Time to grade this years VMA’s. Did they pass or fail? APPLAUD? Lady gaga gives a lack luster performance. Entrance was creepily predictable. She seem to ride the wave of her popularity and gave a performance (or lack there of) of minimal proportions (granted, I prefer this performance than what she has done in the past). Wardrobe changes and very creepy stares seemed to be the nucleus of her performance, finalizing with a very scantily clad Ariel apparel. Two Ten Grade: C- Best Pop video: Selena Gomez "Come and Get It" Teddy Bears Nightmare This performance is Rated R for ridiculous. In fact, I'll give it another R for raunchy. Miley Cyrus, you need a hug and not from Robin Thicke. Mr. Thicke, Miley is 16 years younger than you, and 2 Chainz....speechless. The catchiest part of this performance was the giant robotic teddy bear. Two Ten Grade: D Best Hip Hop Video: Macklemore (...man did you see Drakes face; priceless, especially because he could have used it before his new album drop. I must say the video was creative, and "movie" like. Drake pick up your game next time...showering money is so 1990's.) OHHH KEVIN HART... This AIN'T Church Did this guy really call Kanye West "WeSUS" and call him out in praise. Listen, there is only one who is AMEN worthy, Hallelujah worthy, and praiseworthy; Jesus, Kanye is not God. (1st Commandment. This isn't a joke and it's time we realize that) The performance was spirited with not much action to back up his energy. Two Ten Rating: C Best Female Video: Taylor Swift. Best Video with Social Issues: Macklemore. (Love needs to be present on both sides; don't forget that, when celebrating equality and the dignity of the human person.) Presidential Performance The President of POP gave a performance very reminiscent of the KING of POP; Michael Jackson. The choreography, song selection, stage presence left me speechless (but not type-less). “Cry Me A River” mashed up with Led Zepplin's "Kashmir" gave the already emotionally driven record an epic twist. In addition, to the already entertaining in sync mash up, Justin brings back the boys, N'Sync. This moment was nostalgic for pop fans of the past and I bet One Direction is taking note of what an iconic boy band looks like (I felt the hiss of all the One Direction fans hit me at once). Band was on point, not drawing too much attention to themselves but to truly compliment the fluidity of Justin's performance. Great accompaniment. This performance was flowing like that river Justin just sang about, all going upward like the NILE, heading to one of the VMA's greatest performances of all time. Two Ten Grade: A+ Best Song of the Summer: One Direction "Best Song Ever" Same Love, but NO LOVE (The holy water that we use to remind us of our baptismal promise and sonship or daughterhood to our God is not poisoned, its refreshing. So, if this performance is based on equality then why attack the Catholic Church? Love is a powerful force that can change lives and change minds. Love for all, even those who tend to disagree with same sex marriage.) This was undeniably a powerful performance that was expressively moving and inspiring for those who have been rejected, neglected, and hated upon for being homosexual. This song, though undoubtedly directed at the Catholic Church, has been a healing agent for many in the Gay community. The emotion on Mary Lambert's face said it all. Her exchange with, Christian, Jennifer Hudson was the most memorable aspect of this performance. Two Ten Grade: B- Artist to Watch: Austin Mahone "What About Love" ...from the BOTTOM DRAKE started this performance with a singing interlude which led to an aggressive solo performance which commanded attention. Wasn't as energetic as Kanye West's performance, yet this one was more giving to the fans, as Drakes presence was more evident. Two Ten Grade: B Best Male Video: Bruno Mars "Locked Out of Heaven" King Kong’s Locked Out of Heaven This performance was visually mesmerizing with the flames and lasers. The band and Bruno Mars were on fire musically; lyrically...what in the world was that. Let me give the performance a grade first; Two Ten Grade: A. Now, let me get on this song. One of the biggest lessons I learned in life is the ability to transcend. I was asked a few years, "Oscar, what's the greatest difference between an ape and man?" and the answer is...(as if I am giving an award to Philosophy)...the greatest difference is... that ability to transcend. Can you imagine a world in which we acted out of instinct. This place would be a bloody, tear-filled, chaotic mess. SO, think next time you hear this song, would you rather act out as man or gorilla. Video of the Year: Justin Timberlake "Mirrors" Im Gonna Knock Ya Out Fake sweat and fake singing seems to sum this over hyped last performance. The location was amazing, but the brass knuckles as a boxer has to be illegal. I was hoping to see LL Cool J come out and mash up this song with Momma Said Knock Ya Out. This didn't have the powerful montage moment of say...Rocky IV, however, I can see this song being the teenage anthem for back to school sports. I give this a Two Ten Grade: A “Roaring” F. The Final Grade 2013 VMA’s started off shaky with the first, few, performances. Lady Gaga started things off with an uninspiring performance followed, by Miley Cryus, Robin Thicke, and 2Chainz playing Top-Gagas-Uniqueness (I am going to ban my child from ever having a Teddy Bear after that…well maybe the tall robotic looking maybe an exception). Next on stage was an artist who seems to be playing the same game as Miley and the Gang, but in a more aggressive, auto-tuned Napoleonic manner (I am honestly convinced that he thinks he’s GOD, so Pharaoh and his little gods, and look how quick they were humbled by “I AM” ). Luckily, Justin Timberlake was on deck with a performance that people will be talking about today, tomorrow and potential longer. That amazing performance would be followed by an emotionally driven “Same Love” from Macklemore, though I am not a fan of his blatant jabs at the Catholic Church, I must say this songs live performance was moving. Next, few were great performance, Bruno Mars and Drake, however there was a missile in the water that was aimed at a okay night of music. This night would have been better left alone but then the Roaring sound of Katy Perry sank the ship. Overall, if I was grading on a curve, Justin Timberlake would have been that person in class that didn’t have a friend the next day, but I’m not bell curving this one. Based on the grades above this VMA gets an average grade of a; C. Thank God this isn’t graduate level grading, because that C would have been failing.
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AuthorOscar "Two Ten" Rivera is all about bringing the fire. Passionate, comedic, and driven to deliver the truth, the right way. Archives
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