VIDEO: Flo Rida (@official_flo), Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) & 2 Chainz (@2chainz) Named Best Artists of 2012 By MTV?

10. Flo Rida
With both "Wild Ones" and "Whistle," the often-shirtless rapper proved that if you're going to only wear half an outfit all the time, then you need to provide fully-dressed, hard to get out of your head hooks. And, the Florida-native did just that becoming a top-selling artist of the digital era. And while Sia's hook on "Wild Ones" still stands an unforgettable, it was the chart-topping "Whistle" that may go down as one of the most addictive tracks of the year. He also added his muscular rapping abilities to J.Lo's "Goin' In." You Flo, girl! — Jocelyn Vena

8. Nicki Minaj
Is there anything Nicki Minaj can't do? In 2012, everyone's favorite Barb not only released her genre-splitting sophomore LP Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (and its re-issue The Re-Up), Nicki also signed major endorsements with Pepsi and Adidas, dropped her own fragrance and secured a judging spot on "American Idol." OK, she's reloaded. — Rob Markman

5. 2 Chainz
Five years after collaborating with Lil Wayne on the hit "Duffle Bag Boy," as part of Playaz Circle, 2 Chainz found his solo mainstream swerve, releasing Based On a T.R.U. Story and joining Weezy for a headlining performance at the 2012 VMAs. His hilarious ad-libs, endless features and contributions to G.O.O.D. Music's Cruel Summer compilation — mostly notably a killer verse on "Mercy" — made the Atlanta rapper hip-hop's standout personality of the year. Not to mention that Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album that left him feeling "extremely blessed."