Ashanti, Amerie Lead Pack Of Nominees For Soul Train Awards

It seems like Ashanti's been nominated for just about every music award this year, and she might have the chance to add even more trophies to her mantle soon. The Murder Inc. princess was at the head of the pack when the list of nominees for the Soul Train Awards were announced Tuesday morning (February 4) in Beverly Hills.

The singer is up for Best R&B/ Soul Single - Female, Best R&B/Soul Album - Female and R&B/Soul or Rap Album of the Year. And while Ashanti's props probably don't come as a shock to most, people may be surprised to see who she's running neck and neck with for nominations: newcomer Amerie.

Amerie is against Ashanti in the female-only soul categories and will square off against Heather Headley, Nappy Roots and Tweet for Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist.

Other notable nominees include Maxwell's "This Woman's Work," Musiq's "Dontchange," Justin Timberlake's "Like I Love You" and Usher's "U Don't Have to Call," which are all up for Best R&B/Soul Single - Male.

Busta Rhymes' "Pass the Courvoisier Pt. 2," Missy Elliott's "Work It," Nelly and Kelly Rowland's "Dilemma" and 50 Cent's "Wanksta" are all nominated for the Michael Jackson Award for Best R&B/Soul or Rap Music Video.

While 50 Cent did get love from the folks at Soul Train, the man who signed him to a record contract didn't. Eminem isn't up for any awards this year, despite having the biggest hip-hop album of 2002.

There will be no surprises for LL Cool J and Nelly, at least when they are handed one award. They have been named recipients of the 2003 Quincy Jones Award for Outstanding Career Achievements in the Field of Entertainment - Male (Dionne Warwick gets the female award) and the 2003 Sammy Davis Jr. Award for Entertainer of the Year, respectively.

The Soul Train Awards will air in syndication on March 1. Arsenio Hall and Queen Latifah will host.

Shaheem Reid