Biggie. Tupac. Nas. Jay-Z. Snoop. Rakim. All of these names are synonymous with hot hip hop music, and they are all amongst the ubiquitous argument amongst the hip hop community as to who is the best and why, and who shouldn’t even be added to the argument. So for the love of hip hop just like the VH1 show, I’m a drop my list of my top ten favorite MC’s, and why I say that they are hot and why your opinion doesn’t matter because I KNOW HIP HOP! Just kidding. But anyways, here we go.

Disclaimer: IF you don’t think that these artists deserve to be on any top ten hot hip hop music list; remember that it’s only opinion based, and your reason for liking one and disliking another can only be attributed to YOU! Also, this is a list of current and past hot hip hop music makers, old and new alike. So just peep it, and see what you think.

1. Outkast

Too Damn Dope to just pick one. Big Boi and Andre (now known as 3 stacks) have been in the hearts and trunks of many a southerner since 94’, but the funny thing about it is that their music is not the typical “southern” stuff that you’re accustomed to. Dope beats, insightful and purposeful lyrics combined with dope lyricism makes this duo two of the best that had ever done it. Prove me wrong. Elevators is the best song ever, of the freakin’ millennium. Period.

2. Tupac

Pac over Biggie, for no reason other than one of my favorite tracks of all time entitled “Ambitionz Az a Ridah”. Tupac was a poet, a gangster, an actor, an activist. Now you tell me how all of that goes together? Thug Life Bayy Baayyy!

3. The Notorious B.I.G.

Yall seen the movie. Biggie came from nothing to something, the hard way, and rhymed his way into greatness over a small period of time, only to have his life taken away all too soon; basically over lies and egos. Even though I was familiar with Puff, Biggie, Bad Boy, Death Row, and their ensuing East Coast vs. West Coast battle, I could see past all that to see that Pac and Biggie just needed to sit down at a bar without everyone around, and squash their beef. Just on some real man to man type vibe. Who knows what feats these guys would have accomplished had their lives not been taken away so soon?

4. Snoop Dogg

Nobody in the history of rap music has ever come on the scene with quite the same tenacity that Snoop did back in 92’. Nothin but A G’ Thang? Tell me what’s doper than that flow he displayed on that track, as well as EVERY song on his debut album “DOGGYSTYLE”? And being that he’s still dope today, I say that Snoop is one to not be counted out.

5. Plies

I’m sorry yall, but it was a tossup between Plies and Nas, I was certain that Jay Z would be #6. Plies’ music is straight thuggery and a coldness that moves me when I listen to it, underneath all of the Goon talk, he’s actually telling you a tale of these Florida streets. Can’t put Plies down, he always delivers for me.

6. Jigga Jay Z

Can’t deny that Jay Z is one of the best that has ever done it! Nobody will argue that point. And he has Beyonce. Winner.

7. Eminem

He’ll probably never get the recognition that he deserves as one of the best that’s ever did it due to reverse racism. Because he’s white, he’s typically also overlooked by your hip hop purists. Stinks don’t it? But anyway, he is on my top ten list of hot hip hop music makers. He can’t be overlooked.

8. T.I.

Da king of da south. I been a Tip fan ever since I’m Serious dropped, I knew from the jump he was gonna go on and do his thang! Dope Boyz in da Trap is was what was up! Hopefully he can stay outta prison on the wack charges, and get that next album out, because I’m waiting.

9. Fabolous

Ain’t nobody swaggin it out like Fab. Ain’t nobody doing the street suave rap like him either. He can appeal to the gangsters and the ladies equally, which is a trait that many rappers of today don’t have.

10. Drake

Drake burst onto the scene with a flow and a tenacity that was genuine and focused, and his music is the exact type of vibe that I enjoy on a day to day basis. All of the other artists’ music I love listening to it, but sometimes I just can’t take it. Drake, I can put on some Drake every day and it’ll be cool. I know people hate on Drake, Saying that he’s singing and his music ain’t really rap, but it’s all good. Who cares what they think?

Well, it looks like I shoulda did a top 20 or 30 list, because, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Rich Boy, Young Jeezy, Nas, Styles P, Rick Ross, Kendrick Lamar, Bun B and Big K.R.I.T didn’t make on the list. Oh yeah, what about Kurupt, Daz, Missy Elliott, Ace Hood, The Clipse, Common, Curren$y, Devin the Dude... Dom Kennedy! Mos Def! Ludacris! Eightball & MJG! Dang! This list could go on forever!

But the thing is, I love all of these dudes music. They keep me inspired. They keep me motivated. They keep me going! And if you have a love for hip hop like I do, I’m sure it’s hard to compile one simple list for you as well.

Keep listening to them jams, and keep pushing with whatever you’re doing. Never give up on your dreams, because you’ll get there. Better beats ahead.