Number 24: Ghostface

Ghostface spent much of this year planting seeds for new collaborations and greener solo pastures. He also established himself as the only person on Def Jam willing to mine the deep underground. Sure Kanye West gave the universally renowned Common som beats but it was Ghostface who tapped the underground's top mic slayer to make him some beats.

It was also Ghostface keeping the Wu Tang's chaotic spirit alive as shows decended into near riots. Ghostface could have bought in and sold out years ago. He hasn't. He could exploit the Def Jam promotional budget make a couple of songs with Ashanti singing the hook and buy himself a small yacht. He hasn't. But any day now the mainstream is going to find Ghostface in a possition where they are willing to accept him and when that happens we'll all join hands nad sing... "Run, If you sell drugs ina school zone..."