By Akilah Hughes

While the VMAs always promise a highly anticipated performance roster (the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards alone have Sam Smith, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé to name a few), the excitement actually begins the second those celebs hit the red carpet -- or in the 2011 ceremony's case, the blue carpet.

Let's rewind back to that night three years ago. All of your faves were trying their hardest to stand out in a crowd of such sartorial fabulosity, but they were no match for one Nicki Minaj.

Now, it isn’t news that the "Anaconda" rapper is flawless. (Her updated Beyoncé remix from a couple of weeks ago told us that.) But, it is important for us to remember the mind-blowingly creative -- albeit a little bizarre -- ensemble that she unveiled at the 2011 VMAs. If your faves were dressed to the nines, then Nicki came dressed to the tens.

I remember sitting in my living room, mouth agape, trying my hardest to comprehend what it must be like to be in the VMA performer's head. Does she dream exclusively in cartoons? Does she see colors more vibrantly than I do? Will I ever be that cool? If you don't think her colorful, wacky, over-the-top outfit was the craziest look you’ll ever see, then please take 1,000 seats.

I mean, THAT MASK.

THOSE SOCKS. IS THAT A CANE?

DOES IT MATTER?!

That evening, the Queen of the Barbz took home Best Hip Hop Video for "Super Bass," not to mention my heart for having the balls to rock those clothes in public.

[uma_snippet id="1729243"]