Kanye West drew the second-most nominations with seven, while Jay-Z received six. T.I., who was arrested hours before he was to headline the show last year, grabbed three nominations.
The network will also recognize hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons with the "I Am Hip-Hop" icon award. Simmons is known for launching Def Jam Recordings with Rick Rubin.
The show will be hosted by Katt Williams for the third straight year.
