Justin Bieber competes with mentor Usher and Chris Brown goes up against Drake and Frank Ocean as real-life relationships make an intriguing backdrop.
By John Mitchell
Justin Bieber in his "Boyfriend" video
Among the nominees for Best Male Video at the 2012 Video Music Awards are a revered industry veteran with nearly 20 years' worth of hits under his belt and a newcomer who just released his debut studio album to universal critical acclaim and brisk sales. Sandwiched between them are three heavy-hitters at the top of their game.
While they're a diverse crop of dominating figures in the rap, R&B and pop games, the guys up for Best Male Video are far from a random assemblage of musicians united only by gender (and, of course, amazing music videos). This year, a mentor will compete against his protégé and two real-life foes face off in what is sure to be one of the night's most personal categories.
Usher has nurtured Justin Bieber into a larger-than-life pop superstar and sex symbol, one not unlike himself at the age Bieber is now. Both are nominated for Best Male — Usher for "Climax," Bieber for "Boyfriend." However, the pair's VMA rivalry is likely to be a friendly one. Talking to MTV News in June about going up against Bieber on the album charts, Usher said, "We try to calculate when we release so that we support each other. It's like a seesaw: 'You take it this week; I'll take it this week.' ... The coolest part about it is we support each other regardless."
Plus, the two singers' competing videos couldn't be more different. "Boyfriend" is rich with the accoutrements of young swagger — babes, cars, cool clothes and choreographed moves — while Usher's "Climax" is simpler and narrative-driven, about Usher's suspenseful pursuit of an off-the-market ex who he needs "just one more time."
Two contenders less likely to bond over sharing a category are Drake and Chris Brown. Brown, who's nominated for his dance hit "Turn Up the Music," and Drake, a top contender for "Take Care." They were recently tied to an explosive altercation at a New York City club in mid-June that left Brown with a laceration on his face and several bystanders injured.
The who-did-what details of the brawl remain elusive, but it seems unlikely that either Brown or Drake will view the showdown for Best Male as a friendly rivalry like Bieber and Usher.
Frank Ocean, nominated for "Swim Good," isn't as closely tied to the other Best Male Video nominees, but he's no stranger to them either. Ocean co-wrote Bieber's song "Bigger" and currently finds himself the subject of a near-beef with Brown, a relationship that's been strained since last year when the singers traded shots online. More recently, rumors circulated that the singer made disparaging remarks about Ocean's recent admission that he had a romantic relationship with a man. Brown denied the accusation on Twitter this week but there's likely some lingering unease between the two 20-somethings.
Whether they're friends or foes, the complicated dynamics between the nominees for Best Male Video are sure to make it one of the most interesting categories at this year's VMAs.
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 now through August 24 to vote for your favorites, or text BNA to 22444 to vote for Best New Artist all the way through the show!
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