Nominees for the second annual BET Awards were announced Tuesday afternoon at a press conference in the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, home of this year’s show. Hosted by comedians Steve Harvey and Cedric “The Entertainer,” the Black Entertainment Network will celebrate the achievements of musicians, actors, and athletes.

Muhammad Ali will become the first-ever recipient of the Humanitarian Award, while Earth, Wind, and Fire will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Ashanti, whose self-titled debut album was release last month, is up for two awards, Best New Artist and the Viewer’s Choice Award.

“This is unreal,” the singer said at the press conference. “I still have to pinch myself to convince myself it’s really happening.”

Ja Rule, who has been nominated for a Grammy, is also up for two awards, Best Male Hip Hop Performer and the Viewer’s Choice Award.

“This is my home,” he said, comparing the BET nomination to other award nominations he has received in the past. “This is my forum. [The Grammy nomination] is because of cross over. This is where I worked my way up.”

Also on hand at the press conference were Bow Wow, up for the Viewer’s Choice Award, actor Morris Chestnut, and Ali’s oldest daughter, MayMay.

A full list of nominations is available at bet.com.






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