MTV Base aired one of its flagship properties in December 2020, the Hottest MCs List. Hosted by Ms Cosmo, the panelists for the yearly round-up included Kyeezi, DJ Venom, Nota, DJ Kaymo, Mandisa Ntsinde, and Lula Odiba. With the criteria for the makeup of the list being bars, impact, sales, and intangibles, the panel came to a conclusion that was not without controversy. The final list had Focalistic at the top spot, and also included the notable mention of Busiswa.
- Focalistic
- Yanga Chief
- Nasty C
- Cassper Nyovest
- Big Zulu
- YoungstaCPT
- Busiswa
- Costa Titch
- Riky Rick
- KO
Busiswa aired her grievance with the list on social media in a series of tweets. With no other female rappers on the list, the muso reacted to the placement, saying, “I’m also being used here. The token female that will get engagement on SM going.”
In 2021, MTV Base has aired its Hottest MCs New Wave list, giving shine to the new wave of rappers in SA. The panel included DJ Zan D, Nikki Newlands, Jade Kelly, Misa Narrates, Uncle Vinny, and Kabelo Makhudu. Hosted by Tshego Koke, the panelists went back and forth in the differences of opinion but finally settled on who they feel is the top ten list of new wave artists in SA for 202. Check it out below.
- Blaq Diamond
- Touchline Truth
- Lucasraps
- Dee Koala
- 25k
- Indigo Stella
- Maglera Doe Boy
- Tumi Tladi
- Hanna
- Benny Chill