Jay Z leads the way in the 2014 Grammy Awards shortlist with nine nominations.

The star has picked up several nods ahead of the ceremony next year including two in both the Best Music Video and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration categories. He was also nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, Best Rap Album and Best Recording Package.

Nominations were revealing during a special live concert last night and Jay Z's collaborator Justin Timberlake is also in the running to dominate the ceremony in January. As well as being nominated alongside his friend in four categories, the "Mirrors" hitmaker is on the shortlist for Best Pop Solo Performance, Best Pop Vocal Album and Best R&B Song.

The 56th Annual Grammy Awards will take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on January 26, and the duo face stiff competition across all categories.