NAACP Image Awards Nominate Kanye, Beyonc

Beyoncé and Jennifer Hudson were among the top nominees for the NAACP Image Awards, which were announced this Wednesday. Beyoncé earned six nods including outstanding artist, album, and music video for “Single Ladies.” J-Hud received the most nods, with seven nominations.

Notable Hip Hop nominees include Kanye West whose 808’s & Heartbreak is up for Outstanding Album, will.i.am with “Yes We Can,” competing for two awards, and Common, who is nominated for Outstanding Male Artist. Sean “Diddy” Combs was also nominated for his work in the made for TV film, A Raisin in the Sun, while The Wire goes up against Grey’s Anatomy for Outstanding Drama Series.

In addition, the NAACP announced that Def Jam co-founder and prominent businessman Russell Simmons will receive the prestigious Vanguard award for his participation in raising awareness of racial and social issues.

The 40th annual awards ceremony, which honors outstanding people of color in various aspects of media including film, television, music, and literature, is scheduled to air on Thursday, February 12 on Fox from 8:00-10:00 p.m. (ET/PT). Listed below are all Hip Hop and R&B nominees.

Outstanding New Artist:

Anthony David

Estelle

Jazmine Sullivan

Jennifer Hudson

Leona Lewis

Outstanding Male Artist:

Chris Brown

Common

Jamie Foxx

John Legend

will.i.am

Outstanding Female Artist:

Alicia Keys

Beyoncé

Jennifer Hudson

Mariah Carey

Rihanna

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration:

Anthony David & India.Arie

Estelle feat. Kanye West

Jennifer Hudson feat. Fantasia

Jordin Sparks feat. Chris Brown

Natalie Cole & Nat “King” Cole

Outstanding Music Video:

“If I Were A Boy” – Beyoncé

“Single Ladies” – Beyoncé

“Spotlight” – Jennifer Hudson

“Superwoman” – Alicia Keys

“Yes We Can” – will.i.am

Outstanding Song:

“Greenlight” – John Legend

“Single Ladies” – Beyoncé

“Spotlight” – Jennifer Hudson

“Superwoman” – Alicia Keys

“Yes We Can” – will.i.am

Outstanding Album:

Beyoncé – I Am…Sasha Fierce

Jennifer Hudson – Jennifer Hudson

Kanye West – 808’s & Heartbreak

Ne-Yo – Year of the Gentleman

Seal – Soul

Outstanding Drama Series:

Grey’s Anatomy

House

Lincoln Heights

The Unit

The Wire