i think, canibus will have the most lyrically advanced album this year. i mean if its anything the same lines or steps it up from his last drop in the summer 'rip the jacker ' then hands down it will be the best lyircally. I agree, Kanye West seems to be setting hip hop listeners of by storm but for the junkies of rap music, eminem's album will definetely explode this year. Lloyd Banks to me, won't really set off, because for those on the G-Unit vibe, then you've already acclaimed 50 cent your number one. so banks won't acieve that, but even though he's better lyircally and will of had eminem producing it. i can't see him living up to the hype of 50 cent, even though he deserves more. but answering the question, to who's the hottest rapper this year so far, it would have to be Kanye West in achievement wise. but for me personally, i would have to go with any of the emcee's from d12. They've all dropped some sick shit.

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-I'm Untouchable Like Animals In Zoo's.