Since 2007, MTV2 has sparked one of the most heated debates in hip hop with their Hottest MCs In The Game television special that looks to rank the year’s most impressive emcees. The extremely controversial list has been topped by names like Eminem, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne. Now, MTV2 once again heads back to the roundtable in hopes of listing the top 10 emcees of the last year. With so many active emcees in 2011, one name stands out as a clear choice – Tech N9ne. Following the incredible year of blockbuster sales and industry recognition, can Tech N9ne finally make his way to a much deserved spot on the top 10 Hottest MCs In The Game?

With a brain trust made up of hip hop journalists, the list assembles the top names of the year and attempts to rank them in a manner that focuses on cultural impact, lyricism, commercial success, buzz, and digital activity (Twitter, Facebook, mixtapes). While the list does contain a certain amount of usual suspects – Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Jay-Z, and 50 Cent- there have also been a number of unexpected names that popped up in past years, including Lupe Fiasco, Common, Raekwon, and Fabolous.

While it may been completely out of the question to even mention Tech N9ne in the past, 2012 is a different story. In the last year, Tech N9ne appeared on Sucker Free several times and more recently, the Kansas City King bumrushed the cable network with the premiere of “Am I A Psycho?“, which went on to become the #1 music video in several categories on MTV.com. Then of course, there is Tech N9ne’s All 6’s And 7’s album which hit #4 on Billboard’s Top 200. Oh yeah, he also appeared on Lil Wayne’s double-platinum certified Tha Carter IV. No biggie. If it’s a numbers game, then Tech definitely proved he could hang with the industry in the last year.

As Sway and his brain trust prepare to discuss the year’s best, it’s more than just an option to include the independent king – it pretty much needs to be a done deal. Tech N9ne’s impact in both business and art is undeniable. Throw in your Kanye Wests and Jay-Zs, but make sure you don’t overlook the man redefining hip hop independence. You want a hot emcee? Look no further.

-Victor Sandoval, Assistant Editor Strange Music

Follow Victor on Twitter: @VicMSandoval

MTV2’s Hottest MCs In The Game special airs February 19 at 10:30PM ET/PT.

• What do you think about MTV2’s Hottest MCs In The Game lists?
• Do you think Tech N9ne will finally make the cut?
• Where would you rank him on the list this year?

Let us know in the comments below!