Cars have played a huge part in hip-hop culture since the music genre evolved. From Notorious B.I.G.’s “Hypnotize” to the army of low-riders in “Still Dre”, the Maybach Exelero Concept in “Lost Ones” — the world of hip-hop takes its car game very seriously.

The Jay-Z: Mercedes-Benz Maybach Zeppelin
Like Jay-Z, the Maybach Zeppelin is “official.” It is the real executive choice, a true OG. It may be understated, but this car’s power, sophistication and style are undeniable. The Zeppelin might look more grown-up than the rest of the younger sports cars, but with a twin-turbocharged 6.0 litre V12 engine that now delivers a massive 640 brake horsepower, don’t underestimate the Zeppelin. It’ll hit 60 mph from standstill in 5.0 seconds, climb all the way to 171 mph, and still look like a king on the road. The best of both worlds. What do you expect for a price tag around the $600,000 mark?

The Lil Wayne: Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722
Like Lil Wayne, the SLR redefined the game. It is a true super car in a league of its own. Before the SLR, there was nothing like it. The super-charged 5.5 litre V8 engine generates a monstrous 650 brake horsepower. It goes 0-62 mph in a lightning quick 3.6 seconds and has an unbelievable top speed of 209 mph. A freak of nature, well, machinery.

The Puffy (P. Diddy): Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe
Like Diddy, the Phantom Drophead is a serious attention grabber. You can’t ignore this one. It is a bold and in-your-face statement of wealth, swagger and success. Arguably one of the best looking cars at the show, the Phantom commands respect. Though it is not as grown-up as the Maybach Zeppelin, the Phantom is a true player’s car. Now that the convertible Drophead has arrived and summer is coming, this is the car to be seen in.

50 Cent: Lamborghini Murcielago
Like 50 Cent, the Lamborghini Murcielago handles business with an ice-cold stare. If it is parked on the street, everyone would love to stop and take a look. You can’t ignore it. It does not blend in. It makes a bold statement. It takes no prisoners, looks like a beast and sounds like one too. With a 6.5 litre V12 engine developing 640 brake horsepower and going 0-60 in 3.4 seconds, the Lambo Murcielago can reach a top-speed of 244 mph. Plus, 50 cent already got one!

The Kanye West: Fisker Karma
Like Kanye West, the Fisker Karma is way ahead of its time. It has got the mind of a geeky genius on the inside with the style of a true trend-setter on the outside. The Fisker looks like a cross between an Aston Martin and a Corvette. The interior is akin to that of a spaceship. No dials in sight. Everything is digital and even the on-board computer boasts iPhone-esque touch-screen capabilities, the first of its kind. But that is not all. It may look like a regular sports car, but move closer and the solar panels on the roof tell a different story. What Kanye did with backpacks, the Fisker does for electric cars.

The maybach turned into a sad joke. DaimlerBenz AG never took it seriously from the onset,when the brand could have been built into a formidable rival to the Rolls Royce marque.