MTV released their choices for the hottest MCs in the game sometime on Friday (May 16). To be chosen as the Top 10 is quite an honor and those artists selected range from different parts of the U.S. respectively representing their city and region to the fullest. After the initial release of the Top 10, it has become the most reported event between the industry and Hip-Hop fans alike. Now some may agree with the choices and their numbering and some might disagree, we all know that the topic of being the best Hip-Hop artist, in general, is for one, a touchy subject as well as very debatable. This could not come at a better time knowing that we are reaching the summer of 2008 which is most definitely a critical era for Hip-Hop artists to go on tour and release new albums. In this article, I will breakdown their choices and basically give the readers a synopsis of how this year’s outcome came to be.

First off, they gave Kanye West the number 1 spot as he respectively reigns from Chi-Town. I’m not taking away the fact that he is by far talented in production and lyrical matter, but I’m not quite convinced that he deserved the number 1 spot, I mean he does deserve a spot on the top 10 respectively, but I ask, why number 1? Now is MTV throwing him a bone for not allowing him to headline at last year’s MTV Video Music Awards, let me ponder that for a moment. I wonder how Hova feels that he came in second under Kanye. Another Chi-Town native that just came to stardom in 2006 is also on the list as number 7. How the hell did Lupe Fiasco make it on a list when there are so many veteran artists out there whose lyrical matter goes far beyond his? So this year, 2 Chi-Town natives made the cut.

Secondly, they have Jay-Z coming in at number 2, that’s understandable being that number 1 should have been given to someone else anyway. However, many people would disagree with me on that note. It is obviously that there are a lot of die hard Hova fans out there who still worship him as a Hip-Hop God. Another New Yorker made the list and this one I am not sure of as well. You got 50 Cent, who in my opinion fell off the map, even though he’s still trying to climb his way back to the top. It’s humorous that the beef he tries to start with various people go without notice. To top it off, he dropped the only talented artist under the Unit claiming he has drug problems, let’s be realistic here, Buck was the only Unit artist repping the south. On the real, The Game should be where 50 is, but I’m not picking sides, I just believe that Game is a much better artist, even though some people may also disagree. Either way, New York stand up!

West Coast is definitely still in effect. Snoop Dogg has respectively made the list coming in at number 5. I honestly think that was an honest decision on MTV’s part to place him in that spot. Even though Snoop has become more family oriented with his hit show on ‘E!,’ he is still a G to the core. His back to back album sales prove that West Coast can still do their gangsta thang without any disagreements from us. As a matter fact, we are still awaiting Dr. Dre’s most anticipated album for 7 years now, Detox. This will definitely bring the West back to the forefront of pinnacle Hip-Hop music. Music we grew up on.

Finally, it goes without saying, the south reign supreme this year and more years to come. With Rick Ross coming in at number 4 under Lil Wayne, it is essential that Miami is holding it down alongside A-Town. Weezy still reps the N.O. to the fullest, but rolling with Khaled, he’s certifiable Miami. The Dirty South is here to stay. ATL took the lead with 3 veteran artists. This is what upsets me, you got Andre 3000, Young Jeezy, and T.I.P. further down the list, hold up, let’s be honest here, these are the artists keeping Hip-Hop afloat. Let me break it down for you, Andre 3000 is without any doubt in my mind a real talented lyricist, his eccentric lifestyle is what makes him original. In my opinion, Outkast alongside UGK, R.I.P Pimp C, are undeniably the most predominate groups in Hip-Hop from past to present. With Young Jeezy holding down the game strong and his real catchy lyrical matter keeping music alive, there is no reason why he should be at the bottom of the list. With T.I.P., you got to admit his lyrics have grown over the years surpassing his debut I’m Serious. Just like his original swag, his lyrics deliver a powerful punch riding the beat heavily. It really doesn’t quite cut it that he came in at number 10.

Between 2007 and 2008, Rick Ross took the industry by storm proving to the critics that he is the Boss and the Boss has what it takes to rank in with the best. His lyrical matter is explosive as he delivers it with energy and style. No argument to where he stands on the list. However, Lil Wayne is still arguably one the best rappers to ever spit on a mic. It is ironic of how many die hard Hip-Hop heads still agree and disagree to this day of Wayne being the ‘best rapper alive.’ Judging by the statistics and the comments left by our dedicated users, there will be no end or any conclusion to whether or not we can agree that Lil Wayne is the ‘best rapper alive.’ As always, you be the judge, as a matter fact, on everything.

24hourhiphop.com congratulates all the artists who made the Top 10 hottest MCs.