Jay-Z Is The Hottest MC In The Game!

Hov’s new music, business acumen and vast influence lift him above all others in 2009.

By Shaheem Reid

The 2009 Hottest MCs in the Game rollout is now complete! As in 2007 and 2008, the list, determined by the MTV News Hip-Hop Brain Trust, is based on an MC’s achievements right now, rather than an entire career. 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 considered 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? All of these factors — and the results of our audience poll, which closed last week and got a vote at the Round Table during the Brain Trust’s debate — contributed to deciding who is the Hottest MC in the Game. All this week, we’ll be rolling out reactions from artists, DJs, the MCs themselves — and you! Upload your comments, reactions, arguments and/or your own list to YourMTV.com — the best videos could be on TV!

Flame Thrower: Jay-Z

2009 Rank: #1
Previous rankings: 2007 (#7); 2008 (#2)

Why He’s Hot: He’s had the most acclaimed career in rap history. But even with all that lore, all that respect, all that prestige and all that money, Jay-Z continues to add luster to his legacy with time-transcending music, multiple successful business ventures and his dominant influence over the game.

MTV News’ Greatest MC of All Time is 2009′s Hottest MC in the Game. Hov isn’t just an elite MC that pushes the culture, the Brooklyn native is the standard-bearer, the leader, a source of inspiration and aspirations — Hov’s the guy we all look to see how far hip-hop can go. And what a ride Shawn Carter has taken us on this year, from Presidential inaugural balls back his Brooklyn ‘hood (where he was accompanied by Oprah Winfrey) ,and he even found time to take us to the world’s most famous arena — Madison Square Garden — for a charity concert featuring historic gathering of musical guests. He also surpassed Elvis Presley to become the solo act with the most #1 albums in Billboard history with 11.

Being authentic with your raps and having credibility is as precious as legal tender in hip-hop. Jay is money in the bank. Lyrically he says what no other truth-speaking MC can; his experiences are that great and unique. No wonder his swagga is never at less than level 10.

WHAT DO YOU THINK????