The Best Hip-Hop Video category at the2012 MTV Video Music Awards will ignite a battle royale between some of the game's biggest names, and DJ Khaled described it best, telling MTV News, "It's all heat."
That heat he's referring to comes from a batch of nominees and their featured guests who all had a big year in hip-hop. Jay-Z and Kanye West's 'Paris' video is up against Nicki Minaj's "Beez in the Trap" featuring 2 Chainz, Drake's "HYFR" featuring Lil Wayne, Kanye West's "Mercy" featuring Big Sean, 2 Chainz and Pusha T, plus Childish Gambino's "Heartbeat."
Spike Lee, who was present at the Staples Center last year when The Throne filmed live snippets for their "Paris" video, has his money on 'Ye and Jay. "I think it's a great video. Just overall, the approach and the kaleidoscope effect [are great], and it's a great song."
Game, never one to censor himself, admitted that his VMA pick came by way of repetition. "Me personally, I jump in my car and if 'Mercy' comes on as soon as I start my car, I don't have no problem with that," he said, showing some enthusiasm for G.O.O.D. Music's addictive single. "So I guess I'm kinda biased to what I've been riding with in my truck for the last 30 or 40 days, but I like 'Mercy.' "
DJ Khaled, who just dropped his own blockbuster album Kiss the Ring, seemed to be a little overwhelmed by the amount of talent in one category, but feels like his YMCMB team has it in the bag with two nominations. "I think, definitely, the YMCMB family is gonna take it because they've got two [videos in the category] — one with Nicki and Chainz and one with Drake and Wayne. Both of those videos was crazy." Even if YMCMB does take the win, however, Khaled also showed some support for his main man Kanye West. "I like The Throne [video] too, 'Paris,' and Kanye got another one in there too, it's a good category — all heat."
Can you handle the heat? Tune in to find out who takes home the trophy.
The 2012 MTV Video Music Awards will air live from Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, September 6, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Head to VMA.MTV.com or text BNA to 22444 (message and data rates may apply) to vote for Best New Artist all the way through the show! Get the latest VMA updates sent right to your inbox: Sign up for the MTV News alert.
