News: MTV

Miami New Times: Kodak Black Scores MTV VMA Nomination for Best New Artist

By Common Crew Clothing

Miami New Times: Kodak Black Scores MTV VMA Nomination for Best New Artist

Well, Kodak, it turns out they do like to see you winning.

Pompano Beach rapper Kodak Black has been nominated for Best New Artist at the MTV Video Music Awards. He's facing off against fellow MC Young M.A, R&B singers SZA and Khalid, and Miley Cyrus' sister Noah for the coveted prize.

Born to Haitian immigrant parents in the poor suburbs of north Broward County, 20-year-old Kodak — real name Dieuson Octave — began rapping in trap-house studios when he was in elementary school. As he grew older, he continued to rise through local and national hip-hop circles while also falling into trouble with the law. Last year, after making the XXL Freshman List, he was accused of sexually assaulting a female fan; he was shuttled from a Broward jail to South Carolina, where he faced a dizzying array of charges, including robbery, false imprisonment, and possession of a firearm by a delinquent. He's on house arrest until next year following an early release from county jail.

Despite these cases, he continues to rise as a musician thanks to his distinctive Southern drawl and gritty lyrics that powerfully depict life on the street. Earlier this year, he released his debut album, Painting Pictures, on Atlantic Records, and his single "Tunnel Vision," a collab with superstar producers Metro Boomin and Southside, has peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100.

Fellow South Floridian DJ Khaled has also garnered several VMA nods. His video for "Wild Thoughts," featuring Rihanna and Bryson Tiller, is nominated for Best Collaboration, Best Art Direction, and Video of the Year. His visual for "I'm the One," featuring Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper, and Lil Wayne, also received a nomination for Best Hip-Hop Video. Kendrick Lamar, with eight nods, leads the field for nominations.

Fans can cast a vote for Kodak and in all the other categories at vma.mtv.com. The ceremony will be broadcast live from the Forum in Inglewood, California, at 8 p.m. Sunday, August 27. Kodak will also play a show at the University of Miami's Watsco Center August 10.

Best New Artist
Khalid
Kodak Black
SZA
Young M.A
Julia Michaels
Noah Cyrus

 

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