MTV's Hottest MC In The Game #'s 1-5 Revealed (Videos)

#5. Lil Wayne

“Wayne had a strong year; almost a million in a week doesn’t lie,” said Yomi Desalu, MTV’s senior director of music and talent. “He’s definitely remained relevant for the whole year and once he came out, he hit the ground running.”

#4. Nicki Minaj

As far as our Hottest MCs criteria, Nicki meets them all. Her impact is undeniable and, lyrically, she holds her own when she’s playing with the boys: She stole the show on Big Sean’s “Dance (A$)” remix and declared herself the Female Weezy on Birdman’s “Y.U. Mad.” Need more proof? Minaj shut down New York Fashion Week in September 2011. And she has conquered hip-hop’s digital landscape.

#3. Kanye West 

“Jay-Z has really stood alone over the course of his career and he never really let somebody else get in the front,” said Rahman Dukes, MTV News’ director of hip-hop news, about the collaboration. “This is the one time [he let someone take control] and that’s a huge nod to Kanye’s genius.”

#2. Drake

Drake’s dominance is well-documented, from SoundScan success to extraordinarily extensive radio play. As an artist, the Young Money standout blends R&B melody and alternative sensibilities with an MC’s bravado. While still spitting bars with some of the game’s most highly regarded lyricists, his emotive writing style made it acceptable for rappers to dish out their feelings (though Common might disagree).

#1. Rick Ross

Whether on his own singles (“You the Boss,” “I Love My Bitches”) or on tracks that he was featured on, the M-I-Yayo MC turned in multiple unforgettable performances. “Ima Boss” was technically Meek’s song, but the casual listener may have missed that fact. Lil Wayne’s “John” was basically a remix of the 2010 Ross track “I’m Not a Star,” and on the summer anthem “I’m on One,” Rozay flexed his muscle alongside Drake and Weezy.

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Artist Label: Drake, Kanye West, Lil wayne, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross