LIL’ KIM AND JAY-Z LEAD SOURCE AWARDS NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

The Source, a real magazine that people actually read, announced the nominees for its annual Source Hip-Hop Music Awards, with Lil’ Kim and Jay-Z scoring the most nods, with five, including Album of the Year. Nelly, 50 Cent, Cam’Ron and The Diplomats all have four nominations. Source co-founder and rapper Ray “Benzino” Scott was also nominated, but hey, there’s no favoritism. Right?

Here’s the part where the principals say something thrilling about the Awards and zzzzzz… Said Benzino: “The Source Awards 2003 show will take hip-hop back to the streets. By partnering with BET, we have the platform to show the world what real hip-hop is all about. And my nomination proves that.”

Added co-founder/CEO David Mays: “The Source is proud to present the premier showcase for recognizing the incredible talents and creative genius of the hip-hop movement. It is truly inspiring to be able to bring together all of the leaders of the hip-hop community under one roof, for one night, to celebrate our generation’s most powerful and influential culture. Then it's time to smoke mad blunts and drink Cristal.”

The Awards will take place on Monday, Oct. 13 and will air on BET on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Get those Tivos ready.

For your wagering purposes, here are some of the nominees:
Artist of the Year, Male Solo: Jay-Z, Nelly, Baby aka Birdman, LL Cool J, Ja Rule.
Artist of the Year, Female Solo: Eve, Missy Elliott, Lil Kim, Ms Jade, Trina
Artist of the Year, Group: The Roots, Lil Jon and The East Side Boyz, Jurassic 5, Field Mob, Bone, Thugs-N-Harmony
Breakthrough Artist(s) of the Year: Bone Crusher, 50 Cent, Clipse, David Banner, The Diplomats
Album of the Year: Scarface, The Fix; Lil’ Kim, La Bella Mafia; Jay-Z, The Blueprint 2; 50 Cent, Get Rich or Die Trying; Nelly, Nellyville.