JAY Z - JAY-Z TOPS MTV NOMINATIONS

Rapper JAY-Z has dominated the 2004 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS - despite retiring from the music industry.

The hip-hop hero has landed six nominations in categories like Video of The Year for his hit single 99 PROBLEMS - last month (29JUN04) he also led the BLACK ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION (BET) AWARDS in Los Angeles, winning the Best Male Hip-Hop Artist award and the Best Collaboration prize for his smash duet CRAZY IN LOVE with girlfriend BEYONCE KNOWLES.

Knowles, OUTKAST and No DOUBT have received five MTV nominations each.

The 29 August (04) ceremony will take place at Miami, Florida's AMERICAN AIRLINES ARENA.

USHER, KANYE WEST, JESSICA SIMPSON and HOOBASTANK are among the acts expected to perform on the night.