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.
