SOHH NYC

2Pac, The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, and ... Eminem? According to the results of a recent poll, it's not Hovie, but Marshall Mathers, that pulled in the most votes for the Best Rapper Alive. And who's fault is that? Hov's.

So when you say Biggie and Pac, omit Jay-Z and replace that with Slim Shady. It appears as if Eminem has suddenly taken on the honors of being one of the best to ever do it, granting him that spot next to the king of the East and the king of the West. (Rolls eyes).

My guess is that we don't know what key demographic really put in the most votes. Not that I'm making any excuses, because I think Jay-Z has drastically tarnished his legendary status during the times that followed his "retirement"... well that's just the thing. Had this pole that VIBE conducted been done right before-- or right after-- the release of "The Black Album," would the results have dramatically differed? Probably. But the fact that Hov hasn't been as nearly hot as he used to be in the past 5 years is HIS FAULT. If you're the best rapper alive, then you go out ON TOP. Not slowly descending into the pits of declining buzz.

So how did Eminem do it? He hasn't released a full length album since 2004, which did quite well, but not as well as his preceding albums. But Eminem was smart. After the release of his 2005 compilation album, which included three new and wack singles, he brought his recording to an abrubt stop. Hov didn't stop when he should have. So because Em went on a haitus instead of pushing out more music-- which would have probably been mediocre since lots of people were losing interest after Encore's quiet singles "Mockingbird" and "Ass Like That"-- many don't remember that he was beginning to get rusty. Which helped his votes. Needless to say, throwing in the towel as soon as you see that you're beginning to lose your momentum is a damn good idea. Someone should have taken notes. Because that certain "someone" is STILL pushing on, hoping that he can make "that one more banger album."

It's kind of addictive though. It's like losing a game you know you can win, because you've mastered it so many times before. So you keep trying... again, and again, and again. But this is hurting Jay. A lot.

It's okay Hov. I still prefer you over Em any day.