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Photo: Ron Galella/Getty
The MTV Video Music Awards are back on the West Coast this Sunday following 2013’s quick visit to Brooklyn. No matter: The lineup promises performances from Maroon 5, Sam Smith, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, and Iggy Azalea. It’s a 2013–14 time capsule, which is what the VMAs do best. Just look at past award shows: Each contained at least one moment that could serve as a microcosm for what was “cool” in that particular year. Don’t believe us? We’ll prove it. Proceed.