I watched the Video Music Awards last Sunday on MTV in anticipation of an engaging program filled with spectacular pop performances. I was also eagerly expecting some suprise performances. From the list that had been broadcast in previews of the show, the line-up did not seem to be well rounded. But the show came through and most of the performances were good. There were several which were very good,despite the industry's subconscious or conscious attempt to echo GaGa-esque music filled with that muffled speaker type echo. I honestly don't know the technical musical term for it,but most of you know what I am making reference to if you've listened to the songs in the pop music top 10. Most of them have that same sound effect...and beat. I do enjoy the outlandishly creative Ga Ga outfits though. She is a creative genius in image design to say the least.Anyway,enough of the introductories.
All of the performances were entertaining. There was one performance that night with which I was thoroughly impressed. Taylor Swift's song was beautiful. I thought she projected her sweet youthful energy and song writing talent,which was showcased by the song and the ambience created with her bare feet,white dress and innocence. I have to admit that I did not know that the song was about Kanye West. When I made that discovery,her stock rose exponentially in my book. To tell you the truth, I am glad I did not discover this fact until after the performance. It took away any pre-conceived notions and prejudicial brownie points that would have accumulated if I had known in advance. So my opinion is really unbiased as it is based purely on the strength of the song and Taylor's lovely performance of it. In a world and industry filled with glorified nastiness and tit for tat psychological rough housing by way of snarks and dissing, 9 times out of 10 for the pure shock value of it all, in eforts to gain attention,the song was refreshing. I found myself analyzing the lyrics,especially the mention of the 32 year old who was still an innocent. That phrase in the lyric made me think of someone other than Kanye. At the end the song closes with a reference to using a bicycle instead when crossing the tightrope. Well, hopefully you get the picture. The bottom line is , if like me you were not in on the 'inside info, it was still just a beautiful song that appealed to the imagination. The fact that it was a song for Kanye ups Taylor's ante in the class department. To all the naysayers out there,forgiveness is not something you do to increase your popularity. It is transformative action and gift from the divine which is as beneficial to the one forgiving as it is for the one being forgiven. It is an action that wipes the slate clean if forgiveness is actually acomplished. It allows people to move on with their lives emotionally,spiritually and physically. In fact, some have been afflicted with illness and disease because they've held onto grudges and misdeeds performed by others against them or someone else close to the point that they become physically sick. So in the spirit of Christianity and Yom Kippur in Judaism,please let the forgiveness begin.
Other Class Acts:
Drake who brought in Swizz Beatz and Mary J. Blige for a fabulous rendition of "Fancy".
The young brother definitely has it going on. The lyrics to his songs are not only thought provoking,but he also has that artistic integrity that you root for enthusiastically from the sidelines. Drake is a conscientious and thoughtful rapper that you want to see win. The performance with Mary J. Blige and Swizz Beatz was one of the highlights of the show. Mary delivered a powerfully soulful rendition of "Fancy" with Swizz Beatz demonstrating his grand piano skills. I found myself wondering if Alicia was going to join him on the piano. The stage choreography augmented the Rat Pack theme that Drake was aiming for and the well lit and positioned "Drake" sign in the background added to the class. I found myself intently listening to the lyrics and witnessing the new hip hop standard for being fancy unfolding with swagger and subtle panache...if there can be such a thing.
Eminem and Rihanna
As the show opener Eminem's performance bordered on the "hip hop" spectacular. The drum orchestra in the background,stage set up and enthusiastic audience contributed to the excitement generated. He is a talented rapper indeed.His creativity and command for catchy and thought provoking storytelling was aptly showcased in "Not Afraid", an inspiring rallying cry.
Usher
Top notch.
Forgiveness and class won out in my book. What more can I say?
Well done.
