The time is almost here. MTV’s set to unveil its annual “Hottest MCs List” soon, until then they’ve announced the 25 candidates that will be cut into a final list of ten. Starting next week we’ll find out #10-#6, with the top five coming on a special roundtable show on Sunday, February 19th at 10:30 p.m. EST on MTV2.

View the 25 candidates and Pharrelll gives MTV his pic for 2011’s ‘Hottest MC’ after the jump….

MTV ‘2011 Hottest MC List’ Nominees:

2 Chainz
50 Cent
Big Sean
Common
Drake
Eminem
Fabolous
French Montana
Jadakiss
JAY-Z
Jim Jones
Kanye West
Lil Wayne
Lloyd Banks
Maino
Meek Mill
Nas
Nicki Minaj
Red Café
Rick Ross
T.I.
Wale
Wiz Khalifa
Yelawolf
Young Jeezy

Pharrell picks Rick Ross as 2011’s ‘Hottest MC’. If you recall in an interview with VIBE, Pharrell showed praise for the head of MMG, also appearing on his Rich Forever mixtape.

“Rick Ross is on his way, he’s working his way. He’s been doing it for a minute, and he’s been really consistent.”

Thanks to Rahman Dukes/MTV

Previously:
MTV’s Hottest MC List (Top 5): Eminem, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Drake & Rick Ross
Nicki Minaj is #6 on MTV’s Hottest MC’s List
Lil Wayne places #7 on MTV’s Hottest MC’s List
Waka Flocka is #8 on MTV’s Hottest MC’s List
B.o.B. takes the #9 spot on MTV’s Hottest MC’s List
Ludacris ranked #10 on MTV’s Hottest MC’s List
MTV on Fabolous, Lloyd Banks, Gucci Mane & Wiz Khalifa not making ‘10 Hottest MC’s List