West nominated for 9 Hip-Hop Awards

NEW YORK, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- U.S. rapper Kanye West led the field with nine nominations for the BET Hip-Hop Awards 2009.

West made headlines earlier this week when he grabbed the microphone from country singer Taylor Swift, who was giving an acceptance speech, and declared Beyonce should have won the MTV Video Music Award that Swift had just received.

West has apologized for his behavior.

He received more positive attention Wednesday when he earned the nine Hip-Hop Award nods, including best live performer, lyricist of the year, producer of the year, CD of the year, best hip-hop style, viewers' choice, hustler of the year, MVP of the year and best hip-hop collaboration, with Young Jeezy for "Put On."

Also nominated for best live performer are Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne and T.I.

Shortlisted along with West's "808 & Heartbreak" for CD of the year are Eminem's "Relapse," Q-Tip's "The Renaissance," T.I.'s "Paper Trail" and Young Jeezy's "The Recession."

Ice Cube -- the rapper, actor, screenwriter, film producer and director -- is to receive this year's "I Am Hip-Hop" Icon Award at the ceremony in Atlanta Oct. 10. The show will be broadcast on BET Oct. 27 with actor and comedian Mike Epps serving as host, the network said.