When it comes to MTV's "Hottest MCs in the Game" debate there are no shortage of opinions. Whether through social media or in more intimate social circles like the barbershop , seemingly everyone wants to weigh in and pick rap's #1 MC. Fat Joe, though a successful rapper himself is a fan first, and when it comes to picking the hottest, he has trouble narrowing down his decision to just one.
"I heard a rumor someone told me Lil Wayne ain't on the list," Joe told during a January interview. "I said, 'They sniff heron over there.' I'm like, 'That's Lil Wayne, man.' "
Well Joe Crack will have to wait until the February 19 airing of "Hottest MCs in the Game VII" on MTV2 to find out whether or not Weezy made the cut, but that didn't stop him from adding his two cents to the debate.
After rattling off Jay-Z, Kanye West, Meek Mill, Nicki Minaj, Eminem and Royce Da 5'9" as deserving spot holders on the top 10 list, the Terror Squad leader got visibly torn when debating with himself about Drake. "The reason why I wouldn't say Drake [is] #1 — because Drake really is #1 to be honest with you, but the singing and all that," Joe said about the Young Money star.
Since he broke out with 2009's So Far Gone, Drizzy has proven to be equally adept at spitting rap bars and singing harmonies. His skills have made him a complete artist and on his latest album, Take Care, Drake masters the balancing act with tracks that seamlessly blend hip-hop and R&B. Joe compares Drizzy's range with Kanye West's 2008 auto-tuned album 808s & Heartbreak. However, when Yeezy is in strict rap mode, Fat Joe admits to being 'Ye's #1 fan.
"Same thing with Drake, I love his music, I listen to it all the time, but if you would get his music and get someone else who's just as talented as him who use them beats and is goin' crazy like that, then I would pick them," he said.
"I love the singing, but when it's 50 percent singing and 50 percent rap, then I'll take a rap album over any," he continued before finally deciding on his pick for "Hottest MC" — sort of. "For instance, I'll probably just say Rick Ross and I probably bump Drake even more, but I want that ... yeah I need that boom bap."
Tune in to MTV2 on Sunday, February 19, at 10 p.m. ET to catch "MTV2 Presents: Yo! MTV Raps Classic Cuts," then watch "Hottest MCs in the Game VII" immediately after at 10:30 p.m. ET before capping the night off with "Sucker Free Certified" at 11 p.m. ET.