2 Chainz dressed down for the occasion. Photo: Getty Images

Only a few of Atlantans are representing at the VMAs.

Usher and part-time resident Justin Bieber were nominated for best male video, but lost to Chris Brown. Really, why do people feel the need to reward this guy for such mediocrity? How about some Frank Ocean love?

Brown, in a sharp suit, his hair platinum, shades on, thanked his forgiving Team Breezy fans for the award.

Janelle Monae was up with fun. for “We Are Young” in the best pop video category, but lost to One Direction.

So far, Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz wins the visibility award, appearing on the red carpet before the show to joke that the amount of Versace he’s wearing cost about the same as a small car, then gamely participating in a lame pre-taped skit with Hart about his name.

However, both of his collaborations – with Kanye West and Nicki Minaj, lost to Lil Wayne and Drake in the best hip-hop category.

Having nothing to do with Atlanta, Ocean’s sparse, falsetto-filled performance of “Thinking About You” in front of a giant bonfire was the antithesis of what these award show performances usually deliver – it was raw, real and gripping in its simplicity.

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By Melissa Ruggieri, Atlanta Music Scene