At this year’s 2023 VMAs, Colombian artist Shakira was honored with the Video Vanguard Award. While many fans applauded the decision, others felt MTV missed an opportunity to pay tribute to hip-hop’s 50th anniversary by not honoring a hip-hop artist for the award. SOHH, here’s a compiled list of hip-hop artists who could have been worthy recipients of the prestigious award, including Lil Kim, Busta Rhymes, Aaliyah, and more.
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The legacy of Lil Kim remains. Throughout her career, the Queen Bee has delivered memorable and visually stunning music videos. After the 2023 VMAs, an annoyed fan took to Twitter (x), saying, “Not giving Lil Kim the Vanguard on the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop? #VMAs“
One of Lil Kim’s most notable videos is “Crush On You,” where she showcases multiple colorful outfit changes, inspiring artists like Cardi B and Christian Combs. Another standout video is “How Many Licks,” which features a “Barbie” inspired concept and emphasizes the song’s candy-themed metaphor with oversized props.
In addition, the Brooklyn sensation’s collaboration with Mya, Christina Aguilera, and Pink on “Lady Marmalade” remains an iconic female artist collaboration inspired by 1920s showgirls. Lastly, “No Matter What People Say” features Kim flaunting various looks in a luxurious mansion, showcasing her dance skills alongside cameos from Missy Elliot, Mary J. Blige, and Diddy.
Busta Rhymes is best known for his eccentric and trendsetting music videos.
Starting with “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See,” “Gimme Some Mo’,” and “What’s It Gonna Be,” featuring Janet Jackson, Busta has incorporated innovative visuals and the fish-eye effect that became synonymous with the era.
“Gimme Some Mo’” features a creative Toon Town concept along with the fish-eye effect. “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See” incorporates elements from the film “Coming To America,” with the New York native portraying a king in his palace.
And “What’s It Gonna Be” presents a futuristic aesthetic, featuring Janet Jackson and showcasing various eye-catching looks.
Aaliyah, who tragically passed away in August 2001, continues to be remembered for her musicality and iconic music videos. Her timeless music videos include: “Rock The Boat,” “More Than A Woman,” “We Need A Resolution,” “One in a Million,” and “Are You That Somebody.”
“Rock The Boat” captured an island and tropical aesthetic and is renowned as the late songstress’ last music video. “More Than A Woman” showcased her fashionable white Chanel catsuit, while dancing inside a motorcycle headlight throughout the video.
“We Need A Resolution” featured exotic animals, such as real snakes covering the singer’s body, which showcased Aaliyah’s artistic evolution. “One in a Million” opened in a futuristic setting with holographic imagery, and “Are You That Somebody” incorporated ’90s fashion and a futuristic setting, starting with an owl on Aaliyah’s hand.
The legendary Atlanta hip-hop duo OutKast has created music videos like “Hey Ya!,” “Ms. Jackson,” “Da Art of Storytellin’ Pt 1,” and more that push the boundaries of creativity.
“Hey Ya!” is set in a 60s retro-inspired television variety show, while “Ms. Jackson” portrays an uncomfortable family gathering and symbolic shots of a baby. “Da Art of Storytellin’ Pt 1” is a mind-bending visual where OutKast is showcased as puppets, painting what they rap about, and features the legendary Slick Rick.
Despite his controversial history, Chris Brown is known for bringing musicality and creativity to hip-hop and R&B through music videos like “Gimme That,” “Wall to Wall,” and “Yo (Excuse Me Miss).”
“Gimme That” features Lil Wayne and showcases the 1920s to 1930s fashion aesthetic. “Wall to Wall” takes inspiration from vampires, and “Yo (Excuse Me Miss)” captures Breezy’s serenading and dance skills as he tries to win a girl’s heart.
This snub of hip-hop artists in awards shows is not uncommon. During the 65th Grammy Nominations, R&B artist Summer Walker and rapper Nicki Minaj spoke out against the lack of recognition for Black artists. Walker’s album Still Over It debuted at No. 1 and became the highest-charting R&B album from a female artist, yet it received no Grammy nominations.
