Who runs the music video world? Video hoes that’s who. Think about it. There’s seldom a successful music video in existence without badass bitches dominating it. Of course many of these roles are not always encouraging of female independence and opinion.

Are you constantly on the prowl for strong messages of female expression and artistry? Well in this moment, there are more than a few fierce females challenging their role in the video world.

These screen sirens are revamping what it means to be a video hoe. They subvert gender stereotypes, kick unsuspecting ass, and take unpronounceable names. Not always pretty, and barely ever ladylike- we’d better get familiar with a new breed of ferocity.

Feeling like Carson left you hanging and you’re in dire need of some guidance? Please allow me to introduce you to a few of my favorite in your face females that perhaps you would already know if MTV played any goddamned music videos anymore.

In no particular order:

1. Yolandi (Die Antewoord)

Calling the shots, Yolandi spits flames with sufficient fire to back it up.  She’s a crotch grabbing grimy gangster. And if you’ve been lucky enough to see her perform live, you definitely left reconsidering your sexual preference. Yolandi is not your average blonde in Hollywood- she’s  one third of the South African trio Die Antwoord.

Their controversial lyrics are only overshadowed by their absurdly enrapturing videos, which are impossible to look away from. You have to see it to believe it.

2. Azealia Banks

Azealia’s got the style of Janet and the potty mouth of Big Pun. Growing up in Harlem gave a her the undeniable edge she holds us against the wall with. Her funky graphics and saucy approach to the screen captures our gaze. Her videos rarely take place within this world- a kaleidoscopic fantasyland for which she calls upon Atlantis to help adequately conjure up.

Her lyrics are constantly as over the top as the purple skies and whale riding of the visuals we immerse ourselves in. Since her release of badgirl anthem “212′, she hasn’t ceased to spread smirks across our faces- from cowgirl to space queen, check out her latest, “Atlantis”.

3. Grimes

Vancouver born Claire Boucher, aka Grimes, embodies ethereal dream pop. Humorously enough, her genre has even been referred to as “witch music’”. Most amusing part of her Wiki bio is that at 20, she constructed a houseboat with her then lover, stocked it with live chickens, a typewriter, a copy of Huck Finn and began a voyage down the Mississippi.

I consider that proof that she hasn’t failed to test the limits of her own trailblazing. On screen, she contrasts her vocal softness with the fearless command of a woman disregarding delicacy. She writhes with free spirited confidence in her quirky dance moves. Her videos ooze a refreshing nonchalance that seems to lack pretense.

4. Brooke Candy

You will recognize this vixen from the aforementioned “Genesis”. Ms. Candy is a new aged rapper, self proclaimed Feminem with a style unlike anything you’ve seen before.

She’s one outspoken slut, and damn proud of it. She’s made it her personal mission to reclaim the word for women everywhere who aren’t afraid to celebrate their voracious appetites for sex and outright sex appeal. She claims to have drawn inspiration from Lil Kim’s infamous exposed titty extravaganza (worn to the 1999 VMAs), the Fifth Element, and Gwen Stefani.

We applaud her conviction in the fact that she doesn’t mind taking off her clothes-continuing as a professional stripper. Her videos are explosive, offensive, raw, wild. Even if at first you are thinking ‘exactly what is the dress code here’… better recognize this 21st century Spice Girl condentant-Candy Spice if you will.

5. Iggy Azalea

Known for the “Pussy” video in which she wears the smallest daisy dukes known to man and gets jiggy with 12 year olds, holler at Iggy Azalea. No need to imagine Brigitte Bardot with street cred when we’ve got Iggy and all her delectable tongue twisters. After leaving her small town in Australia, she came to the States to leave her mark on the rap scene.

She has since turned down a contract with Interscope to work with TI and may just have A$AP Rocky wrapped around her finger. These Whilhelmina contracted curves confirm that ignorant art is, indeed, bliss.

6. Lana Del Rey

Oh Lana. Your videos are like velvet cascading down upon our restless spirits. Cinematically enticing, provocative, and constantly surprising. This Fordham University graduate started out by making the rounds in NYC clubs at 18. She rose to fame with her YouTube hit, Video Games.

Today she fuses her voice with seamless imagery to bring us visual dramas on par with each syllable that unfurls from her throaty vocals. Her latest installment “Ride” tells the story of a lounge singer whose first love belongs to the open road, and the men she loves along the way. She unveils what happens when an independent spirit reacts with a fearless sense of desire. More than a music video, this short film leads us on her saga of soul searching.

Alyssa Aparicio | Elite.