Hip-hop collaborators Kanye West and Jay-Z and dubstep-influenced electronic artist Skrillex are among the nominees for the 2012 mtvU Woodie Awards, which recognize cutting-edge music that appeals to the network’s college student demographic.

Though the Woodies typically reward indie artists outside the pop music mainstream, a few platinum-selling artists managed to get invited to this year’s party. Kanye and Jay-Z are nominated for the Performing Woodie for the Throne Tour. Their competition includes Skrillex and hip-hop newcomer Mac Miller. Skrillex is also up for the Woodie of the Year, where he faces Foster the People, J. Cole, Frank Ocean and the Black Keys.

The EDM Effect Woodie recognizes pop songs influenced by electronic dance music. Contenders include Rihanna‘s ‘We Found Love,’ Flo Rida‘s ‘Good Feeling,’ and Chris Brown‘s ‘Beautiful.’ Lana Del Rey has a nomination for the Breaking Woodie, presented to the best emerging artist. She’s one of 22 contenders for that award, though, so she probably shouldn’t bother clearing any shelf space.

The 2012 Woodie Awards will be held at the SXSW music festival in Austin on March 15. Highlights from the show air on March 18 on both MTV and mtvU. Winners are decided by an online fan vote.

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