#3. Jay-Z
It’s seems like every year, Jay-Z is the barometer of what’s hot in Hip-Hop. I don’t know how he does it, but the man STAYS on everyone’s tongue when a discussion about Hip-Hop is brought up. No he didn’t release an album, but he did leave some grill marks on a few songs this year he appeared on being paired with premier rappers (Drake’s “Light It Up”, Ross’ “Free Mason”, Kanye’s “Monster” & “So Appalled”). Not too many times a guy 40+ remains relevant with the youngins. Rumor is he and Kanye will be putting out an EP album sometime this year. His greatest compilation (Yes another one) will arrive to us the same day Nicki and Ye drop albums. -King Jerm & DuB