Guest Post by Manny Arciga, Community Manager of the video contest site, Zooppa.com.

In my short time as a community manager for a video contest site I’ve learned this blaring truth rules most if not all video contests. I’ve thought of the possible reasons why. Could it be the wide acceptance of this previously niche genre of music? Could it be that it is the easy way to skirt music copyright issues if you make what’s essentially your own music video? Could it be that they are a rollicking good time to make and watch?

The answer is all of the above.

The following 3 rap videos have won awards in Zooppa contests. Each take rap and place it in incredibly un-gangsta situation like purchasing plane tickets. I’m reminded of “Office Space” when I watch “I’m IT.” The funniest scene in that movie was the destruction of the printer with a musical backdrop from Geto Boys.

Submitted to MegaPath’s I’m IT contest.  Prize won:  $2,000: 

Submitted to Hormel Compleats contest.  Prize Won:  $2,000:

Submitted to:  Orbitz Contest.  Prize Won:  $1,500:

Submitted to Silk: Better for You, Better for the Earth. Prize Won: $8,000:

It’s funny that a niche genre becomes most accessible when it becomes a novelty. This is what these videos are: novelty rap. It’s not just for Sir Mix-A-lot anymore.
 

—   Guest Post by Manny Arciga, Community Manager of Zooppa.com   —

 
Beardy’s Note: So that was our first official guest post!  Remember, if you’d like to write a Guest Post for VCN, just e-mail me at and let me know your brilliant idea.