Ok, kinda tough here. But through close examination of what they did last year this is what I came up with.

NAS - With the strength of GOD'S SON, he continued on bringing quality music, with the exception of being nice and helping out in a couple tracks with the Bravehearts. He made that up with his unreleased songs, including YOU NEVER KNOW.

DMX - talk about making a comeback. With a lackluster last album and releases so much ina little period of time, not to mention his acting bug, he came with a strong song in the beginning of the year and a very good album in September. The man still has his intensity, shame he wants to retire.

CAGE - in followup to his solo debut, he released Wethermen stuff that were hot, you need to get it if you haven't. He also dropped a good EP in August. And he is now one of hip hop hottest commodities, where he was rumored to go everywhere. Should've been done years ago, but I am happy he is getting respect.

SKILLZ - two songs, Rap Up 2002 and Rap Up 2003. Shame he got dicked by Rawkus and his unreleased album was another of quality music that that label decided on not releasing.

MOS DEF - he spent 2003 releasing singles and freestyles. This was a socially conscience year for Mos, where WHAT'S BEEF? was his statement all year. Looks bright for the coming year when Rawkus sets him free.

BIG BOI - what was lost in the Dre wackiness and creativity is Big Boi's good album. Now he is getting the push Dre got in the beginning of the album release.

JAY-Z - this man seemed like he was on a politician's tour this year. After a lackluster album, Jay decided to put the best into a package and call it 2.1. He then announces his retirement and making an album that will let the songs speak itself. He then hits the mixtape circuit and lays out good freestyles as a prelude. A couple of songs that were okay club songs and then he hit the BLACK ALBUM. This is what the fans wanted, none of this poppy crap but the Jay-Z that we wanted.

what happened to the whole poll thing here?

Sorry guys, I had to delete "Big Boi" and "Skillz" to keep it 5 nominees as with the other categories.
As for the poll thing, I still don't know why it turns up like a square when Axs and jqueens do theirs. For others it's a circle but it's all good.


^^OK I found out the reason why the poll was messed up , jqueens selected a multiple choice option and that's also why it's in squares. Same as Axs. It should alway be single choice so voters can choose one option only. I've modified this one and I'll look into Axs' poll as well