Because it makes critics look hip.

I don't really know enough about him to vote. All I know is that what little I have heard by him is utter shit.

The Black Album is solid enough for me to say he's talented, but overall he's nothing special.

I think the mass media credits him with being a "lyrical genius" much in the same way (as ethan previously pointed out) kanye west gets credited

Simply because, when compared to souljah boy, three 6 mafia, lil wayne etc he is a genuis

But put him on the same stage with other qualified artists and he hardly holds up.

It probably didn't hurt his image that he knew Biggie.

Say wha'? A genius compare to Lil Wayne? Wayne may be no genius himself, but he can rhyme as good as Jay-Z that's for sure!

People saying lil Wayne can rhyme is something i will never understand.
"old her to back it up
Like berp berp
And I made that ass jump
Like jerp jerp
And thats when she..."

Granted thats one example, but thats what i hear on the radio 3 times a day. I dont find the guy clever, original, interesting or any of the like, and i dont get why the press has all of a sudden granted him "rapper of the year" title.

Talented? Sure.
That good? Naw.

His competition is Kanye, 50 Cent and Jay-Z. I know I'd much rather listen to Lil Wayne than them.

Why?
What makes him stand out?

He's actually enjoyable in a comedic way and the other three aren't.