After his much-talked-about no show on last year’s list, Eminem came back with a vengeance, topping MTV News’ Hottest MCs in the Game for 2010. Em displaced last year’s champ Jay-Z, while Kanye West, Drake, and Rick Ross rounded out the top 5. Meanwhile, Nicki Minaj was the only female spitter representing on the male-dominated list, taking No. 6—just in front of her Young Money comrade Lil Wayne.
MTV News’ Hip-Hop Brain Trust selected the lyricists based on a combination of rhyme skill, flow, buzz, commercial success, business ventures, web presence, and cultural influence.
Find out if your favorite made the cut below.
10. Ludacris
9. B.o.B
8. Waka Flocka Flame
7. Lil Wayne
6. Nicki Minaj
5. Rick Ross
4. Drake
3. Kanye West
2. Jay-Z
1. Eminem