Author: Kara B (Twitter: @KaraBrazey20)
Their eyes were watching Onika. On Sunday night, Nicki Minaj became the 5th black woman to be bestowed the honor of receiving, the MTV Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. Never one to shy away from setting records, Nicki Minaj becomes the first female rapper inhistory to receive this coveted award, while having the #1 song in America, across all genres. Last night’s ceremony was more than Nicki Minaj simply receiving an award. It was a display of genre defying talent, influence, impact and relevancy. Her legacy is one of envy, admiration and self-determination. A female rapper with mainstream crossover success, maintaining her position as Hip-Hop’s leading lady, is a monstrous feat upon itself. But the ability Nicki Minaj possesses to reinvent herself, while keeping her fingertips on the pulse of not only the culture but on a generation of fans coming up is an enigma.
A lil' gift from me to you: @NICKIMINAJ's Video Vanguard performance from the 2022 #VMAs 🎤 🎀 pic.twitter.com/Dns7mQfqpw
— MTV (@MTV) August 29, 2022
We’re going to discuss the performance, the speech that is still resonating and the love she received. But it’simportant to acknowledge the significance of this moment, that will never be recaptured or replicated. A rare moment of authenticity. Nicki Minaj’s journey to this historical day in music culture, is a culmination of against the odd’s defying talent, self-awareness, artistic creativity and an ear for music that goes beyond the studio. Selling mixtapes from the trunk of her car, before signing to Lil Wayne’s “Young Money”, Nicki Minaj had to rely on her own audacity to achieve her dreams. Simply put, Nicki comes from the era of your talent getting you in places that your unrecognizable name couldn’t.
The MTV Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award is given to musical artist for their “outstanding contributions” and “profound impact” on music video and popular culture. Nicki Minaj’s 1st mainstream crossover success was 2010’s “Super Bass” and in 2022 she remains the Pink Print of crossover success with the #1 song in America, “Super Freaky Girl”. A full circle moment for a woman that has topped every Billboard chart apart fromCountry Music and Rock n Roll. This moment is long overdue, but it came right on time. We saw the concerted effort by the music industry and urban media to downplay and discredit Nicki’s talent and impact. Despite it, Nicki rose like the Phoenix she is, staying the course, weathering the storm and is now more influential than ever. 15 years into her career, Nicki Minaj remains the highest selling female rapper of all time. And it’s time we honored that.
Nicki Minaj was not only the recipient of this year’s MTV’s Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, but she also pulled double duty as emcee, alongside LL Cool J and Jack Harlow. But let’s get into the Earth shattering performance.
But, the night belonged to the incomparable Nicki Minaj. She was the MTV Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award recipient and the woman of the hour. Performing a medley of her greatest pop hits including “All Things Go”, “Super Bass”, “Moment 4 Life” and “Chun Li” amongst other global hits; Nicki Minaj gave you receipts as to why she is the Queen of Rap. She ended her medley with her chart topping 1st official single since 2019’s “Megatron”, “Super Freaky Girl”. And did she bring the house down or DID SHE BRING THE HOUSE DOWN! She even gave us a pole dance routine for “Super Freaky Girl” and a mini twerk session. I was hoping she would play the chorus of “Throw Some Mo” lol to bring it all together. Nicki was having fun and is back in rare form. Competitive. Be aware btchs.
She seen Nicki use the pole and went into shock 😭 pic.twitter.com/zUvdsgn02v
— She’s Fishy ➐ (@ShesFishy) August 29, 2022
Her 1st televised performance since 2018, Nicki Minaj commanded the stage like the superstar she is. The audience consisting of her peers and fans, enjoyed every minute of the performance. Performing against a pink Barbie Dreamhouse back drop and stage, Nicki Minaj reminded everyone that she is in control and command. Breezing thru a medley of her greatest hits complete with choreo, Nicki Minaj’s presence was dominating and alluring. The audience at home and at the ceremony, couldn’t take their eyes off her as they rapped and sang along with her. I think this is what has been missing. The genuine excitement of music and performances in this post-Covid, toxic stan culture environment we are in now. Last night, Nicki Minaj knocked down that wall and reminded us of what music is supposed to be. Enjoyable. 
Dressed in a pink ensemble with pink hair, Nicki Minaj channeled her beginnings as the Head Barbie, as newer artist like Doechii, Lil Nas X, Latto and Chloe Bailey cheered her on with excitement and admiration. The camera cut to Taylor Swift, who was seen not only telling everyone around her to stand as Nicki was receiving her award, but she rapped her heart out to “Super Bass”. A Queen recognizing a Queen. Nicki bought a sort of unity to the award show. And please, I’m not talking about that female rap unity crap. Nicki reminded her superstar peers last night, talent wins in the grander scheme of things. The respect for artistry and talent sometimes gets shunned for quick singles and bad 360 deals. Organic and authenticity is what Nicki represented last night to so many of her peers.
One thing Barbz gonna do is step for our Queen >>>>
— CHUNSWAĘ🎀 (@KENNBARBB) August 29, 2022
Real fan support always wins pic.twitter.com/sZLSy3jqDJ
When an artist achieves their own success and fame thru their God given talent, it comes with a certain level of respect that can’t be bought, faked or squeezed into Fashion Nova jeans. Nicki Minaj is a superstar and her peers established, or up and coming, recognized that.
One of the standout moments for the night, was Nicki Minaj receiving the award from her “barbz”. This was a beautiful moment. Nicki could have had anyone in the world present her award, but she chose her fans. That is the strength of her relationship with her fanbase. A moment that belonged to her, she shared it with the nameless faceless accounts that bear her picture as avi’s. The humbleness in this moment speaks to Nicki Minaj’s character. We are one. What I have, you have.
Nicki segurando o choro durante seu discurso ao receber o “Vanguard Award” no #VMAs ao falar sobre os Barbz e seu filho. pic.twitter.com/6ol8Xsksl0
— Info Maraj (@infomaraj) August 29, 2022
Her speech is still resonating in the media. She reenacted the iconic Whitney Houston (RIP) award show moment to perfection. Nicki Minaj is a personality that is larger than life itself, with the charisma, wit and charm to pull you in to her pink Metaverse. Not only is she talented but also possesses the people skill and wherewithal to engage an audience, of not just industry peers and fans but viewers at home. Nicki’s quick humor and compassion could be heard throughout her speech.
I would like to thank her for remembering the man behind the award, Michael Jackson (RIP) and Queen Whitney. Two of our most innovative talents and icons will never be forgotten and should always be uplifted, even in death. I commend Nicki for addressing mental health in her speech. Superstars are human beings and people forget that. A bank is where you store money, but hateful vitriol gets stored in our heads and hearts. Be kind to each other, famous or not.
Yes, Nicki gave an electrifying and icoNIC performance and served a myriad of dazzling looks. Nicki is drop dead gorgeous and she is the compliment to any fit or gown. Banging curves and that megawatt smile is enough for to stop traffic on both sides of the street. But it’s her respect for her craft that shined the most last night. While acknowledging the OG’s who influenced her flow (Foxy Brown, Jay Z, Wayne etc.), whether she realized it or not, Nicki set a tone. Actually, she was setting a tone all night. And that tone is centered around respect and talent. Respect for the fans, artists and the art form that is rap. It’s gotten watered down so much, people often forget that rapping is a skill that is supposed to be sharpened and honed in. The skill of rap should be highlighted more at award shows to ensure the genre can thrive at its highest form. #FlowsMatter Nicki also acknowledged other artist like Drake, Rihanna and more for giving her a chance when she first started out.
Nicki Minaj as an emcee, is must see tv lol. She is so in tuned with the audience that her personality comes across as effortless. Her chemistry with LL Cool J has stood the test of time and if you didn’t know, Nicki is a media powerhouse. Her confidence and ability to connect with the audience, is as relatable and real as you will ever get, and that makes her shine brighter, even in a room full of stars.
There is no better way to end this write up, than with Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj. They were seen posing together at a VMA’s afterparty. Nicki was happy which is what we all want for her, but the moment seemed more full circle than just two people in a picture. Taylor was doing a radio interview in 2010 and said the most iconic words ever spoken “play Super Bass by Nicki Minaj”. Sometimes you must go thru storms and seasons of uncertainty to fully enjoy the rainbow at the end.