Source
co-owners Dave Mays and Ray "Benzino" Scott announced their plans
for the 2003 Source Awards at a press conference today in New York.
"We
get side swiped at these other awards shows and disrespected and used and exploited,"
founder and co-owner Dave Mays told AllHipHop.com. "This is a show where
there is really honor and respect of the true culture, the creativity, all the
artists in hip- hop and for the fans to show them this is what we stand for,
so its great. "
The
awards show, which take place in Miami, Florida, will take place in October
and will air on November 11 on BET, a departure from their old television partner,
UPN.
At
this years awards 30 of the pioneers of the genre will be honored. Mays said
an official announcement would be announced in the next two weeks.
A
variety of artists appeared showing solidarity with Mays and Scott’s plans.
Lil Kim, Freaky Zeeky, Jimmy Jones, Swizz Beats, Rah Digga, Jermaine Dupri,
Keith Murray, Lil Jon & The Eastside Boyz, Ying Yang Twins, Kool G. Rap
and Kool Herc were all in attendance at the press conference.
The
awards show was broadcast on UPN from 1999 until 2001.
While
there were no altercations during the 2001 Source Awards, Benzino was involved
with a police officer and eventually pleaded no contest to driving with a suspended
license and reckless driving.
At
the 2000 awards in Pasadena, California, DJ Quik was assaulted on the red carpet.
Shortly into the awards ceremony, various fights broke out in the crowd and
an estimated 75 men stormed the stage.
"We
gotta do this award show in peace this year." said co-owner Ray "Benzino"
Scott.
Here is a listing
of nominees:
Artist of The
Year Female:
Eve
Missy
Lil Kim
Ms. Jade
Trina
Breakthrough Artist of The Year:
Bone Crusher
50 Cent
Clipse
David Banner
Diplomats
Single Of The Year/Male:
In Da Club – 50 Cent
Hot In Herre – Nelly
Rock The Party – Benzino
Thug Mansion – 2Pac
Good Times – Styles
Lyricist Of The
Year:
Jay-Z
Nas
Talib
Scarface
Twista
Producer Of The Year:
The Neptunes
Just Blaze
Jazze Pha
Kanye West
Timbaland
Artist of The Year Male Solo:
Jay-Z
Nelly
Baby aka Birdman
LL Cool J
Ja Rule