50 Cent Dominates Billboard Awards

Rapper 50 Cent took top honors in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, as he walked off with six trophies at the 2005 Billboard Music Awards.

The G-Unit General, who was nominated in eight different categories, took home Billboard’s coveted Artist of the Year and Album of the Year trophies for his sophomore album, The Massacre.

50 completed his coup by winning the Rap, R&B/Hip-Hop and Hot 100 artist of the year titles, as well as, Ringtone of the Year award for “Candy Shop� featuring Olivia.

In addition to 50, Kanye West also scored big when he was honored with Billboards Artist Achievement Award.

West, the eighth Artist Achievement nominee, was recognized for his artistic excellence and Billboard chart accomplishments.

Upon accepting his award, the Chicago MC noted, “When I first came out I was a hot head. I thought I was the greatest. After all the accolades, the Time covers, the awards, the music connecting with the people…after all that…my greatest achievement is still thinking I'm the greatest."

Hosted by Hip-Hop legend LL Cool J., the awards show also featured performances by R. Kelly, Pretty Ricky and Ciara.

Reggaetón star Daddy Yankee, who recently inked a sneaker deal with Reebok, won two trophies, including Latin album of the year for Barrio Fino.

The Billboard Awards honor the most popular recordings and artists of the year as determined by actual performance on the magazine's weekly charts.

The awards are based on sales data compiled by Nielsen SoundScan with the winners being determined by the 2005 year-end charts.

Reported by www.AllHipHop.com