Kanye West will receive MTV’s highest honor at this year’s Video Music Awards, the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. Ostensibly given in recognition of West’s contributions to the waning art of the music video and not just because he’s Kanye West, the Video Vanguard award will be presented at this Sunday night’s VMAs.
As press materials accompanying the announcement note, “Throughout his career, West has blended musical and visual artistry to powerful effect. From his trilogy of videos for “Jesus Walks,” to the mind-bending animation of “Heartless,” to the arresting imagery of “Bound 2,” he’s pushed boundaries and delivered something new with every successive video.”
Other artists who have received the Video Vanguard award include Madonna, Peter Gabriel, Guns N’ Roses, Beastie Boys, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, and the aforementioned Michael Jackson.