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''I Imagine That's How Michael Jackson Was As A Kid''
12:00PM ET September 9th, 2010
Contributor : Stephen Willis

Rapper/mogul Jay-Z has confirmed that 9-year old Willow Smith has signed a deal with his Roc Nation label. The daughter of actors Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith recorded a single "Whip My Hair" that has the Web buzzing and has prompted Rihanna comparisons.

"First off, I heard the record first, before I knew that it was recorded by a nine year-old," Jay said in an interview with radio host Ryan Seacrest. "I was like, 'Man, that record is a smash.' -- I went to Japan to do some stuff and they were out there and I met Willow and she walked in and the first thing she said was, 'I'm really nervous,' and I thought that maturity, explaining exactly how she was feeling as she was walking in the room, I knew right there she was a star."

"I believe in super stars," Jay continued. "And I believe in big records on super stars...Yes, [I signed her and we plan on helping her] facilitate all her ideas. As you're going to learn today, if you sit with her for a half hour, you'll see, she's just a wealth of information and ideas...She's a child, she has child innocence but she has a refreshing clear vision of what she wants to be...And I imagine that's how Mike [Jackson] was as a kid."

Rapper Has Most Nods In Show's History
6:00AM ET September 9th, 2010
Contributor : Hip Hop Blog Staff

Nominees for the 2010 BET Awards have been announced.

Hip hop superstar Jay-Z has garnered the most BET Hip Hop Award nods in the show's five-year history. The veteran MC racked up ten nominations this year. Jay-Z is nominated for Lyricist of the Year, Best Live Performer, Track of the Year and Perfect Combo awards, based on his hit single "Empire State of Mind," as well as his album Blueprint 3.

Alongside Jay-Z, Drake, Eminem, Nicki Minaj, Busta Rhymes, B.O.B., Rick Ross, Waka Flocka Flame, Gucci Mane, Diddy, Lil Wayne and J. Cole are also nominated for awards. The show will be taped October 2nd at the Boisfeuillet Atlanta Civic Center.