BET’s 2011 Hip Hop Awards nominations have been announced and rapper Lil Wayne leads the pack with 18 nominations, including one for lyricist of the year. Not far behind is Kanye West with 10, Wiz Khalifa with nine, and rap heavyweight Rick Ross garnered eight nominations of his own.
Among the awards, West is nominated for are MVP of the year, hustler of the year, and best live performer. Pittsburgh’s Khalifa is vying for rookie of the year award, as well as CD of the year for his debut album, Rolling Papers.
West will be in competition for a variety of honors, including best hip hop style thanks to his dapper dressing, viewer’s choice award for his genre-bending hits, and video director of the year.
Ross who had a monster year in 2010 will hear his name when nominees are called for best club banger (I’m One One) and lyricist of the year, among others.
The awards show will be hosted by comedian Mike Epps on Tuesday, October 11 at 8:00 pm ET on BET.