Last Updated: October 24. 2010 2:57PM
Adam Graham / Detroit News
After not making the list at all in 2009, Eminem topped MTV's "Hottest MCs in the Game" list for 2010, which was unveiled today during an hour-long special on MTV2.
Em eclipsed Jay-Z (No. 2), Kanye West (No. 3) and more for the title, which is decided by MTV's brain trust. He was praised for the success of his album "Recovery" as well as his guest verses on tracks by Lil Wayne and B.o.B.
"We all love a great comeback story but it takes more than that to be called the #1 hottest MC," said Sean Lee of MTV News who served on the judges panel, noting Eminem's ability.
Eminem originally ranked No. 2 on the list, behind Jay-Z, but was bumped up to the top spot after a heated debate among the 9-person panel that decides the list's rankings. He earned his No. 1 position after a 5-4 vote in favor of him being named rap's No. 1 MC.
Eminem's exclusion from the list in 2009 was controversial in hip-hop circles. Jay-Z topped the list in 2009.
MTV has been presenting its Hottest MCs in the Game list since 2007. The list is meant to measure who's hot in hip-hop at the moment, and is voted on by a panel of experts based upon the following criteria: Lyrics, style, impact, buzz, sales and "intangibles."
The rest of the top 10, in order: Drake (No. 4), Rick Ross (No. 5), Nicki Minaj (No. 6), Lil Wayne (No. 7), Waka Flocka Flame (No. 8), B.o.B (No. 9) and Ludacris (No. 10).
http://detnews.com/article/20101024/ENT ... 1424/ENT04
