Earlier today, Billboard announced the finalists for it 2011 Billboard Music Awards. Leading the pack with nominations in over a dozen different categories each are two of Hip Hop’s most ubiquitous artistsl Eminem and Rihanna.

According to Billboard, Rihanna is a finalist in 18 categories, including Top Hot 100 Artist, Top Female Artist, Top R&B Artist and Top Dance/Electronic Artist. Her one collaboration “Love the Way You Lie” with Eminem placed her in six categroies.

Following close behind Rihanna in Billboard nods is Eminem, who is a finalist in 16 different categories, including Top Billboard 200 Artist, Top Artist, Top Male Artist and Top Rap Artist. Other nominated Hip Hop artists include Lil Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj and Kanye West, among others.

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The winners of the Billboard Music Awards will air this May 22 at 8 PM on ABC from the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, Nevada. The full list of finalists can be found at Billboard’s website.