2008 American Music Award Nominations Announced

Hip-hop, R&B and Soul will be well represented at this year’s American Music Awards.  Naturally, Chris Brown is nominated quite a bit but he will have to beat out Usher to win "Favorite Male Artist," (I’d like to see Chris win) among others.  His rumored girlfriend, Rihanna, is also nominated in several categories.

The one that is really tough for me to pick, though, is in the "Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Album" category.  I really like all three choices: Jay-Z (American Gangster), Lil Wayne (Tha Carter III) and Kanye West (Graduation).  American Gangster really brings back classic rap without all the frills and gimmicks.  It’s just him, his rhymes, a story and the beat.  I love it.  Tha Carter III is infectious.  Who can hear "Lollipop" and not end up singing it at some point later in the day?  Graduation is like "new age rap."  It’s progressive, high tech and innovative.  I could go on and on but I think they actually got the nominees for this category right this year.

Anyway, here is the list of Hip-Hop/R&B/Rap/Soul nominees: 

FAVORITE MALE ARTIST (Pop/Rock)

• Chris Brown
• Kid Rock
• Usher

FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST (Pop/Rock)

• Mariah Carey
• Alicia Keys
• Rihanna

FAVORITE ALBUM

• Coldplay/ Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends
• Eagles/ Long Road Out of Eden
• Alicia Keys/ As I Am

FAVORITE MALE ARTIST (Rap/Hip-Hop)

• Flo Rida
• Lil Wayne
• Kanye West

FAVORITE BAND, DUO OR GROUP (Rap/Hip-Hop)

• G Unit
• Three 6 Mafia
• Wu-Tang Clan

FAVORITE ALBUM

• Jay-Z/American Gangster
• Lil Wayne/ Tha Carter III
• Kayne West/ Graduation

FAVORITE MALE ARTIST (Soul/R&B)

• Chris Brown
• J. Holiday
• Usher

FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST (Soul/R&B)

• Mary J. Blige
• Alicia Keys
• Rihanna

FAVORITE ALBUM (Soul/R&B)

• Mary J. Blige/ Growing Pains
• Mariah Carey/ E=MC2
• Alicia Keys/ As I Am

FAVORITE ARTIST (Adult Contemporary)

• Daughtry
• Eagles
• Jordin Sparks

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

• Lil Wayne
• Chris Brown
• Alicia Keys
• Eagles
• Coldplay