Friday - September 1, 2006 by Janeé Bolden
Hype Williams

The prestigious Video Vanguard Award was given to Hype Williams at last night's (August 31) 2006 MTV Video Music Awards for the first time since 2003, when Duran Duran received the honor.

Williams was presented the award by Missy Elliott and Busta Rhymes, who have both starred in some of Hype's greatest masterpieces. Since1994, Hype has directed over 200 videos for No Doubt, Aaliyah, Kanye West, Outkast, Nas, DMX and many others. Past Video Vanguard recipients include David Bowie, Madonna, U2 and Michael Jackson.

"I'm very excited to get here," Hype told SOHH.com exclusively. "I put a lot of time and effort into doing things that I thought people would like to see from their favorite artists. It's been a long road to get here and it's good to see MTV is celebrating the art of music videos. I appreciate Van Toffler and Judy McGrath (at MTV) for making it happen."

In addition to his Video Vanguard award, a number of Williams-directed videos were nominated for VMA's this year.

In recognition of his Vanguard award, Palm Pictures is planning the re-release Hype Williams: The Videos Vol. 1 DVD, which includes an interview with Hype and ten Williams-directed videos including videos by the Wu-Tang Clan, Jay-Z, Craig Mack, LL Cool J, Nas, Mase, Busta Rhymes and more.

"Jay-Z "Big Pimpin'" is one of my favorites because we were able to communicate a lifestyle -- as far as Rocafella. That video set a trend for all future rap videos and created a template. That's where the image of the partying baller lifestyle came from. I'm hopeful that we'll get a good response and can do more. I've done hundreds of videos that are all relevant to youth culture," Hype told SOHH.

Fans can also look forward to a Jay-Z/Hype reunion in the near future.

"I'm potentially directing the video for Jay-Z's first single," Hype revealed. "Jay and I have been really good friends from a long time ago and he asked for me to work on his new project."

Williams told SOHH he's working to branch out as much as he can in media. In addition to the re-release of DVD, Hype has a TV show in the works, Hype Television; he also has new feature film work on the horizon and is looking to collaborate with film critic Armond White (who honored Hype this summer at Lincoln Center) on a book of still photography that is currently a work-in-progress. The book would contain never-before-seen photographs of some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry.

Hype Williams: The Videos Vol. 1 DVD is scheduled for re-release on September 11th. The first 75 people to purchase the DVD will receive a Hype Williams autographed copy. For more information on Hype Williams please visit: www.hypewilliams.com.

Categories: music buzz [t]

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