T.I. Tops BET Hip-Hop Nominees With 9

Rapper T.I. performs at the BMI Urban Music Awards held at the New York- New York hotel Casino in Las Vegas in this Friday, Sept. 7, 2007 file photo. The Atlanta-based rapper received nine nominations for the second annual BET Hip-Hop Awards, which will be nationally aired on Oct. 17, 2007. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) (Jae C. Hong - AP)

ATLANTA -- T.I. has wrapped up another slew of BET Hip-Hop Awards nominations. The Atlanta-based rapper received nine nominations for the second annual awards show, which will air on Oct. 17. Last year, the self-proclaimed "King of the South" garnered eight nominations, and won three awarads.

Lil' Wayne is second in total nominations this year, with seven. Kanye West drew six, Common earned five, Jay-Z grabbed four, and Ludacris and 50 Cent got three each.

"We are so glad to be back in Atlanta again for this year's version of what, in its debut, became the single hottest show in hip hop," said Stephen Hill, executive vice president of entertainment, music and talent at BET.

The network will also honor legendary hip-hop artist KRS-One with the "I Am Hip-Hop" icon award. KRS-One is known for his politically and socially conscious raps.

Nelly, Lil' Wayne, Kanye West and Common are expected to perform, while the show will be hosted by comedian Katt Williams for the second time.