The nominees for the 2012 BET Awards were announced Tuesday and leading the way with seven nominations is Kanye West. Beyoncé followed with six nominations, Jay-Z received five nominations.

"We are massively excited about having Sam Jackson, the world’s biggest box office star, host The BET Awards 12," said Stephen G. Hill, president of music programming and specials, BET Networks. "His wit, presence and gigantic personality are the perfect match for our show."

The Avengers star Samuel L. Jackson is set to host the July 1 awards ceremony, to be held at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium.

Nicki Minaj and Chris Brown are slated to perform at the awards show.