"Hottest MC's in the Game 2009 - Part I

MTV's Hip Hop Brain Trust is at it again with the Hottest MC's in the Game list. Part I consists of rappers who are at the bottom end of the top 10.

The criteria is based on a combination of rhyme skill, flow and how those things are implemented musically as the main factors. The Brain Trust also considers buzz, impact, commercial success — sales, airplay, business ventures, Web presence, endorsements and helping to spawn other artists' careers — and the intangible, impact: Can an artist not only contribute to the rap game but influence cultural shifts? Are they trendsetters?

10. Raekwon

This one is definitely a..."NAW"(Shout out to All-State Insurance). Just because a rapper has rhyme skill, doesn't necessarily mean they have flow. You take away his NYC buzz and all the people who was in to rap in the early 90's...he probably doesn't make my top 20. Outside of rhyme skill and flow, Soulja Boy would probably be a better pick at 10 based on the above criteria.

9. 50 Cent

Get Rich or Die Trying was an instant classic. Every song was a banger. The rest of his CD's has turned into one nice single, one street record and the rest garbage. Book deal, movies, his blog site, riding Soulja Boy's "boy" and the Rick Ross beef barely got him to number 9. Drake would not be in my top 5 as of right now in his career, but his buzz has been way bigger than 50's in 2009.

8. Fabolous

What would Fab do without Neyo...or the Dream? On the real, this is a safe pick. His album is not that bad. Don't put to much into the radio singles, he has a couple of tracks that are fire, most notably "When the Money Goes" with Jay-Z and "Salute" feat. Wayne. I like this pick at #8.

7. Young Jeezy

Jeezy has been quiet since his last album but there is no denying his lyrical talent. The "My President is Black" record alone should keep him in the top 10 for the next four years. Slot #7 is ok, I would even flip flop him and Fabolous but he definitely belongs in the top 10. People sleeping on the Gucci Mane diss and underground kobe-lebron track.

6. Gucci Mane

This is a great pick at # 6. Let's be real, GM is keeping a lot of DJ's in business these days. That beef with Jeezy was probably the best thing that ever happen to him. In addition, Gucci is holding down the state of Georgia (shout out to Sterling) while Jeezy and Luda reload and while TIP finish his stay in prison. GM has a hit single out (Wasted) in addition to being on countless other singles. Not to mention, he has replaced Wayne on Omarion's new track called "I get it In."