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Over the years, That Grape Juice has established a distinguished voice that – whether loved or loathed – sparks discussion, debate, and on occasion drama!

Though comprised of seasoned writers who share a similar outlook on Urban Pop culture, the idiosyncrasies of the TGJ team members often lend to quite heated debates “behind the scenes” about the hottest topics.

Now, we give you a front-row seat to the show. In a format similar to ‘The View,’ TGJ editors – Sam, Rashad, Joe, and Ryan – get real in a very candid way.

Today’s roundtable topic asks each anchor their thoughts on the…

2024 MTV VMAs 

Sam

For four decades, the VMAs have towered tall as *the* award show most renowned for major moments.

Fittingly, then, its 40th anniversary toasted those moments in a warming way while sprinkling a few new ones into its historic mix.

Let’s get into it!

MVPs of the night for me were Sabrina Carpenter, Katy Perry, and host Megan Thee Stallion.

Breakthrough hits like ‘Espresso’ often run the risk of eclipsing the star that powers them. However, Ms. Carpenter shone luminously in such a way that made clear that she is here to stay. Harnessing the tried and true elements that make for epic VMA performances, her medley served up a theme, charisma, quirk, and an army of dancers. Stunning stuff.

Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award honoree Perry hit the stage with much to prove. Ironic in a sense given her lengthy list of hits and nostalgic dominance. But it’s safe to say, that it continues to be a rocky road back into the ears, hearts, and minds of the masses. So, it was great seeing her perform her biggest hits with seasoned showmanship, reminding why she is worthy of the win. Her speech functioned as an exclamation point.

Megan Thee Stallion rarely disappoints and last night was no different. So, even though I’d much prefer for her to do away with those choppy medleys, there is no denying her ability to blaze. The ‘Mamushi’ component of her performance drove that message home in earnest.

Elsewhere on the bill, I found myself super impressed with the slick offering from Rauw Alejandro and visually taken by the cinematic approach Chappel Roan took with ‘Goodluck, Babe.’

That said, there was a bit of a filler and a number of notable omissions that could have easily replaced them. Like, where was Victoria Monét?

Still, a solid show. What it missed in heavy hitters or jaw-dropping moments, it somewhat made up for with a handful of genuinely enjoyable showings.

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Rashad

Seemingly a return to form, this is the kind of MTV VMAs we want to see – a nonstop party!

Admittedly, I was a bit apprehensive about the lineup given that it seemed to lack some megawatt star power from acts who actually have projects to promote (no Ariana, no Beyoncé, no Gaga/Bruno, no Weeknd, no Taylor), but the girls and guys on the roster did more than enough to keep me entertained!

GloRilla‘s glow-up is one to be recognized and she is bringing it more and more with every big show performance.

As hostess, Meg ROCKED the stage with her ‘Megan’ medley and reasserted herself as the Rap girl to beat (from a performance standpoint)! As the resident #Hottie, I was proud to see her raise the bar for female rappers approach to live showings.

Katy did her thing and brought the energy in ways I genuinely didn’t think she could. I was expecting a yawn fest of a repeat of her 2014 Super Bowl performance but this was everything but (#justiceforRoar though).

All-in-all a great show! I wanted more from Sabrina herself, admittedly, but I think she will get there in time.

Great work MTV!

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Joe

Is it me or is current Pop culture all about referencing an “iconic” moment, song, movie, or outfit of the very specific 1999-2003 period?

The VMA’s were very enjoyable last night, but one thing was missing: originality.

Granted, they were celebrating 40 years of existence and a legacy that never quits, but all of the blasts from the past left an air of… uneventful to the whole enterprise.

Still, some stellar moments occurred, namely the super medley of the (not-so-much) comeback queen Katy Perry, reminding us of her domination of the charts in her heyday.

LISA brought the fire with her Sean Bankhead-choreographed set and Sabrina Carpenter served old Hollywood in a very convincing way. 

Megan was a great and personable presenter, but I wasn’t floored by her performance which I personally felt could have only focused on her viral hit ‘Mamushi.’

Elsewhere Eminem, Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello, and Chappell Roan didn’t rock my world but Lenny Kravitz did it for the “elders” like only he can.

Once again, the absence of electric performers was felt, especially when Tinashe and Victoria Monét exist… but I digress.

It was a fun, cute night.

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Do you agree with our picks? Who was spot on? Let us know your thoughts on the latest TGJ Roundtable and your thoughts on the 2024 MTV VMAs.

Your thoughts?

[Photo credit: MTV / Getty]

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