Back in the day, hip-hop rivalries were a question of rhyming skills. In 2007 the test is about topping the sales chart, at least according to 50 Cent and Kanye West. A hyped up release date for their new albums—September 11—plus two rappers unafraid of hyperbole adds up to instant buzz.

In one corner, Kanye West, who boldly requests of his opponent: "Please, 50, don't retire once my album sells and beats your album." In the other corner, 50 Cent bristles: "I'm gonna stick around and sell this record—and I will be #1 on September 11."

Yet, don't be fooled by the bluster. Most hip-hop beefs are examples of guerilla marketing at its finest. Whatever gets you in the stores buying either CD is all good and all part of the game.

Although it isn't a definitive survey, we scanned the data to graph out who reigns supreme in Search...

Even on a bad day, queries for 50 tower above those of Kanye. West may be ready for "Graduation" but 50 Cent's "Curtis" could may be the name of the game come September 11.