NEW YORK — Rappers Eminem and Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott and the rock band P.O.D. lead the nominees for this year's MTV Video Music Awards with six each, the cable channel announced.

        Eminem's comic book-style clip for “Without Me,” in which he dresses up as a version of Batman's sidekick, Robin, received nominations Monday including video of the year, best male video and best rap video.

        Elliott's “One Minute Man,” which takes place in a hotel and features rappers Ludacris and Trina, is up for best hip-hop video. It also was nominated in several technical categories including best direction, editing and special effects.

        “Alive” by P.O.D., which features an elaborate highway crash, was nominated in categories including video of the year and best group video. The band's other hit, “Youth of the Nation,” was nominated for best rock video.

        Also drawing multiple nominations is Shakira's “Whenever, Wherever.” The Colombian singer was recognized in four categories, including best female video, best dance video and best pop video.

        The garage band The White Stripes also has four nominations for “Fell in Love With a Girl.” The clip, done completely in Lego animation, is up for video of the year, breakthrough video, editing and special effects.

        Besides “Without Me” and “Alive,” the other nominees for video of the year are “Gone” by 'N Sync; “In the End” by Linkin Park; and “One Mic” by Nas.

        Jimmy Fallon of Saturday Night Live will be the host of the 2002 Video Music Awards ceremony, scheduled for Aug. 29 at Radio City Music Hall. Bruce Springsteen is among the scheduled performers.

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