In 2004, West got 10 nods for his debut album, "The College Dropout," and a year later, he got 8 for "Late Registration." But he lost each time in the major categories, including best album.
This past year has seen him deal with the tragedy of losing his mother. Donda West died one day after undergoing a series of cosmetic surgical procedures.
Among other multiple nominees include Rihanna, who has four, including record of the year for "Umbrella." Among those in the category are "Irreplaceable" and "Rehab" by Amy Winehouse.
Jay-Z, Ne-Yo and Timbaland all have five nominations and jazz legend Herbie Hancock has four.