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MTV has compiled their list of the top ten, “Hottest MC’s in the Game,” and they’re releasing each name one by one.
The criteria for the top 10 list are: lyrics, flow, impact, buzz, sales and intangibles. MTV has put together an expert panel of their most educated hip hop critics to rate the current talent and success of today’s top hip hop artists.
Number 10 on the list is Wu-tang Clan member Raekwon (aka Raekwon the chef). While Raekwon’s public exposure has never been particularly high, he is one of the most talented artists in the music industry. His album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.. Part II, released September 8, 2009, was critically acclaimed by all major music and hip hop outlets; debuting at number four on the Billboard 200. This was his fourth solo album along with the numerous Wu Tang albums to which he was an integral asset. Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… Part II reaches back to those Wu tang roots with raw hip hop verses and classic beats (produced by hip-hop giants RZA, Dr Dre, The Alchemist and Eric Sermon and many others).

Number 9 on the list was hip-hop heavyweight 50 cent. While he hasn’t released an official album since Curtis in 2007, 50 released one of the most impressive mix-tapes of the year, War Angel. The mix-tape showed fans that 50 is still first and foremost dedicated to his musical craft. Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson is in the process right now of completing his fourth studio album, “Before I Self Destruct”. The album was scheduled to be released in late 2008, but instead was re-worked and improved for the new release date of November 17. Like Raekwon, Jackson has the top producers in the music industry working on his album including Dr Dre, Timbaland and Eminem, to name a few.If the recently released track Flight 187 is any indicator of the style of this new album, Jackson’s fans will be pleased. The song has a classic 50 cent flow with a relaxed yet cold-blooded tone.

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Helllloooooo!

Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen.  This week we’re going to take a look at a group of malevolent, disgusting, and just downright horrible creatures who have terrorized mankind for years.  What’s that? No, not lawyers.  Not even politicians.  This week we are ranking the Top 5 Straight-up Meanest Aliens in Video Games. Almost as long as sci-fi and space opera have been around, there has been the alien creatures to terrorize or befriend the valiant heroes and heroines.  Well, forget about your friendly little green men, suckers, because we’re not talking about Starman or ET tonight, we’re talking War of the Worlds and Jabba the Hutt.  Let’s do this.

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It’s down to the final five on Canadian Idol and they’re singing (or butchering) Beatles songs, handpicked by the judges.

Opening the show with “With a Little Help from My Friends” is Earl Stevenson. Half of the song is sung by the backup singers and it’s underwhelming. The judges, however, give him a standing ovation. “You did exactly what I thought you would do with it. It was spectacular,” says Jake. “It was like being transported into another world,” says Sass. “That was bang on,” says Zack.

Dressed in an outfit reminiscent of the Sgt. Pepper Lonely Heart’s Club Band, Mookie Morris sings “Come Together.” Mookie ends on the song on a terrible cracked note. “Just one great jumbo pot of mmm, mmm good,” says Sass. “You really captured the old blues soul funk of that thing. To be honest, that was the best version of the song I’ve ever heard,” says Zack.

Theo Tams is up next with “Long and Winding Road.” Back with the piano, Theo’s performance is more Broadway, less rock star. “My expectations for you and that song were through the roof and that’s exactly what you did,” says Farley. “I thought you made some really strong choices in the arrangement that you were able to show off that operatic training. I don’t know if we’ve ever had a male singer on this show with the kind of virtuoso skill that you have,” says Zack. “Strength, courage, melody, purity. Your voice reflects some of the most beautiful things about the human spirit. Thank you,” says Sass.

With “In My Life,” Mitch MacDonald performs alongside a harp that can only be described as epic. “Adorable is a good word. Luckily, thanks to the genius of the Beatles and the genius to us, you guys are having the best night so far,” says Zack. “That was probably the best vocal performance you’ve given so far,” says Sass. “That song is really naked and you handled the exposure really, really well. For the record, collectively, you guys are the best top five we’ve ever had,” says Farley.

Closing the show is Drew Wright with “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” The judges picked the song for Drew, hoping he would be more emotive than past performances. “Last, but certainly not least by far,” says Sass. “Fantastic,” says Farley. “We all learn different things from Idol and I hope in getting to sing that song, you learned some lesson about who Drew is. Dude, that was heartfelt and honest. That was phenomenal,” says Zack. The judges then give Drew a standing ovation.

That’s it for Monday’s daily dose of Canadian Idol. Tomorrow, one of the men will be the show’s next victim on the results show at 8 p.m. EST on CTV.