The Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards are taking place in Atlanta this November, and for the first time they are including a Best UK Artist Awards, in recognition of the growing influence of the British scene.

The nominations for this years event were announced today and have Sway, Kano, Dizzee Rascal, Blak Twang and Plan B all up for the brand new award. The winner will be chosen by 1Xtra and MTV Viewers up until the October 27.

For UK Artists the importance of the event cannot be underestimated argues 1Xtra presenter Semtex who says: "This is a massive opportunity to present some of the most innovative talent from this side of the Atlantic, a real chance for our Hip hop artists to break into the lucrative US market."