mtvU Woodie Awards Proves Mainstream Isn't Always So Cool

It was a chilly November 2nd night and the scene was reminiscent of a taping of MTV TRL Live — thousands of screaming teenagers and young adults anitcipatedly waiting in line to watch their favorite artists perform. But something was different — the adolescents outside weren't screaming for 50 Cent, they were ecstatic because they saw RZA walk inside and then there was the possibility of Little Brother performing. Odd? Such is the intent of the mtvU Woodie Awards.

mtvU (MTV’s college network that broadcasts to colleges) has distributed "Woodies" (insert a Dipset "no homo" sound bite here) the last two years to predominantly independent artists who "generate a passionate response to their music," according to MTV. College students actually voted on the winners of the wooden records in this audience-friendly award show, thus providing indie artists with a more mainstream platform.

"Woodie" winners included My Chemical Romance ("Woodie of the Year"), Gorillaz ("Best Video Woodie-Animated") and The Afters ("Streaming Woodie" for most downloaded).

The most notable moment of the night came when reggae/hip hop artist (and Hassidic Jew) Matsiyahu performed, yarmulke, beard and all. His swagger, along with his energetic performance of "King Without A Crown," immediately won over the crowd. This crows also absolutely lost it when Saul Williams came on stage to perform "Black Stacey" with 'Yahu.

It just goes to show, though "Woodie" artists may be a bit under the radar it doesn't make their music any less impactful.

mtvU's second-annual Woodie Awards will premier on Broadband via MTVU Über mtvU.com on Nov. 9. The show will also appear on-air on mtvU beginning Nov. 10 at 8 PM ET/PT.