14 DAY TRIAL // MTV recently unveiled the 2009 list of Hottest MCs in the Game and, while as expected, Jay-Z came on top, there was one name that was notably absent from it: Eminem. Fans were upset, especially since “less hot” artists than Em made the cut, but also upset was Jay-Z, who took the time to write a lengthy letter to MTV asking for an explanation for the omission, as Rap Up informs.
According to Jay, while being named the hottest MC of the year is clearly a distinction he’s most proud of, it’s not what he aims to do. The rapper vouches with little to no modesty that his career dream is that of being the best of all times and not simply over a determined period of time, such as it is the case of the yearly awards and accolades. In order to achieve this, he’s working more than he would have ever thought humanly possible, which is also why he’s almost convinced he can pull off the amazing feat, Jay-Z begins by saying.
And then Jay interrupts himself to call on MTV to offer an explanation for why Eminem is not on the list. “Sidebar: Kanye moment if I may… Eminem?!?! I think you do the credibility of this list a disservice if you don’t thoroughly explain his omission. As of this second he has the highest selling rap album of the year and a scene stealing verse on the best ‘posse’ cut of the year. (*Hands mic back to Taylor Swift… and nobody was harmed, I apologize in advance.)” Jay-Z writes.
Clearly, Jay-Z does have a point, as several other media outlets also point out. Otherwise, no one could possibly explain why “questionable entries” like Rick Ross and Gucci Mane have made the list at number 5 and 6, respectively, and Eminem did not, despite having a very successful album out and an equally impressive career, as Grapevine puts it. Other names that made the cut are Raekwon at number 10, followed by Eminem collaborator and friend 50 Cent, Fabolous and Young Jeezy. The top 5 MCs of 2009 are Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Drake, Kanye West and the aforementioned Rick Ross at number 5.
No matter how much both Jay-Z and the fans lament Eminem’s omission from the list, MTV insists it did nothing wrong. “Eminem is one of the best ever on the mic. His track record is undeniable. The Hottest list deals with right now, though. If the Brain Trust had compiled the Hottest list back in May, there’s no doubt Eminem would have made the Top 10.” MTV says in a statement.