I give Nicki Minaj a lot of credit for becoming super rich and famous off her endorsement deals, and business ventures, I give Nicki Minaj credit for having the best selling hip hop album in 2012, but at the end of the day, it always will come back down to the music, and there were a lot of people who hated Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded album last year. Nicki Minaj had commercial success, but she didn’t have crictical success and that’s why Nicki Minaj didn’t make the list.

Most unbiased music fans including myself feel that Kendrick Lamar’s good kid M.A.A.D. City album was way better than Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded album. Nicki Minaj sold more records than Kendrick Lamar, but Kendrick Lamar has way more respect as a great music artist and a great rapper. Kendrick Lamar had a cultural impact, flow, buzz, and cultural influence in hip hop that was bigger than Nicki Minaj’s cultural impact in pop music this year. You have people who were calling Kendrick Lamar’s success a great resurgence for hip hop. Some people call Kendrick Lamar the West Coast version of Nas. I believe Kendrick Lamar deserved to be ranked Number 1 on the list this year. If Nicki Minaj would have had more of her songs played on hip hop radio stations last year, and if hip hop fans didn’t turn against her last year, she probably would had made the list this year.

[Reply]
REal Music MATTERS.
March 9th, 2013 at 6:09 am
i Think white people created this list and just told host to put out there. because seriously i mean 2 chains, rick ross, future and meek mill? No wayz.

This is the new offical list

1.Kendrick lamar
2.Jay-Z
3.Nas
4.Kanye West
5.Eminem
6.T.I
7.Drake
8.Big Sean
9.J.cole
10.Game

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Rap-Up.com || Rap-Up TV: Kendrick Lamar Talks Next Single, Drake, & Emeli Sandé Remix
March 9th, 2013 at 8:15 am
[...] hours before being crowned MTV’s “Hottest MC in the Game,” Rap-Up TV caught up with Kendrick Lamar on the Los Angeles set of T.I.’s video for [...]
Grey
March 9th, 2013 at 8:29 am
Kendrick lamar deserves his spot at number 1 most definitely….. But I don’t get how people like 2chains and meek mill make the list…. THey Don’t Rap, they Just Shout About jewellry and bad bitches.. J. Cole should be on this list for real and the game

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VMili
March 9th, 2013 at 9:54 am
MTV just playin on popularity to get themselves some more popularity

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Erik
March 9th, 2013 at 7:07 pm
Curren$y?

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Rap-Up.com || New Music: Bridget Kelly f/ Kendrick Lamar – ‘Street Dreamin”
March 9th, 2013 at 10:31 pm
[...] Kelly nabs a coveted feature from MTV’s “Hottest MC in the Game” Kendrick Lamar on her new single “Street Dreamin’.” The Compton kid kicks things [...]
Naption New Music: Bridget Kelly f/ Kendrick Lamar – ‘Street Dreamin” » Naption
March 9th, 2013 at 11:17 pm
[...] Kelly nabs a coveted feature from MTV’s “Hottest MC in the Game” Kendrick Lamar on her new single “Street Dreamin’.” The Compton kid kicks things off with a [...]
royal flush
March 9th, 2013 at 11:38 pm
#1- Eminem
#2- Nas
Dead or alive that’s all it is, Wayne isn’t in a real a real top 10 greatest hip hop artist. Idiots

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REal Music MATTERS.
March 10th, 2013 at 8:27 am
the new real offical list

1.Kendrick lamar
2.Jay-Z
3.Nas
4.Kanye West
5.Eminem
6.T.I
7.Drake
8.J.cole and big sean
9.common
10.Game

its good gay wayne wasnt on the list. he could be No.1 on the list of gay tight jeans crew and for 2 chains, rick ross, future and meek mill they could be on the list of non lyrical rappers who mammble about money, bitches, and cars

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Cole World II
March 10th, 2013 at 8:35 pm
Where the hell is J.Cole and what does MC stand for?

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McCritic
March 11th, 2013 at 4:07 am
1.Jay z
2.Jay z
3. Jay z
4. Jay z
5. Jay z….
Any top 10 list without jay z in the top spot holds NO credibility… Men lie, women lie, MTV lies, numbers don’t!

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Doperyhmer
March 11th, 2013 at 4:20 am
Where the fuck is Game at? Jesus Piece was a classic. 2Chainz don’t deserve that spot. Fucced up.

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Trigga Trav
March 11th, 2013 at 8:49 am
1.Lil Wayne
2.Nas
3.Kendrick Lamar
4.Fabolous
5.Rick Ross
6.A$ap Rocky
7.Drake
8.Kanye West
9.Big Sean
10.Cassidy

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J.Cole Sounds Off on MTV “Hottest MC’s List” | Hot 96.3
March 11th, 2013 at 1:04 pm
[...] MTV stirrin the drama-pot with hip-hop fans and artists with the release of its controversial “Hottest MCs in the Game” list. [...]
Daytonas5000
March 11th, 2013 at 5:54 pm
1. Kendrick Lamar
2. Nas
3. J. Cole
4. Ice Cube
5. E-40
7. T.I
8. Kanye West
9. Big Sean
10. Pusha T

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cyn-gabriel
March 12th, 2013 at 8:55 am
Any list without jay z em nas is bullshit.m im jay all dae long.da list shuld b lyk this
1) jay z
2)eminen
3)nas
4)kanye west
5)kendric lamar
6)j.cole
7)pusha-t
8)drake
9t.i
10)big sean.

Fuck ‘future’ man tht dude gon destroy e future of hip hop.he aint even no rapper

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ash
March 12th, 2013 at 11:47 am
As much as I hate to admit it, I agree with Kanye. Lil Wayne should be on the list, if not no.1. I would say that he’s had the most cultural influence since everyone wants to be a skaterboy now. Skating has been around forever, but once Wayne picked up his Element board it was over with. Nicki should be on the list too. This list seems a little weird.

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ash
March 12th, 2013 at 12:32 pm
well, after reading @tra’s response i must say that I agree with you 100%. Nuff said! And yea, why is Big Sean above Kanye???

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Al
March 12th, 2013 at 5:19 pm
1. NAS. Every track that NAS jumped on he destroyed, even Lil Waynes last Albun of 2012, CARTER IV. (now you can fill in the rest of the names as followes).

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Stace
March 13th, 2013 at 4:09 pm
How they leave FAB off after the way Soultape 2 sounded alone he shoulda been on the list smh

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getmybuzzup Big Sean Talks MTV't Hottest MC List (Video) - getmybuzzup
March 14th, 2013 at 4:16 am
[...] Kendrick Lamar Tops MTV’s ‘Hottest MCs in the Game’ List [...]
J. Cole on MTV’s ‘Hottest MCs’ Snub: ‘I Don’t Give a F**k’ | Carlton Jordan
March 14th, 2013 at 5:01 am
[...] caused quite a stir with hip-hop fans, and rappers with the release of its always controversial Hottest MCs list. One MC who some believe should have made the cut was J. Cole. Apparently, the Roc Nation [...]
vps
March 14th, 2013 at 8:03 am
I think your blog is great. You write about very interesting things. Thanks for all the tips and information.

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jayuan
March 21st, 2013 at 3:37 pm
J cole deserved 2nd …

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Ehiaguina michael
March 31st, 2013 at 3:43 am
i dnt knw hw com lamar topped d list……e doesnt deserve 2 b no.1…….wer drake,rickross.,lilwayn r dere….meek mills 2 doesnt deserve 2 b on dat lixt……….except ur meanin of rap mc.differx frm my own

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Kaztuor Asante
March 31st, 2013 at 7:47 am
Nice list buh i fi want Meek Mill pos #5 then Future for #10

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Kaztuor Asante
March 31st, 2013 at 7:51 am
In GHANA the only best rapper is Kaz’t Beatz

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chris
May 15th, 2013 at 12:48 am
1 .drake 2.lil wayne 3.the game 4.wiz kalifa .5.j cole 6.jay z 7.nas 8. kanye west 9.nicki minaj 10 kendrick lamar!!!!!!!!!!!

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