Mike Epps will host this year's BET Hip Hop Awards show, which will take place in Atlanta next month, honoring artists and producers who've contributed most to the Hip Hop genre in the past year. Kanye West received the most nominations, with a whopping nine nods including a recognition for best lyricist, and 808s and Heartbreak look for CD of the Year. Jay-Z and Lil Wayne trail close behind with seven nominations including those for Track of the Year and rap's MVP. Drake, Wale, and Kid Cudi will go head to head for the Rookie of the Year honor while Eminem's Relapse vies for best album.

Ice Cube will also be honored with the "I Am Hip Hop" icon award for his contributions to Hip Hop, and for his work outside of music including film and philanthropy. He will join Grandmaster Flash, KRS-One, and Russell Simmons as the fourth recipient of the award.

In addition to the mentioned awards, BET will introduce two new accolades. The "Made-You-Look" award will go to the rapper with a knack for trendsetting, and the "Best Hip Hop Blog Site" will be given to the most up-to-date Hip Hop Blog. BET's Hip Hop Awards '09 will broadcast on Oct. 27, at 8 P.M. ET. Nominees in each category are listed below.

Best Hip-Hop Collabo
Jim Jones & Ron Browz f/ Juelz Santana

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