Before even dropping her debut album, American rapper Nicki Minaj was the first female to be named on MTV's "hottest MC's list" of the past year, announced on Sunday.
The 25-year-old New York-based rapper, who has been rising in stature in the hip-hop world this year, came in at No 6 on the annual list which is in its fourth year.
Minaj, whose debut album Pink Friday is due to be released in November, was the first female rapper to ever make the list that was picked based on lyrical ability, flow, commercial success and cultural impact, MTV said.
Rising Canadian rap star Drake told MTV News that Minaj was "one of, if not the most exciting rapper this year. Feature-wise, she's on tracks with heavyweights killing; not holding her own, but killing. She's controlling the radio."
Coming out on top of the list was Eminem, whose recent Recovery album was judged a return to form by critics and has sold nearly three million copies in the United States.
Jay-Z landed at No 2 on the list followed by Kanye West, who has a new album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Family scheduled to be released in November.
Drake, 23, whose debut album Thank me Later produced the hit single Find Your Love, was rated No 4 on the list followed by Miami-based rapper Rick Ross.
Rounding out the Top 10 was Lil Wayne at No 6 followed by Waka Flocka Flame, B.o.B and Ludacris.
