Top 5

Once again this year, MTV is causing a ruckus among hip hop heads with its “Hottest MCs in the game” list. My simple reflection on all this bovine scatology is, what the hell does MTV know about anything except making shows for pimply teenage douche-baguettes? Seriously, with a line-up that includes 16 and Pregnant, My New BFF and Daddy’s Girls, I dunno where those bloodsuckers still get the nerve to have a presence in the hip hop world. But since it’s the topic of the hour, it’s time for me to break you off with the Beatseeker Top 5 of the year. These are based on no organized criteria except my unquestionable expertise and good taste in hip hop. Drumroll…

Blu: Ever since his debut, Below the Heavens, in ’07, produced by the outstanding Exile, Blu’s been putting out nothing but stellar guest verses and really imaginative mixtapes. His latest, Herfavoritecolo(u)r, is still my favourite project of the year.

B.O.B.: This guy has already gone completely 180 since dropping two years ago, kinda like the way Andre 3000 went leftfield during ATLiens. The similarities don’t stop there, since B.O.B.’s from the same neighbourhood as Outkast and loves to rap about totally abstract and soulful shit. Definitely keep an eye out for him.

Joell Ortiz: My dude right here. I’ve been vouching for him for years, since I first heard him freestyle on hiphopgame.com. He was signed to Aftermath, then dropped for being too much of a lyricist, and now he’s part of Slaughterhouse with Royce da 5’9”, Joe Budden and Crooked I.

Gucci Mane: Gucci does not move his lips or enunciate a goddamn word when he raps, but he still makes Young Jeezy look like Elmo. His mixtapes Writing on the Wall and Guccimania are the hottest in the hood right now. Watching his interviews will make you piss your pants.

Ghostface: Forever on my list.

PLAYING BINGO WITH THE OLD FOLKS… DABEATSEEKER@GMAIL.COM