We've rounded up a few bits about what's set to go down before the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards. Deets inside...
Cardi B was spotted making her rounds in the Big Apple before she hits the stage to OPEN the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards. She's not performing. However, it's rumored she will participate in some type of skit/monologue when she hits the stage inside Radio City Music Hall.
TMZ photogs caught up with the NYC raptress, keeping it semi-comfy in a tracksuit and booties, leaving her hotel where she confirmed she's not performing tonight. She also said she was feeling a bit under the weather. Baby Kulture wasn't with her, but we know the 1-month old is in NYC with her mom because we saw them board a private jet days earlier on their way to NYC.
The "Ring" rapper appeared to be in good spirits, following the unexpected release of her new "Ring" video with Kehlani. Bardi hopped on social media earlier today to reveal she was pissed when found out the video was released without her approval. She didn't dwell on it though, especially since she's hitting up the VMAs tonight. Why not get in on the free promo, right?
As she walked through fans who swarmed her, she was asked about who she wants to see tonight, Nicki Minaj or Travis Scott. She ignored the question, but TMZ insists she's #TeamTravis even though she would never admit it. Their words, not ours.
Peep the clip of Cardi below:
Cardi has already won the "Song Of Summer" award for her track "I Like It." She has been nominated for 10 awards.
In other pre-VMA news...
The MTV VMAs had to play musical chairs with all of the drama poppin' off between artists this week. Mainly, QUEEN Nicki Minaj and her generated drama.
Travis Scott - whose Astroworld album is the No. 1 album on the Billboard charts - was originally supposed to sit BEHIND Nicki - who came in the No. 2 spot on the charts - during the awards ceremony.
But, his #1 album, plus the online drama the QUEEN has going on, producers have decided to move his seat.
The official seating plan for the #MTVVMAs including @KylieJenner@NICKIMINAJ@blakelively@Camila_Cabello@ShawnMendes@iamcardib@RitaOra@JLo@LiamPayne@AnnaKendrick47@Milliestopshate@PostMalone& @BebeRexhapic.twitter.com/ba7qjCBP3h
— Howell Davies (@HOWELLDAVIES) August 17, 2018
Now, Travis and his baby's mother Kylie Jenner (who got caught up in Nicki's album chart drama, along with baby Stormi) will now sit on the opposite side of the room from Nicki, according to reports. Ha!
By the way, Spotify has responded to Nicki after she made claims that the music streaming service was "punishing" her, following a series of tweets about how it's everyone else's fault but her own that QUEEN came in as the 2nd top album on the charts. A rep for Spotify issued a statement to Variety:
"Spotify supported Nicki Minaj with a Times Square billboard, a host of the largest playlists, New Music Friday and the new music release shelf. Her song ‘Bed’ actually saw an increase based on the promotions put behind the campaign. The company continues to be big fans of Nicki."
Well, there you have it.
In other news....
Looks like Juelz Santana will NOT be at the VMAs this year. Why? Well, a judge put a stop to that with the quickness.
The NYC rapper, who pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, along with carrying a weapon on aircraft, got denied permission to attend the music event due to his pending court case. Bloop!
It's reported Juelz asked the judge for permission, but the judge said NOPE.
The site reports:
Santana is currently out of jail on a $500,000 bond which requires him to wear an ankle-monitor and adhere to strict travel restrictions. He lives in New Jersey at his mother’s house, and must get approval for any out of state trips … which would include the VMAs.
The court has been lenient with Santana, letting him participate in taping “Love & Hip-Hop: New York” and for his touring schedule. However, the judge must not be an MTV fan, and denied his request to attend the show.
Yeah, so he'll be watching from his mother's couch. Sucks.
Also...
Jennifer Lopez says she has a few surprises up her sleeve for the VMAs tonight. She will be presented with the Video Vanguard Award, the VMAs version of a lifetime achievement award. She will hit the stage to perform a medley of her hits and she has loads of surprises for her fans.
The NY Post reveals:
A source tells Page Six that Lopez, 49, plans to bring out some of the most famous collaborators from her two-decade-long music career, potentially Ja Rule, Fat Joe and French Montana, just to name a few.
Who are y'all looking to see her bring out?
Be sure to keep it locked to TheYBF.com for all the VMA madness.
Phots: Backgrid/Getty/Travis' IG/Juelz's IG
