Common

2015 BET Award Nominations

BET Award nominations are out and, yes, of course Hype Williams is in the running for Best Director (as he should be, even if just out of respect).

The video categories break down like this:

Video Of The Year

Video Director Of The Year

Visit BET.com for the full slate of nominees! And tune in June 28 at 8pm ET for the telecast.

Nicki Minaj f/ The Game "Pills N Potions" (Diane Martel, Geoffrey Lillemon, dir.)

Silly Rabbit, don't you know tricks aren't just for Miley Cyrus? Nicki Minaj has been pushing out transgressive videos since jump, but "Pills N Potions" carves out territory that seems custom-made for Tumblr (or sad MDMA trip). There's out-there animation, some revenge at her lover — gamely played by The Game (no pun intended) — and tears that fall like metallic sheets of rain, all in a 4x3 set-up to accentuate the occasional lo-fi, but always hi-impact visuals.

Nicki Minaj f/ The Game "Pills N Potions" (Diane Martel, Geoffrey Lillemon, dir.) TEASER

We'll have to a wait a little longer for the full blast, but Nicki Minaj has unveiled the first taste of what she's been cooking up with director Diane Martel and vfx artist Geoffrey Lillemon. The same absurdist touch from the "We Can't Stop" video is evident here — Hello, bunny rabbit drug dispenser — plus an unadorned styling look that serves as a pallette for metallic tears, purple clouds surrounding The Game, and what's sure to be lot's more...

Blaqstarr f/ Common "Dear Diamond" (James Kapner & Jamie Moore, dir.)

Blaqstarr, the multifaceted DJ/Artist/Producer, shows off yet another side to his many talents.  Check out the visuals to his new melodic track, "Dear Diamond", where he teams up with legendary hip hop artist Common.  

Blaqstarr just recently released "Blaqfiles", an EP which consists of his early club music bangers.