By: Amanda Anderson-Niles
We’re really not sure what MTV’s original goal was when they decided to draft the Hottest MCs in the Game List, but the list itself has caused a lot of controversy in the last few days. Mostly, the list has been criticized by rappers themselves, seeing as many of them feel they should have either made the list, or had a higher rank. Kanye most notably ranted the other day on Hot 97, claiming that his relationship with Kim Kardashian is most likely one of the reasons he placed at number seven. Rapper ASAP Rocky is furious that he didn’t get the number one spot, and recently Drake slammed the list in his freestyle, suggesting that the only list he cares about is Forbes, and he topped that one recently for being one of the highest paid rappers.
Regardless of the controversy, people still wanted to know who would take the top spot, and now it’s been confirmed that the hottest MC right now is Kendrick Lamar. And we have to say, we’re not even the least bit upset about MTV’s choice. Kendrick isn’t new to the rap game, but his current album sold like hotcakes with very little promotion and marketing dollars. Word of mouth is why his album topped the charts, and word of mouth is why he has literally become one of the biggest stars of today’s rap game.
Kendrick also offers a bit of fresh life to the industry, and he recently made even more fans when he got real and vowed to do his part to put an end to the color complex regarding women in Hip Hop and music videos.
Interestingly enough, while all the other rappers had nothing but negative things to say about the list, Kendrick actually thought it was a positive thing before it was confirmed that he landed the top spot.
He tells Rap-Up TV:
“It’s very important for hip-hop. love that they have debates like that. We need that. It’s competitive. Even though we doing these collaborations and stuff like that and we cool, at the same time, this is still rap. It’s still competitive and I’m trying to compete with everybody to be the best.
“When people feel like they need to make their comments, I feel that’s needed. You’re supposed to feel like you’re the best ’cause if you don’t, you gon’ get stepped on ’cause it’s a jungle out there.”
Kendrick even said that he feels Kanye should have had a higher ranking, but he stills see the good in MTV’s intentions.
Congrats to Kendrick Lamar. Check out the interview below:
They got it right! Love me some K-Dot!
Yes! He deserves it. Ain’t nobody coming harder than him right now. I love his album and can let it play all the way through. Classic Hip Hop album.
Dope! I love him man. His album is so good. I was hearing so many good things about it and eventually broke down and bought it. It’s one of the best records I’ve heard in years.
Cosign. I listen to it daily.
Yes I bought the album the first day it came out and it stays in my purse just in case I need to have a Kendrick moment! I’m very pleased that he made #1 on the list.
Oh yay! I didn’t think they would get it right but they did! I’m so happy for his success.
Smartest thing MTV has done in a long time. Congrats to him.
I love this. Congrats Kendrick. You deserve it.
Yes!!!! And Kanye said Lil Wayne should be number one, chile please.
I love that he’s so humble tho. Makes me feel good about supporting him. Take notes Kanye, take notes.
THIS! LOL.
Dude sold a lot of records without any promotion or publicity stunts. Not to mention that he’s talented and the album is good. He deserves the top spot. Lil Wayne, Ye, Drake, and co. are NOT better rappers. Let’s just keep it all the way real. I think people get used to saying someone is a good rapper, so it gets embossed in their mentality that they can’t see when someone better comes along. Kanye should have been 7 or even lower. He’s been stale lyrically for a while. Drake is good. Weezy is tired. So yeah, MTV got it right.
“I think people get used to saying someone is a good rapper, so it gets embossed in their mentality that they can’t see when someone better comes along.” – SO TRUE.
Number one though? IDK…
He should be number 1. He doesnt have to rap about bend over girl, drop low girl to make a hit! He makes good music without degrading himself or others!
YASSSSS!!!!
So happy for him. I just hope he doesn’t let the industry corrupt him like it’s done just about everyone else.