It is clear that Hip-Hop has influenced just about every aspect of popular culture. Master P references in Snickers ads, rapping grannies to sell cell phones, the works. That being said, it only makes sense that Hip-Hop dominate award shows as well, which it has been doing in recent years, and this years MTV Video Music Awards are no exception. With artists like Kanye West and Eminem going head-to-head not only in main categories such as Male Video, but technical ones such as Special Effects, the love that “pop” audiences have for Hip-Hop is incredible. And while neither one of them are rappers themselves, anyone who knows Lady Gaga and Beyonce’s music knows Hip-Hop is a heavy influence for both artists, and both of them have been nominated 9 times, the most nominations for any artist this year.

The fact that Hip-Hop and R&B are so heavily nominated also speaks to the creativity of these videos and the new generation of artists and video directors, while also being a simple verification of the already well known fact that Hip-Hop reaches beyond the streets. It dominates the music industry and has the ability to reach audiences that were seemingly beyond its grasp only a few years ago. Whether you want to party, listen to a true lyricist, or just kick back and listen to hot beat, all of that is possible. The only difference is that now, folks outside of the culture are catching on.

-Jessica Bennett