Nicki Minaj accepts the first award of the evening as she takes home the “Rookie of the Year” award.

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It can be confirmed that Nicki Minaj won “Rookie of the Year”, “Made You Look”, and “People’s Champ” awards tonight at the BET Hip Hop Awards which is being taped tonight in Atlanta.

You can now listen to a clip of Nicki’s acceptance speech for the “People’s Champ” award by clicking here.

Nicki Minaj and Drake have both been nominated for a BET Hip Hop Awards. With eight nods under Drake’s belt, and six under Nicki’s, both Young Money artist are ranked high in nods compared to their other hip hop colleagues.

This Sunday at the 2010 BET Hip Hop Awards, the label mates will go head to head to claim the following awards: Verizon People’s champ Award, an award that lets the fans vote for their favorite artist, Hustler of the Year, and Lyricist of the Year. Their mentor and President of Young Money, Lil’ Wayne, is also nominated in that category.

The ‘Your Love’ rapper has other nominations she competes for on her on. Her animated dominate presence in music videos, and loud colored wigs has landed her a spot in the ‘Made –You-Look’ category.

Having released an album, unlike Minaj, the Toronto native is up for CD of the Year for ‘Thank Me Later’ against New York rapper Jay Z for his ‘Blueprint 3’ CD. Coincidently, Drake is also featured on ‘BP3.’

The 2010 BET Awards was a big night for both the Harajuku Barbie, and the ‘Forever’ rapper, the Hip Hop Awards could prove to be just as big.

2010 BET Hip Hop Awards, hosted by comedian Mike Epps, will be taped this Sunday, Oct. 2nd in Atlanta, and will air on Tuesday Oct. 12 at 8/7c.

Who would you like to take those categories, Nicki or Drake?

Grammy nominated R&B singer/songwriter Keri Hilson and Academy Award winning actress/personality Mo’Nique have signed on to present at the 2010 BET Hip Hop Awards.

Slated to air on BET Tuesday, October 12, the BET Hip Hop Awards (nominees) will also feature appearances from Martin Lawrence, Common, Taraji P. Henson, Nicki Minaj, and Missy Elliott.

As previously reported, this year’s ceremony will be hosted by Mike Epps.

Legendary rap trio Salt & Pepa, with Spinderella, will be honored with this year’s I AM Hip Hop Icon Award.

Jay-Z, T.I., Kanye West and Nicki Minaj lead this year’s pack of nominees. Additional presenters and performers are expected to be announed at a later date.

Nicki Minaj continues to rack up accolades for her work, scoring four solo nods at this year’s BET Hip-Hop Awards. Minaj is nominated for Rookie of the Year, Lyricist of the Year, Hustler of the Year and in the Made-You-Look category, which recognizes her eclectic style. As the lone female in most of the nominated categories, the Queens native has stiff competition. In the Made-You-Look category alone, the femcee is going up against the likes of Jay-Z, T.I. and Kanye West, while her lyrical talents pit her against fellow Young Money members Drake and Lil Wayne.

In lieu of her growing popularity Minaj took to her Twitter page Tuesday to share her glee for the recognition. “Very excited about the 4 BET HIP HOP AWARD nominations,” she wrote. “Thank you BET!!!! Watch @106andpark now 4 more info.” Last year Minaj was among the most talked about stars at the awards show for her impressive debut in the BET hip-hop cypher where she feverishly annihilated her all-male competitors.

Nicki Minaj is also co-nominated for Reese’s Perfect Combo Award for Hello Good Morning (Remix) by Diddy-Dirty Money. Don’t forget to tune into to BET on Tuesday, October 12 8/7c hosted by Mike Epps.