MTV's Hottest Rappers List...
|
Posted By: David Giles on August 27, 2007 If your criterion for this list is swagger, sales, "now" factor, and impact on the streets, with a hint of quality... we all know Wayne, T.I., and Jay were a lock for this list. Jay is a brand like never before, and everyone wants a feature from the "King of the South" and the "Best Rapper". As far as the rest, I'll be the first person to vouch for Jim Jones. [pause] By all means, Jim is trash... but there is something to be said for having the second most features on O.P.P. this year behind Wayne and Andre3000. Also there is something to be said for coming from Village People status in Hip-Hop fashion, to tricking the streets into wearing wallets chains, biker vests, and sagging Chip & Pepper low-rise jeans in a matter of 12 months. Jim stays. 50 stays, sheerly on track record and endorsements... because the streets are not f---ing with him anymore and no one is looking to him for fashion tips (did y'all see that monkey suit in the Ciara video!?) Andre3000 is preparing the game for a vicious and much needed Outkast come back. Say what you want about 'Ye, but hip-hop needs him. Average rhymes or not, he maintains fashion icon status and his albums are actually anticipated (even though "Cant Tell Me Nothing" is subpar at best). Plus "Stronger" is DOPE! I would actually question The Game's NOW factor, and toss him up with Young Joc & Lupe Fiasco... I know its weird, but Game has the numbers and skill minus the respect, Joc is the new millenium Ma$e minus lyrics, and Lupe caught a brick on sales, but maintained crazy exposure, crossover appeal, a shoe with Reebok and is a shining beam of hope for the commercial draw of lyric-driven rap. Jeezy is the streets lol. Common is more relevant than he's ever been, and at a time when Hip-Hop needs his diversity the most. MTV hit it right on the head... with The Game, Lupe, and Joc in a cage match for the last spot. [pause] Hip-Hop is no longer about expression, or even b.s. commercial vs. real conflicts, its about survival in a depressed market. Downloads didnt destroy the game, nor did the South, the cross section of complacency and technology did. ANYONE with a laptop, software, a hookup with a hot DJ, and a camera for youtube can make a fire ringtone (seriously). Rappers dont make records, they make singles and ringtones, and the world is catching on. Rappers began treating albums like the Yankees, and forgot how to create something memorable that the people connect with. In the late 90's commercial boom of hip-hop, bigger meant better, but somewhere along the lines the essence was sacrificed. You can buy the most collaborations and expensive beats, but in 2007, that can't cover up the lack of talent or passion for the game. The reason only one album went platinum in the 2006 calendar year, is because only 3 other records had an equal or greater anticipation and they came out in the 4th quarter. [i'm done] With that said, my 10 in no particullar order 1. Lil' Wayne (one hit away...) 2. Jay-Z ("Hov's a living legend and I'll tell you why/ Everybody wanna be Hov and Hov still alive") 3. T.I. (I'll forgive him for TI vs. TIP, he dropped 06's best album and upped the ante for the South) 4. OutKast (because Andre AND Big Boi are killing the game) 5. Lupe Fiasco (a musical genius developing at a crazy pace... beware his second release) 6. Pusha T (of the Clipse... thank them for cocaine anthems and BAPE) 7. Kanye West (decent lyricist, best hip-hop ARTIST in the game) 8. Nas (Hip Hop Is Dead gave me hope for 2007) 9. Common (Be was a modern classic, Finding Forever is life changing) 10. Ghostface Killah (most visual and entertaining rapper ever) peace. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
David Giles
From Alexandria, VA Washington Univ in St. Louis class of 2006 Member Since August 2007 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
1440 BLESSING GIVEN TO YOU TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD!!!! EVERYDAY!!!!!EVERY DAY YOU RECEIVE 1,440 MINUTES — WHAT YOU CREATE WITH THEM BECOMES YOUR LIFE
You wake up each morning with a gift that is both ordinary and extraordinary: 1,440 minutes.
No one gets more. No ...more
rickey johnson • 180 Views • April 10th, 2026 |
 |
gospel music artist and gospel music enthuiast just got a huge help to succeed from allnationstv.comhttps://youtu.be/R97HT_MVtY4
Strategic Collaboration Alert
Juniques Gospel Musical Review has just completed a high‑leverage, opportunity‑expanding interview with AllNationsTV.co ...more
rickey johnson • 259 Views • April 9th, 2026 |
 |
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid PremiumFor 2026, the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is back for its second year, quietly proving that you don’t have to sacrifice driving enjoyment for fuel efficiency, whether you're navigating potholes downtown or mer ...more
Randi Payton • 223 Views • April 7th, 2026 |
 |
5 Flexible Graduate Programs Perfect for Working Adults in Mental Health FieldsBalancing a career in mental health with the pursuit of advanced education can feel overwhelming. Yet, today’s universities are designing graduate programs with flexibility in mind, making it possible ...more
Anica Oaks • 210 Views • April 7th, 2026 |
 |
Gary IN Artist & CEO ML UNDERWOOD Releases Hot New Single "Still I Rise" Feat Danny Boy@MLUNDERWOOD #MLUNDERWOOD
https://mylifeentertainment.net/
FB@MLUNDERWOOD
YouTube@MyLifeEmtertainment
IG@MyLifeEntertainment
TikTok@MyLifeEmtertainment
ML UNDERWOOD has been long established ...more
LaMarr Blackmon • 329 Views • April 2nd, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 70,936,017 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 119,080 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 77,073 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
How May I Help You NC • 62,365 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
