BET Awards Nominees Announced

BET announced the nominees for the 2007 BET Awards yesterday (May 16) at the Renaissance Hotel in Hollywood. Leading the nominations amongst hip-hop artists are Jay-Z and group Gnarls Barkley, both of which picked up three nominations each. Jay received two nominations in the Best Collaboration category for his songs “Upgrade You” and “Déjà Vu” with girlfriend Beyonce. The Def Jam president is also nominated for best hip-hop artist alongside T.I., Diddy, Lil Wayne and Ludacris. Gnarls Barkley—which consists of former Goodie Mob member Cee-Lo and DJ Dangermouse—picked up nominations in the Best Group, Best New Artist, and Best Video categories. Also nominated for Best Group are Atlanta duo Outkast and the Academy Award winning duo Three 6 Mafia. Newcomers Lupe Fiasco and MIMS also received nods for Best New Artist. A complete list of nominees can be viewed at www.bet.com.