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With a blasting set of pyrotechnics, Jay-Z and Kanye West exploded down the catwalk to perform "Otis" off their No. 1 album Watch The Throne at the 2011 VMAs.
The patriotic performance featured a giant American flag hanging in the background and Kanye dangling an American flag bandana from his back pocket. After Kanye's 2009 VMA Taylor Swift incident, the pair kept it straight tonight, turning in a straightforward performance of the track. The Throne kept it simple, with Jay-Z wearing a plain white t-shirt (a la Jo Calderone) and Kanye only rocking a slightly gawdy gold necklace (pretty tame compared to this).
Jay-Z now holds the record for Most People Bumrushing the Stage During His Performance. Two years ago, rapper Lil Mama got a bit overexcited and jumped on stage during his 2009 performance with Alicia Keys. Tonight, an anonymous person hopped on stage to get his five seconds of fame (followed presumably by five minutes of beatdown). Kanye and Jay-Z were undeterred, running through a fierce version of Watch The Throne's lead single.
As Jay-Z saluted the crowd at the end of the performance, Justin Bieber was spotted not clapping with the rest of Nokia Theatre. New beef? Distracted by Nicki Minaj's dress? Worrying if Kevin Hart will return to the stage to make fun of him? We're hoping to hear Jay-Z's Bieber diss track shortly. A boy can dream.
+ Watch Jay-Z and Kanye West perform "Otis" at the 2011 VMAs.