There used to be a time when you would run home to watch music videos, but it feels like that time is dying a slow and painful death. Music videos used to be the driving force of what made a song a hit and now we’re left with what can make you go viral. After watching which videos were rewarded during Monday night’s 2018 MTV Video Music Awards, it only proved that the elections weren’t the only thing Russians hacked.
Back in the hey-day of the award show, when people actually put effort into music videos, Missy Elliot made a trash bag iconic, Busta Rhymes busted through the scene with the entire pride rock and Michael Jackson gave us Thriller. So, is there any question that black people basically changed the music video game for the better?
MTV may have missed that memo with last night’s program, especially after the winner for Video of the Year and Artist of the Year. I’m sure Camila Cabello is a lovely person, with beautiful gowns, however, Childish Gambino and Beyoncé both delivered two of the most talked about videos of the year. You’d think that with all the think pieces that came from their videos, MTV’s audience would’ve been wiser, alas not so much.
In any event, here’s a quick recap from last night’s ... umm ... festivities?
Cardi B
We really love a relatable empress from the Bronx and that is exactly what we got with our favorite homegirl in our head, Cardi B. Cardi opened the show looking like a number 1 best selling album and I wasn’t mad at it at all. The Trap Selena took home three awards and in my eyes won the award for best dressed. The fashions were something out of a Rainbow sale section, so the bar wasn’t set pretty high.
Jennifer Lopez
I realized that Beyoncé has truly spoiled us. Whenever there’s a Video Vanguard performance, I’m expecting theatrics, vocals and a production, but last night we were left disappointed. If it’s one thing that I can’t take from Jenny from the Block is that she looks amazing. I just wish amazing would align with sound, but she performed “Waiting For Tonight,” and made sure JaRule is still getting a check to pay rent in 2018; so who am I to complain?
Nicki Minaj
I’m truly grateful Miss King Kong won for Best Hip Hop artist, because I honestly couldn’t handle another Twitter session detailing Harriet Tubman’s favorite rice bowl from Chipotle.
If it’s one thing Nicki is good for it’s theatrics and that’s what she brought with her performance. If you missed it, just picture the “Be Our Guest” scene in Beauty And The Beast when all the napkins and silverware were dancing ... but replace dancing with twerking and BOOM.
Madonna
Dressed like an American Horror Story: Apocalypse promo, Madonna talked about herself at great lengths and called it a tribute to the Queen of Soul. Last night’s Aretha tribute proved that MTV should leave the three day impossible miracles to Jesus.
They would have been better off playing a montage of Aretha’s greatest hits and we would have all been happy. I supposed this is where we should be glad that Madonna didn’t get on that stage and burst into an a cappella rendition of natural woman.
If I know nothing else, I know one things for sure, no one better not ever say a single solitary thing when it comes to BET and their tributes.