2008 was an interesting year to say the least, and like in every aspect of life, some people have better years than others. Everyone can’t be like T.I. and have a banner year, after being knocked by the Feds. Or Lil’ Wayne for that matter, who went on the sell a million albums in a week, after being caught in the desert with way too many drugs ( I know he was gonna “sell” them to cacti & coyotes). So let’s look back on some people who had the best year ever. Not best meaning good, but best meaning bad… ya dig?

DMX

Earl Simmons was on a mission this year: see how many times he could get arrested and released. He was at 5 by July, but he kept going like a “grand” champ. He branched out and dabbled in false identity, to go along with drug charges and animal cruelty. He was caught on tape cussing out a judge during sentencing, then later on caught hiding out in Scott Storch’s mansion while on the run from Arizona authorities. All this while he was supposed to working on a gospel album. I guess he’s still waiting on a sign, although I blame BET for this because they didn’t renew his reality show. Oh yeah, he ended up on 8 arrests for the year if you were wondering.

Rick Ross

So Trick Daddy went and spilled the beans about Rick Ross and his past as a correctional officer. If he had been smart, he woulda just admitted to it and kept it moving. Unfortunately he denied it and The Smoking Gun jumped right on the trail (I guess he missed what they did to Akon). Even when the hard proof surfaced, he denied it like his life was on the line. In October he finally admitted to his past in October, but by then he had effectively killed whatever momentum he’d built up with Trilla.

Suge Knight

Suge was the walking epitome of the saying: “You have nothing to fear, but fear itself.” Due to his reputation of menacing acts, he was able to enjoy a position of power within the hip-hop world way after he was a positive contributor to the culture in any shape or form. But the longer you hang around, the more people don’t have a reason to fear you. So on one fateful night, Suge got caught slippin’ and an aura that was over a decade in the making was shattered. The only thing missing was Smokey yelling “YOU GOT KNOCKED THE FUCK OUT!!!” Exit Suge, Enter Alfamega. And he finally lost Death Row due to filing bankruptcy in ’06.

T-Baby

I know and fully understand that this was/is a tribute to a fallen comrade, but the unintentional comedy factor is off the meter on this one. With the Big 3 on the ropes and the Lions making the wrong type of history, this may very well be Detroit’s anthem for the year. It woulda been one thing to drop this video and go on with your life. But to go on the radio station and perform this live is equal parts bravado and stupidity. So make the most of it T-Baby, your officially on 14:30 of your 15 minutes. Enjoy it while it lasts.

Yung Berg’s Chain

Berg’s Transformer’s chain probably had a better year than its owner. We all know how Berg got a little too big for his designer jeans and was relieved of his piece while in the land of Trick Trick. Normally this is when the story fades into the background as a smart rapper would declare the story fake or buy a new chain to dispel the story. Surprisingly, Berg remained mum on the subject. But his chain had a story to tell: Countless pics and videos popped on the net, as Berg’s chain traveled the country and was ridiculed by Trick Trick’s clique. Hell, his daughter even posted pics on Facebook. Detroit finally won!

Eli Porter

Question: If a high school freestyle battle is upped on YouTube and it stars a developmentally challenged boy, does said boy even realize he’s an internet sensation? I bet you never thought of that while you repeatedly watched Eli do the Rainman pause before ethering Envy. Eli came through just at the right time – the lull before the industry was clicking on all cylinders – and became the talk of the net. He even had a mixtape! Not to mention he had the comments going nuts for a good while. So here’s to you Eli: put your feet up and revel in your accomplishments. You deed it, you really did.

Previously Posted –“Fifteen Greats In ’08″ – The Most Exceptional Hip-Hop Albums Of 2008 |  Winner: Best Comment Of The Year | TSS Presents 2008: The Best Year Ever – Third Quarter | Pillow Talk 2008: The Most Slept On Albums Of The Year | TSS Presents 2008: The Best Year Ever – 2nd Quarter | TC Sings The Bricks Part DEUX!!!: The Most Disappointing Hip-Hop Albums Of 2008 | TSS Presents 2008: The Best Year Ever – First Quarter