The Grammy nominees were announced today and rapper Kayne West led all artists with a total of 10 nominations this year. West is up for best new artist, album of the year and song of the year.

Alicia Keys and Usher each picked up eight nominations while the legendary Ray Charles earned seven posthumus nods. Other multiple nominees included Green Day with six and Norah Jones, Prince and Loretta Lynn with five each.

West has been praised by many critics for dealing with genuine social issues in his music as opposed to glorifying violence and sex which critics say hurts rap music. His single, 'Jesus Walks' is up for song of the year.

Other nominees for song of the year are John Mayer's 'Daughters', 'If I Ain't Got You' by Alicia Keys, 'The Reason' by Hoobastank and country singer Tim McGraw's 'Live Like You Were Dying.'

The awards are scheduled to be broadcast from the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 13th.