Call him B-32, Baby, or just Bryan, Birdman is a mega superstar in the rap/hip-hop game no matter what name he chooses to go by. Birdman co-founded Cash Money Records in 1991 with his brother, featuring acts like Juvenile and The Hot Boys. 6 years later formed the Big Tymers with Mannie Fresh, who would go on to have hits like “Get Your Roll On”, “#1 Stunna”, and “Still Fly.” Birdman would go on to work on hits with several artists like Ginuwine, Jim Jones, Bow Wow, as well as featuring several artists on his solo albums including Jazze Pha, Lil’ Wayne, Clipse, T.I., Jermaine Dupri, Cam’ron, Yo Gotti, and R&B/pop superstar Toni Braxton. On his third solo album, 5* Stunna, featured artists were Lil Wayne, Jadakiss, Fat Joe, Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, DJ Khaled, and Allstar Cashville Prince.

1. Eminem – As infamous as he is famous, Eminem (a.k. Slim Shady a.k.a Marshall Mathers) is one of the most influential MCs ever. Em put Detroit Rock City back on the map in 1999 with the release of the triple platinum The Slim Shady LP. Featuring heavy production by Dr. Dre and singles “Guilty Conscience”, “’97 Bonnie and Clyde”, and “My Name Is”, this album introduced the world to Eminem’s lyrical skill and his controversial style. The Marshall Mathers LP followed in 2000 and broke records set by Snoop Dogg for fastest selling hip hop album and Britney Spears for fastest selling album by a solo artist. Marshall insulted several celebrities, including Christina Aguilera and NSYNC, in “The Real Slim Shady.” Other songs include “The Way I Am” and “Stan”, featuring a Dido sample and often voted as 1 of the best rap songs ever. The Eminem Show became Eminem’s third straight album to win the Grammy for best rap album, driven by singles “White America”, “Without Me”, and “Cleanin’ Out My Closet.” Encore, another platinum album, dropped in 2004 and features “Mockingbird”, “Just Lose It”, and “Mosh.” In 2009, Eminem ended his 5 year hiatus from rap and hip hop with the release of new songs “Crack a Bottle” (with Dr. Dre and 50 Cent) and “We Made You,” the video which again parodied several celebrities such as Bret Michaels and Amy Winehouse. Marshall also is an actor, appearing in 8 Mile and lending his voice to 50 Cent’s video game.

2. Lil’ Wayne – Lil’ Wayne, a.k.a. Weezy F. Baby, has always refused to be ignored. At age 11, he was signed to Cash Money Records after repeatedly leaving freestyle voice messages with Bryan “Baby” Williams, a.k.a Birdman. He would go on to form the southern rap supergroup, The Hot Boys, which also featured Juvenile. In 2004, Weezy dropped his 4th solo album, Tha Carter. It sold over one million copies, driven largely by the hit, “Go DJ.” A year later, Tha Carter II was released. Featuring several strong songs including “Fireman”, “Hustler Music”, and “Grown Man”, it debuted at #2 on the Billboard top 200 chart. 2008’s Tha Carter III sold over one million copies in its first week, the first to do so since 50 Cent’s The Massacre in 2005, and included “Lollipop” and “A Milli”, both of which went to #1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart, as well as “Got Money” with T-Pain and “Mrs. Officer” with Bobby Valentino. In 2009, Wayne surprised everyone by debuting his own rock songs, like “Prom Queen” and “Hot Revolver.” As if he’s not busy enough with his own work, Wayne has also worked with almost everyone in the rap hip hop world, including Jay Z, Swizz Beatz, Chamillionaire, Rick Ross, DJ Khaled, and Kanye West to name a few. He’s also branched out to pop and R&B, working with Destiny’s Child, Keri Hilson, and Kevin Rudolf.

3. Jeremih – His single Birthday Sex hit the top of the Flycell Charts in June, fallingonly one spot for July. This up and coming artist is one to watch in the future.

4. Mariah Carey – When she burst on the scene in 1990, there was no mistaking that VOICE. Mariah Carey can probably shatter glass, but thankfully she uses her range and talent to make music for us instead – a steady stream of soulful tunes that, despite some bumps along the way.

5. Drake – Drake has the number one downloaded song in July. Will he hold onto the spot in August?

6. Black Eyed Peas – Believe it or not, the Black Eyed Peas have been together since 1988 when Will.i.am and apl.de.ap first joined forces in a break dancing crew, where they regularly performed at parties. In 1995, the name Black Eyed Peas was first used and only a few years later their songs started to appear on movie soundtracks and the debut album Behind the Front was released. Their second album featured the hit “Request Line” with Macy Gray.

7. Jackson 5

8. Keri Hilson – Keri Hilson has been rockin’ your world, and you don’t even know it. The songstress with the hit single “Turnin’ Me On ”, featuring mega superstar Lil’ Wayne has been writing her own songs since age 12, but spent most of the 2000’s turnin’ out hits for artists like Ludacris and The Pussy Cat Dolls and showing off her model looks in videos with Nelly Furtado, Ne-Yo and Nelly. After being featured all over Timbaland’s solo release, Keri stepped into the spotlight with her own recently released album, In a Perfect World. Along with the hit single, it also includes “Energy” and “Return the Favor.”

9. Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em – He is among the youngest of the new generation of rap stars, and there is still some debate as to whether he will lead a new movement in rap, or will spiral into obscurity following the wild success of his first single, ‘Crank That,’ which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

10. Twista – Still holding it down as the number 3 most downloaded song in July with “Wetter.”

Top Ringtones:

1. “Best I Ever Had” by Drake

2. “Birthday Sex” by Jeremih

3. “Wetter” by Twista

4. “Knock You Down” by Keri Hilson

5. “Beautiful” by Eminem

6. “Obsessed” by Mariah Carey

7. “ Boom Boom Pow ” by Black Eyed Peas

8. “Day N Nite” by Kid Cudi

9. “Throw It In The Bag” by Fabolous

10. “I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas

1. Kanye West – In the span of a few years, from 2001 to 2004, Kanye West went from hip-hop beatmaker to worldwide hitmaker, as his stellar production work for Jay-Z earned him a major-label recording contract as a solo artist. Soon his beats were accompanied by his own witty raps on a number of critically and commercially.

2. Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em – He is among the youngest of the new generation of rap stars, and there is still some debate as to whether he will lead a new movement in rap, or will spiral into obscurity following the wild success of his first single, ‘Crank That,’ which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

3. Keyshia Cole – What makes Keyshia Cole unique among all the other Atlanta-based R&B singer-songwriters with a pretty face and a soulful voice is that BET has a reality TV show that follows her as she lives her life as an Atlanta-based R&B singer-songwriter with a pretty face and a soulful voice.

4. Ludacris – According to Ludacris’s buddy Bill O’Reilly, the Illinois-born rap star HAS NOT sold more than 13 million records stateside, so that now he’s the rapper with the most Top 40, Top 25 and Top 10 hits of all time, according to Billboard magazine. Shows why you shouldn’t listen to Bill O’Reilly.

5. Lil Wayne – Having been featured on more artists’ records in the last two years than any other artist in the game, Lil Wayne’s been a lil busy. He ain’t so “lil”, though, when you consider that an MTV poll named him Hottest MC, GQ named him one of its Men of the Year, and Blender magazine named him Best Rock Star Alive.

6. Akon – Raised in Senegal, Africa, R&B sensation Akon rose to fame in 2004 following the release of “Locked Up” from his debut album Trouble. His second album, Konvicted, earned a Grammy Award nomination for the single “Smack That,” but the #1 hit “Don’t Matter”

7. Taylor Swift – How does one break into the country music scene? Apparently one way is to write a song named after another country music star. That’s what Taylor Swift did with the song ‘Tim McGraw.’ Not to be a one hit wonder, though, Swift has followed up her self-titled debut album with sophomore album, Fearless, that debuted at the number one spot on the Billboard 200.

8. Rihanna – She brought her own unique musical stylings from her home country of Barbados, and she’s made good use of them here. With a string of hits and a body that would make just about anyone envious, she’s one hot item. As a side note: some idiot called her the “next Britney Spears.” We don’t think so.

9. Young Jeezy – Like many of his contemporaries, Young Jeezy started out dealing drugs, and nowadays likes to carry guns around and get into feuds with other rap artists. But Jeezy’s a philanthropist as well, opening his home to victims of Katrina as just an example.

10. Ne-Yo – This half-African-American, half-Chinese-American, in addition to writing songs for Rihanna, Beyonce, Whitney Houston, Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, and Celine Dion, has also had a string of hits himself.

Top Ringtones:

1. “Heartless [Verse]” by Kanye West

2. “Birdwalk” by Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em

3. “Playa Cardz Right (feat. Tupac)” by Keyshia Cole

4. “One More Drink (feat. T-Pain)” by Ludacris

5. “Auld Lang Syne (Live)” by Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin

6. “Addicted” by Saving Abel

7. “My Life – Chorus (feat. Lil Wayne)” by The Game

8. “Im So Paid (feat. Lil Wayne)” by Akon

9. “Swagga Like Us [Jay-Z Verse]” by Jay-Z and T.I.

10. “A Milli” by Lil Wayne

1. Lil Wayne – Having been featured on more artists’ records in the last two years than any other artist in the game, Lil Wayne’s been a lil busy. He ain’t so “lil”, though, when you consider that an MTV poll named him Hottest MC, GQ named him one of its Men of the Year, and Blender magazine named him Best Rock Star Alive.

2. Akon – Raised in Senegal, Africa, R&B sensation Akon rose to fame in 2004 following the release of “Locked Up” from his debut album Trouble. His second album, Konvicted, earned a Grammy Award nomination for the single “Smack That,” but the #1 hit “Don’t Matter”

3. Jay-Z – Grow up with prominent rap artists like Biggie Smalls and Busta Rhymes + master the art of composing lyrics spontaneously + announce that you’re retiring, then release a new album to record-setting sales = PROFIT. And what to do with that profit? Why, buy an NBA team and marry Beyonce. He’s got 99 Problems, but a bitch ain’t one…

4. Rihanna – She brought her own unique musical stylings from her home country of Barbados, and she’s made good use of them here. With a string of hits and a body that would make just about anyone envious, she’s one hot item. As a side note: some idiot called her the “next Britney Spears.” We don’t think so.

5. Ludacris – According to Ludacris’s buddy Bill O’Reilly, the Illinois-born rap star HAS NOT sold more than 13 million records stateside, so that now he’s the rapper with the most Top 40, Top 25 and Top 10 hits of all time, according to Billboard magazine. Shows why you shouldn’t listen to Bill O’Reilly.

6. 50 Cent – This guy’s life was set up to be a violent, dismal failure from the minute he popped out of his 15-year-old drug-dealing mother. But it wasn’t. Sure, he’s been in and out of jail. Sure, he got shot nine times. But despite all the controversy surrounding him, 50 Cent is one the most successful artists in Hip Hop.

7. Kanye West – In the span of a few years, from 2001 to 2004, Kanye West went from hip-hop beatmaker to worldwide hitmaker, as his stellar production work for Jay-Z earned him a major-label recording contract as a solo artist. Soon his beats were accompanied by his own witty raps on a number of critically and commercially.

8. Ne-Yo – This half-African-American, half-Chinese-American, in addition to writing songs for Rihanna, Beyonce, Whitney Houston, Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, and Celine Dion, has also had a string of hits himself.

9. Kevin Rudolf & Lil Wayne – At first glance, Kevin Rudolf’s enigmatic anthem “Let It Rock (featuring Lil Wayne)” seems to have air–dropped over radio out of nowhere, becoming a genre–defying game–changer that has put the alluring artist smack in the cross–hairs.

10. Young Jeezy – Like many of his contemporaries, Young Jeezy started out dealing drugs, and nowadays likes to carry guns around and get into feuds with other rap artists. But Jeezy’s a philanthropist as well, opening his home to victims of Katrina as just an example.

Top Ringtones:

1. “Im So Paid (feat. Lil Wayne)” by Akon

2. “Swagga Like Us [Jay-Z Verse]” by Jay-Z AND T.I.

3. “What Them Girls Like” by Ludacris

4. “Let It Rock” by Kevin Rudolf and Lil Wayne

5. “Got Money” by Lil Wayne

6. “Love Lockdown” by Kayne West

7. “Disturbia” by Rihanna

8. “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” by Darius Rucker

9. “Closer” by Ne-Yo

10. “Krazy feat. Lil Jon” by Pitbull

But more importantly, they are fun to watch!

This year will be no different. With funny-man host Jimmy Kimmel, this year’s AMAs are sure to deliver a night full of exceptional talent and entertainment, as well as recognition for this year’s popular artists.

But before the official winners are announced on Sunday, Flycell’s members have some predictions of their own. Our customers definitely know what’s hot, and based on their downloads for artists and songs in each category, here are Flycell’s predictions for the 2008 American Music Awards:

Pop/Rock Music: It seems our customers can’t seem to get enough of Coldplay this year!

• Favorite Male Artist – Chris Brown
• Favorite Female Artist – Rihanna
• Favorite Band, Duo or Group – Coldplay
• Favorite Album – Coldplay, Viva La Vida

Country Music: Could Taylor Swift beat out country powerhouses like Reba McEntire? Our members sure think so!

• Favorite Male Artist – Kenny Chesney
• Favorite Female Artist – Taylor Swift
• Favorite Band, Duo or Group – Sugarland

Rap/Hip-Hop Music: Flycell members are experts when it comes to rap and hip-hop. We feel confident that you’ll see these names pop up a lot during the AMAs.

• Favorite Male Artist – Lil Wayne
• Favorite Band, Duo or Group – G-Unit
• Favorite Album – Lil Wayne, Tha Carter III

Soul/Rhythm & Blues Music: Will it be Rihanna or Mariah taking home awards? Looks like our members say- both!

• Favorite Male Artist – J. Holiday
• Favorite Female Artist – Rihanna
• Favorite Album – Mariah Carey, E= MC2

Soundtracks: Nothing beats the classic hits of ABBA for this year’s favorite soundtrack from Flycell customers.

• Favorite Album – Coldplay

Latin Music: With the launch of Flycell’s new Spanish language website , featuring the latest content from Latin artists, customers have shown us who they think will dominate the Latin music category.

• Favorite Artist – Wisin y Yandel

T-Mobile Breakthrough Artist: Flycell members choose Colbie Caillatto take home this award, which is known for paving the way to many promising careers.

Artist of the Year: We can’t say we’re surprised to see Lil Wayne picked for the biggest award of the night. Included in every top 10 download list we’ve compiled this year, Lil Wayne is definitely one of Flycell’s favorite artists. We’ll certainly be cheering him on as we watch this year.

So be sure to tune in to this year’s AMAs live on ABC this Sunday, November 23rd at 8/7 central. With killer performances by Miley Cyrus, Kanye West, Beyonce, Coldplay, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Pink and Taylor Swift, it’s sure to be an exciting night.

And if you want to deck out your phone with all the hottest AMA musicians and performers, be sure to visit www.flycell.com and get your cell ready for the music industry’s biggest night!

10. David Banner – Dr. David Banner: physician; scientist. Searching for a way to tap into the hidden strengths that all humans have. Then an accidental overdose of gamma radiation alters his body chemistry. And now when David Banner grows angry or outraged, a startling metamorphosis occurs.

8. (tied) Nelly – This hugely successful Grammy-winning rap and R&B artist has sold over 40 million records worldwide, starting with Country Grammar back in 2000. His peak was probably with 2002’s ‘Hot In Herre’, which has become a pop and R&B anthem.

8. (tied) Kanye West – In the span of a few years, from 2001 to 2004, Kanye West went from hip-hop beatmaker to worldwide hitmaker, as his stellar production work for Jay-Z earned him a major-label recording contract as a solo artist. Soon his beats were accompanied by his own witty raps on a number of critically and commercially.

7. Ludacris – According to Ludacris’s buddy Bill O’Reilly, the Illinois-born rap star HAS NOT sold more than 13 million records stateside, so that now he’s the rapper with the most Top 40, Top 25 and Top 10 hits of all time, according to Billboard magazine. Shows why you shouldn’t listen to Bill O’Reilly.

6. Katy Perry – The first CD Perry released was a Christian gospel record back in 2001. And then she did a 180 – at least lyrically – releasing songs like ‘Ur So Gay’ (which Madonna said was one of her favorite songs in a 2007 radio interview) and ‘I Kissed A Girl.’ Oh, to be the girl that Perry decided to kiss…

5. Jay-Z & T.I. – Grow up with prominent rap artists like Biggie Smalls and Busta Rhymes + master the art of composing lyrics spontaneously + announce that you’re retiring, then release a new album to record-setting sales = PROFIT. And what to do with that profit? Why, buy an NBA team and marry Beyonce. He’s got 99 Problems, but a bitch ain’t one…

4. Ne-Yo – This half-African-American, half-Chinese-American, in addition to writing songs for Rihanna, Beyonce, Whitney Houston, Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, and Celine Dion, has also had a string of hits himself.

3. Rihanna – She brought her own unique musical stylings from her home country of Barbados, and she’s made good use of them here. With a string of hits and a body that would make just about anyone envious, she’s one hot item. As a side note: some idiot called her the “next Britney Spears.” We don’t think so.

2. Rehab – Not sure if this band is aptly titled or not – it remains to be seen how many of these Southern rock-rappers actually enter their namesake. Hailing as they do from a small city outside of the ATL, you won’t be surprised by their sound – an infectious blend of Southern rock and Dirty South rap. Crunk rock?

And returning as the number one most downloaded ringtone artist for the second month in a row…

1. Lil Wayne – Having been featured on more artists’ records in the last two years than any other artist in the game, Lil Wayne’s been a lil busy. He ain’t so “lil”, though, when you consider that an MTV poll named him Hottest MC, GQ named him one of its Men of the Year, and Blender magazine named him Best Rock Star Alive.

Top Ringtones:

10. “When I Grow Up” by The Pussycat Dolls
9. “Lollipop” by Lil Wayne
8. “Disurbia” by Rihanna
7. “Closer” by Ne-Yo
6. “Let it Rock” by Kevin Rudolf & Lil Wayne
5. “A Milli” by Lil Wayne
4. “I Kissed a Girl” by Katy Perry
3. “What them Girls Like” by Ludacris
2. “Swagga Like Us (Jay-Z Verse)” by Jay-Z & T.I.
1. “Got Money” by Lil Wayne

Stay tuned next month when we announce the top 10 ringtone downloads for November

Top Artists:

10. David Banner – David Banner comes in at number ten for this September’s most popular artists on Flycell.com. His recent album, “The Greatest Story Ever Told” features collaborative songs with fellow artists Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne and Akon.

9.   Akon – Most known for his collaboration with other popular artists, Akon can be found on the majority of hit songs today. This year he’s been nominated for four Grammy awards, including Best R&B Contemporary Album for “Konvicted”.

8.   Mariah Carey – Talk about coming back strong.  Mariah Carey was recently named one of the 100 Most Influential People in Time Magazine’s annual list. E=MC2 is Mariah’s 11th studio album and has already made a huge splash on the U.S. charts.

7.   Ne-Yo -  It’s no surprise to see Ne-Yo on this month’s top artist list.  With a Grammy nomination for producing the best album of the year, MTV Video Music Award nomination for Best Dancing in a Video for his song “Closer” and winning the 2007 Soul Train Music Award’s Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist- Ne Yo is popular.

6.   The Pussycat Dolls – Originally starting as a burlesque group in 1995, the Pussycat Dolls have endured to become a pop sensation.  And with the release of their anticipated second album, “Doll Domination” on September 23, it’s also no surprise to see The Pussycat Dolls rise in popularity this month.

5.   Katy Perry – Never has proclaiming that you enjoyed kissing a girl become such a popular statement until Katy Perry did so on her official mainstream debut album “One of the Boys” in the popular single titled “I Kissed a Girl”.  Since the debut, Perry has appeared on the View, Last Call with Carson Daly, and even performed at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards.

4.   Kanye West – No top list would be complete without ten-time Grammy winner Kanye West.  His latest album “808s and Heartbreak” is set to be released in November and the popular single “Love Lockdown” is already a rising chart topper.

3.   Rihanna – Rihanna’s latest album “Good Girl Gone Bad” has been topping the charts since its release in 2007. Rihanna, like Akon, is recognized for her collaborative works- most notable with Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z and Maroon 5. But it’s her recent single, “Take a Bow” that has helped her jet to the top of the list this month.

2.   Young Jeezy – Young Jeezy rises to the top of this list thanks to his September 2 release of his latest album “The Recession” and has even risen to number one on the U.S. Billboard 200, Top Rap Albums and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.

And coming in as the number one most downloaded ringtone artist is…

1.   Lil Wayne – Thanks to his enormously popular latest album (it sold more than one million copies in its first week of sales) “The Carter III”, and such songs as “Lollipop” and “Got Money”, Lil Wayne claims this month’s number one spot.

Top Ringtones:

10. “Closer” by Ne-Yo
9.   “Put On [chorus]” by Young Jeezy & Kanye West
8.   “I’ll be Lovin’U Long Time” by Mariah Carey & T.I.
7.   “Viva la Vida” by Coldplay
6.   “Lollipop” by Lil Wayne
5.   “A Milli” by Lil Wayne
4.   “Take a Bow” by Rihanna
3.   “When I Grow Up” by The Pussycat Dolls
2.   “I Kissed a Girl” by Katy Perry
1.   “Got Money” by Lil Wayne

Stay tuned next month when we announce the top 10 ringtone downloads for October.