BET Networks Tuesday announced that actor/comedian D.L. Hughley will host the BET AWARDS ’08 show June 24 in Los Angeles.
In addition, the network said Alicia Keys, Kayne West and Chris Brown will join other musical stars including Usher, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Lil’ Wayne and Nelly for live performances at the Shine Auditorium.
Hip hop R&B singer, songwriter and producer T-Pain tops the line-up with five nominations for his collaborations with Chris Brown, Kanye and Flo Rida, followed by rapper/producer Kanye West who earned three nominations with his successful third album, "Graduation," in the Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Best Collaboration and Video of the Year categories.
Among the other multiple nominees are R&B songstress Mary J. Blige for Best Female R&B, as well as Video of the Year for "Just Fine," along with Flo Rida, Alicia Keys and Keyshia Cole.
Those nominated for the second straight year include Jay-Z and Lil' Wayne for Best Male Hip Hop; Mary J. Blige for Best Female R&B; last year's Best Male R&B winner Ne-Yo; Angela Bassett and Chandra Wilson for Best Actress; last year's winner, NBA star LeBron James, boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr., and Tiger Woods for Male Athlete of the Year; tennis star and four-time category winner Serena Williams and basketball standout Tamika Catchings for Female Athlete of the Year.
Legendary R&B icon Al Green will receive BET's Lifetime Achievement Award. Joining him will be celebrated producer/arranger/composer Quincy Jones, who will be honored with BET's prestigious Humanitarian Award for his outreach to young African-Americans through the Listen Up Foundation, a charity which connects youth with music, technology and culture. In addition, Jones helped launch the We Are the Future project, giving hope to children in poor and conflict-ridden areas.
Fans interested in checking out the nominations, video highlights and photos can visit the BET Awards ’08 Web site.
