T-Pain Leads The Way As BET Awards Nominees Are Announced

As the summer delivers a handful of annual awards shows with various nominees, T-Pain has begun to lead the way with a total of five BET Award nominations.

Gaining popularity with his initial hit singles, Im Sprung and Im N Luv (Wit A Stripper), Pain has come to be known as one of Hip Hops biggest collaborators. Having worked with everyone from Akon, R. Kelly, Yung Joc, Kanye West and Usher, the singer is looking to cash in at the 2008 BET Awards.

Speaking with the Associated Press, BET Executive Vice President Stephen Hill gave his input on T-Pains success along with the new style the singer has introduced to Hip Hop.

T-Pain is everywherehes got five nominations, none of them for his own work, Hill told the AP. Hes had a great year, [introducing] a new element, he added.

While the typical set-up of an award show focuses on the hit makers of the year, Hill emphasized BETs strive for equality.

Our voting panel picked not just the hits but folks who are really talented, who are just not getting a shot, Hill concluded.

Nominations for this years award show include Kanye West and Keyshia Cole receiving three, along with Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys and Flo Rida each receiving a pair.

In addition to the anticipation of all nominees, this years show will honor soul legend Al Green with a lifetime achievement award with Quincy Jones receiving an award for his humanitarian contributions.

The 2008 BET Awards show is set for June 24th in Los Angeles.

Reported By Cyrus Langhorne