After releasing his debut album Finally Famous last year, newcomer and G.O.O.D. Music artist Big Sean has made it to #8 on MTV’s “Hottest MCs In The Game” list.

On Big Sean’s success, MTV News producer Steven Roberts said, “This is an artist who kind of had to fight with his label to get this album out. I think it was a great thing that as soon as he put out this album, they saw that there was a fanbase there.”

Look below for the reasons why Big Sean earned his #8 ranking.

Hot Streak

Album: Finally Famous

Selected Mixtapes: None

Singles: “My Last” (featuring Chris Brown), “Marvin & Chardonnay” (featuring Kanye West and Roscoe Dash) and “Dance (A$$)” remix (featuring Nicki Minaj)

Street Bangers: “I Do It”

Key Guest Appearances: Kelly Rowland‘s “Lay It On Me” and Wale‘s “Slight Work”

Meteoric Metrics: Snagged a #1 rap album with Finally Famous and #1 rap single with “My Last.”

Business Ventures: N/A

Tours: Finally Famous Tour

Monumental Moment: Big Sean’s first Finally Famous single, “My Last,” shot up to #1 on the Billboard Rap Charts, proving that the Kanye West protégé could stand on his own as a certified hit maker.

Forecast: It’s hard to shine next to Kanye West, but Big Sean stepped out of Yeezy’s shadow and crafted his debut with veteran producer No I.D. The album has yielded three hits in “My Last,” “Marvin & Chardonnay” and “Dance (A$$).” The Detroit MC is already working on his sophomore album for a 2012 release, but not before he puts in work on Kanye’s G.O.O.D. Music label compilation. Seems like things will only get bigger for Sean.

See a full list of the nominated rappers here and check for “Hottest MCs In The Game VII” to air February 19 at 10:30PM on MTV2.

Previously: MTV’s Hottest MC In The Game: #10 Wale