Jay-Z Leads BET Hip-Hop Awards With 11 Nominations

Jay-Z leads the pack of contenders with a record 11 nominations for the fifth annual BET Hip-Hop Awards.

Hov's nominations include Lyricist of the Year, Best Live Performer and CD of the Year for his 'Blueprint 3' album, in addition to Track of the Year and Perfect Combo for his 'Empire State of Mind' collaboration with Alicia Keys.

His closest contenders are Young Money rappers Drake and Nicki Minaj, who have earned eight and six nominations respectively. Jay will face-off against Drake, Minaj, Eminem and Lil Wayne for Lyricist of the Year, while challenging him for Best Live Performer are Drake, Wayne, Kanye West and Busta Rhymes.

Newcomer B.o.B has earned himself a spot in the battle for CD of the Year, with his debut album 'B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray' pitting him against Jay-Z's 'Blueprint 3', Eminem's 'Recovery,' Drake's 'Thank Me Later' and Rick Ross' 'Teflon Don.'

The fifth annual BET Hip-Hop Awards will be taped at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center on Oct. 2 and broadcast Oct.12 on BET. The show will be hosted by actor and comedian Mike Epps.