Nicki Minaj isn’t showing any signs of slowing down her roll anytime soon. In fact, she is about to have a ‘moment for life’ at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards.
The “High School” rapper will receive the coveted Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, also known as the Lifetime Achievement Award on Aug. 28, 2022. The ceremony will take place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, where she is also slated to perform for the first time since 2018.
The Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award
The Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, also known as the Lifetime Achievement Award, is an esteemed accolade established in 1984 to honor artists, directors, and performers who have left an indelible mark on pop culture. Previous recipients of the award have been Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, and Missy Elliot. The award itself is a gold-plated “moonman,” statue compared to other awards for songs that are silver-plated.
In the past, Minaj has has been nominated for 17 VMAs, and had won five other MTV awards for records like “Chun-Li” and “Anaconda.” The rapper’s “Do We Have a Problem” has been nominated at this year’s show for Best Hip-Hop Record.
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An Iconic Moment
In a statement, Bruce Gillmer chief content officer of music at Paramount+ and president of music, music talent, programming and events at Paramount said “Nicki has broken barriers for women in hip-hop with her versatility and creative artistry. She has shifted the music industry and cemented her status as a global superstar with her crossover appeal, genre-defying style and continuing to be unapologetically ‘Nicki’.”
The moment is an iconic time in music history, and will honor the impact that Minaj has made on popular culture, Hip Hop and music as a whole by ushering in a new era for other rappers who wanted their artistry to be taken seriously.
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Minaj Will Also Perform
In addition to receiving the honorary award, Minaj will also perform at the event, and will be joined by the likes of Marshmello x Khalid, Anitta and Panic! at the Disco.
The rapper has been having a successful year so far with the release of two hit singles and her collaboration with Maxim as creative ambassador. She also recently joined Drake and Lil Wayne for the sold out “Young Money Reunion” show at Budweiser Stage in Toronto, Canada. Minaj is also scheduled to release her new single “Super Freaky Girl” on Friday, August 12.