Not only did Nas drop potent stick-to-your-rib singles like “Daughters,” “The Don” and “Bye Baby,” he went to great lengths to craft memorable story-driven videos to match. ” ‘The Don’ was a great visual, ‘Daughters’ was a great visual, ‘Nasty’ was great and I think with this record coming off of Distant Relatives, nobody expected this,” pointed out MTV Programming VP Yomi Desalu while referencing the mixed reviews surrounding Nas’ Damien Marley collaboration album in 2010.
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NaS is without a doubt one of the greatest MCs ever, but I wouldn’t call him on of the “hottest” of last year. Album was good, but he had 3 singles and no other verses really
Rest of the list is pathetic. I think the only reason they threw Nas in there is so that they can claim it is a legitimate MCs list. You take Nas out and it’s literally pop stars. I understand it’s a list of who’s ‘hot’ and not who’s ‘lyrical’ but there should be some kinda line you draw, some of these didn’t even release their own projects. Only thing keeping their names on tongues were a few guest verses and gossip articles
Wow…. that girl with the green jacket should not be there. She looks and just seems like she don’t know jack about hip-hop.
damn. didnt see that one coming.
I agree with footlocker. Nas was not as hot as a lot of dudes last year. good album maybe even more memorable years from now, but I think Drake at the LEAST was hotter. the fact I nor a lot of people on the site haven’t put Nas on their prediction’s list has gotta say something. but its cool, good to see him up there.
Judges, critics, bloggers……what is sooooo hard to understand about “hottest”? Nas is no where near as hot as ANY of these artist on the list so far, is he better DUH!, but he’s not hot at all. Other than illmatic, the beef with J/Stillmatic, GodSon, and his “untitled” album when has Nas ever been hot?, when has he had multiple chart topping singles, or club bangers…his or features? (hardly ever) but that does not discredit the quality of Life is Good (best rap album last yr imo, just above kendricks). I mean people (critics and judges) get so sensitive that “quality mcs” or artists without albums are on the list…y? Thats the state of the genre right now, mixtapes get all of the attention b/c thats what the lackluster or single orientated artist can control then when it comes to an album they aint got shit to say or to transcend. Don’t be mad that future is realistically the hottest right now, as fans if people really care request “summers on smash” til the radio has to play it to get nas out there, cuz future is everywhere working with everyone, french montana is on everything, last yr 2 chainz was the only one on any and everything. Stop trying to make it a quality countdown when its not, its about popularity and being consistent over a given yr.
@silence
You seem VERY upset and the most critical & sensitive of all. Nas does NOT need to be on the radio to be “HOT”….he caters to a different demographic and he is still lyrically BETTER than the rappers on this list. To be hot should not be determined by just radio play but it should include body of work. As you stated Nas’ Life Is Good is a GREAT body of work.
Nas could give a shit about this list or anyone’s opinion about why or why he is not on it. Nas has longevity and a legendary career that is better than any hot for the moment MTV list.
@really said this
Not critical or sensitive at all just stating what should be clear…how are you “hot” when the only thing discussed is your album…no tour (though gives the occasional performance), no top single, only like 2 standout features (common and ross songs), no pop current culture impact (i said current), I mean ALL he had was the album and no one has heard from him since. Nas is always good, this yr the music was great but he’s not “hot” or “buzzing”
@silence, I see what your saying but I think you may have been looking for Nas to make a huge impact when to make the list Nas really doesn’t need a huge or big impact, he just needs an impact. Even if its on a small scale it still counts and that fact that its not too many albums that came out thats better then Life Is Good, its of course gonna come up on the list. Nas did get alot of Tv and press and he got alot of love on several of his videos so all that adds up. Nas did get a little radio play but even if he got no radio play he still was shakin and movin enough through the game to be seen and heard for a few solid months. Thats all it takes to make this list when you have an album like Life Is Good. Just saying
1 and 2 are gonna be tity boi and kendrick. dont believe me just watch
too bad nas is the only real mc on this list so far…well let me take that back…drake does spit and commands his audience…hes an mc and ross is too but change this list to the best rappers list
Nas is the only M.C. whose verses I have worthy to be memorized. The rest of these rhymers just make catchy chorus’ and a decent metaphor every now and then with a club beat. blah
The only mcee on the list so far…n.a.s
This list is 4 pop stars not hottest mcz nas fallz under”hot mc”cn u realy say future n 2 chainz r hot mcz?n I hv nuthn against these dudes..main frm s.a. Gaborn crew
them niggas bias, nas was def not “hot” in 2012
Why the fuck was Nas even considered for this list? He was NOT hot last year. He wasn’t played on the radio, the club, and a majority of the rap community was not talking about him. He might be one of the greatest rappers of all time but he doesn’t deserve this kind of recognition.