Kanye West To Tie Record for Most VMA Performances, Despite His History of Generally Hating MTV

When the words "Kanye West" and "MTV Video Music Awards" are combined, people tend to think of a certain incident involving Taylor Swift. But the dude deserves some credit; his set during the 2013 VMA's will tie him with Madonna for most performances at the awards show in its history.

Yeezy made his first appearance in 2004, performing a medley of hits including "Jesus Walks," "All Falls Down" and "Through The Wire" with Chaka Khan. It's already been announced that West will perform the single "Black Skinheads" off of 2013 album "Yeezus," a choice that's sure to draw fire from someone. Someone who's not familiar with how West operates.

His tying of the record is interesting considering the rapper's outspoken (and occasionally notorious) history with MTV and the VMAs. In 2004, West loudly exclaimed (after the show, of course) that he had been robbed of the Best New Artist award, which went to country musician Gretchen Wilson. During 2006 at the European event he came on stage uninvited after losing for Video of The Year (he cited alcohol later). In 2007 he vowed never to return to the show after his performance was filmed in a separate venue and not on the main stage, and of course, the infamous incident where he stole Taylor Swift's address to proclaim Beyonce's greatness. Four years later, West has rescinded his apology for that last incident, succinctly saying "F--- MTV."

But hey, maybe it's just a good PR strategy.

The VMAs are on August 25, and will feature another anticipated performance: Lady Gaga will play the first single, "Applause," off of her upcoming album "ARTPOP."

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Kanye West, Madonna, MTV, Video Music Awards, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Barclays Center, Chaka Khan