Video Vanguard Award

8.22.22

Nicki Minaj

The VMA’s are going down on Sunday the 28th, and it is sure to be a night full of entertainment. For the first time since 1986, the VMA’s will have multiple hosts/MCs, who include LL Cool J, Nicki Minaj, and Jack Harlow.

All three play a big role in hip-hop, and are likely going to be playing more roles than one, taking the spot as the hosts of the night. Jack Harlow will also be performing during the VMA’s, and currently leads the nomination bracket, with seven nominations, including Video of the Year and Artist of the Year.

Nicki Minaj is also performing at the VMA’s for the first time since 2018. She is also nominated for Best Hip Hop for her single Do We Have A Problem? and most importantly, is this year’s recipient of the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. This award is shared with artists whom have made profound impacts in the music video space. Previous recipients of the award include Missy Elliott, J-Lo, Madonna, Janet Jackson, and yes, one of her co-hosts, LL Cool J.

We all know that Nicki Minaj is the Queen in many senses, but to receive such a big Lifetime Achievement Award, we should acknowledge her work in the music video space. The music video for Super Base release eleven years ago, and has currently seen over 945,000,000 views on YouTube. That is not a type-o on zeros, the video has almost a billion views.

Just a week ago, Nicki Minaj dropped the lyrical video to Super Freaky Girl, which has already reached over 4,000,000 views. This is just a lyrical music video, but the attention to the details in the production of even this is something that stands out. From the color pallets, to storytelling behind the meaning of the song, it is really remarkable work.

I remember when Nicki Minaj was pregnant but she had not yet told anyone, and did the music video with Tekashi 6ix9ine. She was wearing a pasties and a thong, but she used the right props, poses, hair, etc. so that you could not tell. It is truly an art.

The Anaconda video actually does have a billion views, in eight years. The backdrops, the styling and the choreography is out of this world. Especially when she brought it to real life during her VMA’s performance.

This VMA’s should definitely be a fun one. What is your favorite Nicki Minaj music video?