Last night the “MTV Video Music Awards” were presented in Newark (New Jersey) for the 36th time. The most important prizes went to newcomers like Billie Eilish, but also to well-known singers like Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande. In addition, an artist was honored who shaped American R’n’B and hip-hop like no other in the noughties: Missy Elliott.
Apolitical and conformist
The 48-year-old was honored yesterday with the MTV Lifetime Achievement Award, which is named after Michael Jackson. She was the first hip-hop/R’n’B artist ever to receive this award. And she was happy. “While the organizers dropped the name of the award in advance, Missy Elliot had no problem with that. She thanked Janet Jackson, among others, and repeatedly cited the late Michael Jackson as one of her role models,” said music journalist Jenni Zylka . The artist did not mention the allegations against Jackson for child abuse with a syllable.
No will to reform
According to Zylka, MTV is trying to celebrate “diversity” by letting Taylor Swift walk across the stage with a rainbow flag. On the other hand, a lot would be swept under the table: “That’s typical of the American entertainment industry.” According to Zylka, Missy Elliot is not a political artist: “She has a few songs that deal with the issue of feminism, but it’s never really clear.” An opportunity was missed to reform the price, said Zylka. “I would be happy if there would be more criticism.”