Directed by famed rap-vid auteur Chris Robinson (Busta Rhymes, Alicia Keys, Nas), baby-faced R&B crooner Mario's clip for "Break Up," off his album, D.N.A., starts out normally enough: a Gucci Mane guest verse comparing the emotional wreckage of a break-up to public bus schedules, some tooling around in nice whips on abandoned sets from The Wire, etc. But midway through "Break Up," things get Fosse-tastic, with a startling interpretive dance number set in a living room. From there it's the same old ur-dumped song and dance; our star holding a "Dear, Mario" letter, while his ex-girl is on to the next guy (in this case R&B singer and apparent amateur boxer Sean Garrett).

One thing's for sure: Mario's breakup is modern dance's loss. Those two had some choreographed chemistry. Watch yourself, Beyonce.

+ Since everyone else is doing something vampire-related these days, Henry Rollins figured he'd jump on the bandwagon (along with Iggy Pop and Moby) and star in Suck, a spoof movie about the vampire trend. We seriously hope they get Leslie Nielsen to make a cameo (Dracula: Dead And Loving It anyone??). Pretty sure he's probably booked tho. Watch the Suck trailer for a ridiculous look at Moby, Alice Cooper, Iggy Pop, and Henry Rollins. (Twenty Four Bit)

+ And for all the Twilighters out there who just can't get close enough to R.Patts and his famous Edward Cullen pout, now you can have him watching over your nibbly bits while you're hosing yourself down in the shower. (Street Level)

+ Leona Lewis is set to debut her sophomore album Echo in November of this year, after being the best-selling new artist of 2008. Seriously excited for this one...

+ American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert has evidently recorded some amazeballs song for the upcoming disaster flick 2012, and this photo shoot he did ain't bad either. He's so oddly attractive, we can't put our fake fingernail on it. (Socialite Life)

+ "Mommmmy, Katy Perry has her lipstick out again!!!" (Seriously? OMG! WTF?)

+ Jack-of-all-trades Queen Latifah has a new song out featuring Busta Rhymes and others AND she has a new album coming out next week. Listen to the track here. (Rap-Up)

[Photo Credit: Gregg Delman]

The-Dream's got friends in high places. His "Rockin That Thang" remix just dropped and it's stacked with names -- Rick Ross, Ludacris, Fabolous, Juelz Santana and DJ Khaled -- pretty much a who's who of hip-hop right now. You could call it The- Dream Team and be right in more than one way.

If the cover-shoot-based layout of the Parris (Ludacris, Swizz Beats, Busta Rhymes) -directed video looks familiar, it's probably because a) you've read a magazine before, and b) it's more or less what Kanye and Jamie Foxx did on "Gold Digger." I guess there's also an outside chance that c) one of those many fly girls is your sister or best friend or tutor.

Anyway, when you got an all-star list of collaborators, hopefully you come out with some showstopper rhymes. Here are a few stand-outs:

Fabolous: "Can I call you Nana 'cause you got that rockin' chair?"

Juelz Santana: "Treat you like the first lady, I'll put my Barack in ya!"

Ludacris: "I'm ready to take the Milky Way to your Hershey's Kiss."

Dirty! I'm sure they mean all that literally, and wholesomely. Wholesome like Buzzworthy. Watch that video now.

We're still recovering from that crazy, sleep-deprived time in our lives we like to call the 2008 VMAs (and, more recently, from VH1's Hip Hop Honors bonanza), but that doesn't mean we're not already gearing up for the next big televised awards show. Fortunately, we don't have long to wait, seeing as the mtvU Woodie Awards kick off Wednesday, November 19th.

And whether you're a sorority girl (like Elle Woods!) a pre-frosh (like Serena and Blair!) or someone who religiously watches Hannah Montana, we have a feeling you're not gonna want to miss THE definitive college awards show (where all the nominees are chosen by poor, ramen-noodle-eating university types!) And since the polls are officially open from now through November 7th, here's a painstakingly complete list of the categories and nominees. You're welcome!

+ Lil Wayne, Paramore, Tokyo Police Club, MGMT and Santogold duke it out for Woodie of the Year. Note that as much as we would love to see the nominees breakdance fight, the winner for this category (and all subsequent categories) will be chosen solely on the basis of your votes.

+ We love charity. Just today, we selflessly scarfed down three oatmeal raisin cookies (purchased from a Breast Cancer Bake Sale!) all in the name of good health -- and late-afternoon sugar rushes. Now, cheer on your fave do-gooders as Eddie Vedder, Ludacris, Jack's Mannequin, Mary J. Blige and Emmanuel Jal fight for the right to take home the Good Woodie.

+ Ever heard that song "Video Killed the Radio Star?" Yeah, that's a bunch of bull. So hit the polls to see Adele and Motion City Soundtrack take on heavy hitters like Gnarls Barkley, Vampire Weekend and Erykah Badu for the Best Video Woodie.

+ We've always had a secret soft spot for the New Kid. So we'll definitely be checking back to find out which of these rookies (All Time Low, We The Kings, There For Tomorrow, Lykke Li and Tyga) is gonna walk out of here with the title of Breaking Woodie.

+ You know those amazing can't-live-without artists you never heard of 'til, like, yesterday? Well, you still have three more weeks to choose between No Age, Chromeo, Yelle, She and Him and The Cool Kids for Left Field Woodie.

+ And you gotta give it up for the performers who ALWAYS know how to put on a good show. Or as we like to call them, "the Michael Jordans of music." Yeah, we're talkin' about you, Kanye West, Atmosphere, N.E.R.D., The Ting Tings and Simian Mobile Disco. May the best one win! A Performance Woodie, that is.

****Psssst! Not only can you vote for your favorite artists -- you can also campaign for them on your Facebook/MySpace pages(!!) For more details about voting, campaigning and general Woodie goodness, go to mtvU's official Woodies Awards site. GO WOOD!

UPDATE: The entire show is now available online. What are you waiting for??

Whether you're an old-school head (think Eric B & Rakim, Run DMC, Sugar Hill Gang) a recent convert (think: Eminem, 50 Cent, Weezy) or just a big-time Tracy Morgan fan (Think: "Brian Fellows' Safari Planet"), you're not gonna want to miss tonight's 2008 VH1 Hip Hop Honors.

Here, we've rounded up the best behind-the-scenes dirt, backstage photos and red carpet reportage to get you your most readiest for the big night. Here's a few reasons you'll want to tune in tonight at 10pm:

+ Tracy Morgan's hosting, and he's not afraid to give it up for the most powerful woman in politics: Tina Fey.

+ Gym Class Heroes' Travis McCoy is heading up the backstage interviews, and you won't wanna miss him reminiscing with Busta Rhymes over Slick Rick's jewels.

+ This year's honorees are some of the biggest names in hip-hop: Cypress Hill, De La Soul, Naughty By Nature, Slick Rick and Too $hort. Yahurd?

+ The performances are gonna be HOT. We're talking Kid Rock, Lil Jon, Cee-Lo, Fat Joe, Flavor Flav, Wyclef Jean and much, much more.

+ There's nothing like seeing history in the making. Find out which of this year's moments will join Nelly and Ciara's tribute to LL Cool J as one of the best moments in Hip Hop Honors' history.

+ The guys from Naughty by Nature have so many skillz they can even kick it a cappella. Hip-hop hooray!

+ You'll get to see Gym Class Heroes, Busta Rhymes, De La Soul and Bun B showing off their favorite hip hop moves. (We still say the Running Man's timeless).

+ Even the rehearsals are dope. From the Public Enemy runthrough to Travis McCoy's Cypress Hill tribute, all we can say is BRING IT.

+ And speaking of Cypress Hill, you'll want to hear why they had a police escort in Illinois. Plus find out how De La Soul passes the time when they're on the road.

+ The spontaneous infomercials. Despite his apparent lack of coordination, we're thinking Katy Perry's boyfriend might've missed his calling.

+ It's all about the style. Special shout-outs to Cee-Lo for his shiny, velour spacesuit and Biz Markie's for his 45-pound bling... thing.

PLUS, get even more prepped with videos from some of tonight's top performers and honorees. We've been waiting All Summer Long for such a Vivrant Thing, and now Something's Gotta Give before we Get Low and go Insane in the Brain. So check out hits from Cypress Hill, Naughty By Nature, Busta Rhymes and Lil Jon and try not to go loco. Like we did just there.

+ Rihanna and Fergie ranked second and fourth respectively on People's 2008 Best Dressed List. Guess we're not the only ones who noticed Chris Brown's maybe-squeeze was looking G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S at this year's Video Music Awards. (Watch Rihanna's live VMAs performance of Disturbia and check out the rest of the list to see which other famous fashionistas made the cut).

+ R. Kelly discusses those child pornography allegations in the vaguest/least informative way possible. (MTV)

+ LL Cool J's clothing line is definitely not "doin' it well." Rumor has it the rapper's new Sears collection has already hit the marked-down rack. Which is usually in the back of the store. Which is usually where dreams go to die. (Racked)

+ Busta Rhymes switches record labels, maintains his penchant for chinchilla wraps. (Rap-Up)

+ Paris Hilton as a brunette? No wonder they're calling her new flick (Repo! The Genetic Opera) a "rock horror" show. Fortunately, she's back to her blonde roots for Paris Hilton's My BFF. (JoBlo)

+ Jessica Simpson's album sales are borderline respectable. Which means this country gal ain't hangin' up her cowgirl boots hat just yet. (Scandalist)

+ Beyonce to get charged with impersonating a police officer? (Just Jared)

+ Long live lingerie! Usher attempts to uncover Victoria's Secret in his new Trading Places video. (MTV)

It's now 1:57a.m. ET, and back in the Crosby building at Paramount, Jim Cantiello, Tamar Anitai and Shaheem Reid (Jennifer Vineyard and James Montgomery are running around somewhere) are a more than a little blogged out. Some of us are out at after parties, some of us <ahem> are pulling together must-see videos and photos we shot - kamikaze style! - of celebrities pouring into the back lot after the show. Stay tuned...

We've said it before, and we're saying it again: Spotting celebrities at the VMAs is like shooting fish in a damn barrel. From red-carpet arrivals to backstage buzz, we'll be live blogging the movie magic and surprises behind every set and all of our 2008 Hollywood VMA star sightings all night. Keep checking this post!

11:28 p.m. ET — Chris Brown went to the spot where he was supposed to meet Rihanna ... and found Jamie Foxx instead. And a minute after that, McLovin (a.k.a. Christopher Mintz-Plasse). "Good to meet you," the  actor told him.

11:25 p.m. ET — The Pussycat Dolls almost lost a member as they got into their tram. "Please don't leave without me!" Nicole Scherzinger cried while holding the train of her dress up to run to them.

11:23 p.m. ET — Tokio Hotel and the Pussycat Dolls just hugged it out. Bill gave Nicole Scherzinger the two-cheek kiss and then went off to find a drink. Meanwhile, Angela and Vanessa Simmons sought out a bathroom, and T.I. tried to find a polite way to turn away an extremely annoying reporter who was trying to hop aboard his golf cart.

11:20 p.m. ET — Rihanna and Chris Brown are going their separate ways — but only for 10 minutes. "You go do your thing, and you meet me right here," she tells him.

11:15 p.m. ET — Paris is the rare multitasker who can type on a BlackBerry and smoke a cigarette at the same time.

11:08 p.m. ET — After his performance, Kid Rock walks out and says, "I feel like an old man. I've been doing this for 10, 15 years." Being able to remember exact dates is the first thing to go, Kid.

11:01 p.m. ET — Apl from the Black Eyed Peas nearly ran me over in his golf cart. My fault, really. "Beep beep!" he jokes as he pulls away.

10:59 p.m. ET — Robert Pattinson from "Twilight" is lost, and who can blame him? This lot is confusing. Meanwhile, Paris Hilton is walking away when a random bystander who wants to take a picture with her. She gracefully poses and tells the fan, "Have fun!"

10:57 p.m. ET — A verklempt Tokio Hotel are hugging their staff so hard that someone might break a bone. Achtung!!!

10:52 p.m. ET — Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens were all smiles and holding hands as they walked out of the stage door — but when they got away from the crowd, the hands were dropped and their faces went cold. Looking much happier were Travis McCoy and Katy Perry, who walked out a moment later — despite no hand holding.

10:48 p.m. ET — Lupe Fiasco is rushed out the door of the Crosby Building on the Paramount lot.

10:45 p.m. ET — Christina has left the building! She runs out of the stage door as her dancers clap for her. "We nailed it!" one of them cheers as they load into a golf cart. "Whoo-hoo!" Christina yelps as they drive away with everyone on the backlot applauding her.

10:42 p.m. ET — Ooh, sh--, it's Toccara, rockin' that Janelle Monae fauxhawk like a tippity-top model. Whoa, Kanye almost just ran me over!!! Where's the fire, 'Yeezer?

10:40 p.m. ET — Looks like Nicky Hilton is getting some loving — a guy she's with is trying to kiss her, but taking a cue from her sister Paris, she looks bored.

10:33 p.m. ET — Looks like Slipknot might be leaving. "Especially with the masks, no one expects you to sit there for five hours," a rep tells injured bandmember Joey Jordison, who walks with the aid of two canes. Meanwhile, McLovin is getting some loving from Slipknot. "You've got to come to a show, man," they tell him.

10:30 p.m. ET — Backstage, MTV alum Carson Daly gave the network that made him famous the thumbs up.

10:28 p.m. ET — In the talent holding area, all eyes are glued to the big show, playing on a nearby flatscreen. Awhile back, Paramore's Farro brothers watched the Jonas Brothers' performance intently, heads in hands, like a couple of awestruck toddlers. Across the room, Kid Rock's drummer, Stefanie Eulinberg, was watching too, though she wasn't exactly awestruck by what she saw. "They look like the Wiggles," she laughed to no one in particular, before leaning way back in her chair. Things aren't nearly as laidback in Studio 16, where the main show rolls on. As a tech crew hustled in Paramore's "Whisky a Go-Go" set, Pete Wentz was nearly crushed, forced to take cover behind a velvet curtain. "I have no idea what's happening right now," he said, eyes wide. "You can be killed at any minute if you're not careful."

10:27 p.m. ET — Britney is back ... at Studio 16. While most people walk or ride in a golf cart, Britney had a tram. But seconds after Britney walked through the side door, Christina Aguilera — in a cart — pulled up and followed her through.

10:23 p.m. ET — Slash is hungry. He wants to go to Lucy's, but his wife, Perla, wants Nobu. But so many people keep coming to hug him, he can't leave. "I just want to get out of here!" he yells to Perla as she walks away to find a bathroom.

10:21 p.m. ET — Seth Green and LL Cool J's bro hug was one of the funniest moments I'd seen until I just almost walked directly into Slash's wife's ginormous rack. Slash, his wife and a few of Slash's other friends are singing happy birthday to someone, and I think Slash's wife's boobs are singing too.

10:16 p.m. ET — On the hunt for a bathroom, Seth Green found Slash instead by talent check-in. "Slash doesn't want to go in right now," his rep said while the hug-fest ensued.

10:08 p.m. ET — Tim Kash takes a minute to catch up with fellow Brits the Ting Tings.

10:06 p.m. ET — Did Lil Wayne have a wardrobe malfunction? His team is all atwitter that he had his shirt off and was showing off his tattoos — that was most definitely not according to plan. They just managed to get a plain white T on him before he made his entrance to Stage 16.

10:04 p.m. ET — Katy Perry got teased by security as she tried to make her way backstage. "No beer on the premises," a guard joked, pretending to block her. Katy's response? She hoisted the bottle above her head as if to toast him, and strolled on through, laughing.

9:59 p.m. ET — T.I.'s team loves Katy Perry. For the past 10 minutes, they've been singing "I Kissed a Girl" to each other. Clay especially — when he sees me, he grabs me and serenades me a little with the song, and then adds, "I want to kiss a girl!" Females backstage, you've been warned.

9:56 p.m. ET — Katy Perry watches Paramore's performance in the talent holding area. LL Cool J walks right past her. Just polite eye contact and a head nod.

9:55 p.m. ET — Oh cuh-rap. The venue is packed to capacity and the fire marshal ain't lettin' no one back in. Which means I'm watching Vanessa Hudgens' handlers work their handling magic on the security guys at the side door. Same thing Paramore's people just had to do. Bet Jim Cantiello doesn't have to deal with this. Ooh, Pussycat Dolls and Keri Hilson are all exchanging pretty pleasantries! Suuuhp, laydayze!?

9:33 p.m. ET — OMG. Lindsay Lohan just sprinted by in her next look — modified tux vest held together in the back by like something no more substantial than a human hair! Soo supremo hot!

9:21 p.m. ET — Miley Cyrus is like four inches from me. That dress says "next Madonna" to me (but not the rapping version). And Lindsay Lohan is an effing fox on heels. But you knew that. Aww, Samantha Ronson! You so scrappy! (GET ME YOUR DAMN BROTHER'S PHONE NUMBER OR I SWEAR I'LL HAVE YOU BUMPED TO THE CRAP SEATS!!!) Also, I'd punch my own mother for the tartan dress Vanessa Simmons is wearing. Oh, Katy Perry just walked by — I'd kick my cat for her shoes. Ooh, Kid Rock just walked by and refused some random guy's photo. DENIED!!!

9:14 p.m. ET — Panic at the Disco ... I told them there was champagne back here (NOT THAT IVE HAD ANYYYYYYhshdhfblarggdd), but they wanted some beers. I told them this pic was for Hustler. Effing love these dudes!

9:11 p.m. ET — One of T-Pain's clowns is mesmerized as he watches Rihanna perform "Disturbia" with her own clan of face-painted misfits. He looks like he belongs on the stage with them.

9:04 p.m. ET — Britney!!! Is here! She's back! Better than ever! OMB! Need oxygen!!! Need ... oxygen and more Britney!!! Best. VMAs. Evar!!!!!!!

8:59 p.m. ET — We have Jonas! In the golf cart! And I'm fangirling out because Kevin yelled out to me, "How you doin'?" My heart just grew another heart, and that heart is making the little Jonas heart sign with its little heart hands!!!

8:53 p.m. ET — Jordin Sparks just struck like 12 poses and she truly is rockin' it out from head to toe. Ooh, Chace Crawford just stopped for his snaps and broke my heart into a million little pieces with that Brad-Pitt-of-the-Jonas-generation stilo!!! Holy hell!!! Trent Reznor's here! Dying, dying, dying!!!

8:51 p.m. ET — Paramore are in a couple of Smart Cars, one red and one blue. Chivalry is dead, though: As the guys pop out, who comes up out the trunk? The only female, Hayley.

8:50 p.m. ET — Michael Phelps will have to wait just a little longer to meet one of his favorite rappers, Lil Wayne. Phelps is getting interviewed with Kid Rock, and who would pull up on a golf cart right behind them? Weezy. Phelps had no idea, and before Wayne could go say hi, the rapper was directed to another part of the carpet. The Olympic gold medal winner did get a chance to chop it up with Kid for a few mins. "Congratulations," Kid said to the Baltimore-bred athlete. "Thanks, man," he replied humbly. "What are you up to?" "Trying to ride the wave like you," Kid answered with a grin. Ciara pulled up while they chatted.

8:48 p.m. ET — Twilight stars Kristen Stewart -- in a gorgeous Phillip Lim dress -- and Robert Pattinson just stopped for a snap (looking very much like a real-life couple), with T-Pain right behind them.

8:41 p.m. ET — OMG, Slash!!! And his wife has a mustache TATTOOED ONTO HER FINGER! I'm not worthy!!! I'm also not really able to hear for sh-- anymore, as the Swaychopper has officially DESTROYED my hearing.

8:34 p.m. ET — Corbin Bleu, in a sleek, dangerous-looking motorcycle jacket and hair that'd make the gods envious, stopped for a backstage photo as Lauren Conrad teetered by (avoiding a scary looking grate) holding a glass of champers, Busta rolled by wearing a diamond watch bigger than my freaking face, and Ne-Yo played the part of the gentleman, slinging his jacket over his shoulder. Oh, and he was wearing a hat, obvs. Ooh, and Nicky Hilton looks the chicest — and richest — I've ever seen her!!

8:24 p.m. ET — Joe Francis of Girls Gone Wild notoriety just walked by in a velvet blazer with a girl who did not look so wild to me. Not far behind him was Ashley Tisdale, looking wildly gorgeoso. For the love of East High, someone keep Joe Francis far, far away from the Tis!!!!

8:19 p.m. ET — Is Drake Bell channeling Peter Parker or is he the next Johnny Depp? I don't know and don't care. I just know I'm officially in love.

8:12 p.m. ET — T-Pain, looking very much like a gilded ringmaster, describes his red-carpet entrance (atop an elephant, FYI) to a member of his posse: "It's very hot, and my ba--s hurt." Good to know!

8:10 p.m. ET — Two members of the Jonas Brothers' backing band just cruised by in a golf cart. Contain yourselves, ladies!!! (And no, I've had no Jonas spottings yet ... YET!!! Ooh, there's Apl.De.Ap from Black Eyed Peas wearing Obama sneakers.

8:07 p.m. ET — Tom Kaulitz claps his hands to the beat as Tokio Hotel stand up in the back of their monster truck. The truck is in position as the driver waits his cue. As they approach the carpet entrance, the only thing louder than the roar of their truck is the rock music blasting out of the speakers.

8:06 p.m. ET — MTV alum and VH1 top doc Dr. Drew just walked by the backstage station. Help me, doc! I'm addicted to the Jonas Brothers!

8:03 p.m. ET — Backstage, Pussycat Dolls creator Robin Antin just slinked by in a cream and denim dress as an impeccably outfitted Jermaine Dupri and prodigy Q (as in the letter, as one photographer said), stopped for a photo op.

7:56 p.m. ET — Rihanna boards a golf cart headed for the main show, and as she's leaving, she pokes fun at her assistant's particularly flamboyant porkpie hat. "Oh my God, are you a Jonas?" she laughs. The Plain White T's hang around by the security checkpoint, apparently waiting for their tickets to arrive. "We got here really early this time, 'cause last year we almost missed the opening of the show," frontman Tom Higgenson says. Minutes later, they receive the coveted tix and head inside.

7:49 p.m. ET — T.I. is walking up to the carpet. It's Just Tip, his lady Tiny, a female friend and Tip's publicist. On the way to the carpet, Travis Barker walks up and they all shake hands and hug. Paul Wall walks up a few minutes later and joins them.

7:48 p.m. ET — Nothing but ladies now. The Pussycat Dolls walk up, then Solange, now Brooke Hogan. All the limos seem to be backed up, so everyone is just legging it out. Rihanna next, Keri Hilson. Very casual.

7:47 p.m. ET — Speidi spotting! Spencer actually looked quite polished in pinstripes. He had a happy looking Heidi at his side in a '70s era off-the-shoulder glittery black minidress and studded black boots. The power couple already gets my vote for glammest couple of the night. Ooh, here comes Pete Wentz, who just gave them both a hug, and Spencer fixed Pete's Amish guy tie. Its like an MTV family reunion.

7:42 p.m. ET — Pink blew by on a golf cart in a black-and-red-striped dress and hair out to there, like a modified version of Tokio Hotel's Bill Kaulitz, which will probably only make Bill happier if he meets her — she's the one star he told me he can't wait to meet today.

7:27 p.m. ET — All you hear in the parking lot leading up the entrance of the red carpet is "My president's black/ My Lambo's blue/ I'll be g--damn if my rims ain't too." Young Jeezy is sitting on the back of his all-black old-school convertible. Meanwhile, he has what looks to be a couple of dozen guys on choppers. If Jeezy were to ever hold office, chances are the Secret Service and the police wouldn't be guarding him. Meanwhile Lupe Fiasco shows up in a fly jockey outfit. He fixes his shirt right before stepping on the carpet.

7:25 p.m. ET — A dapper Donnie Klang and two bodyguards stop for a minute to enjoy the view of Lauren Conrad while she does an on-air hit with MTV News' Tim Kash. Audrina Patridge walks by, and I swear she was talking to her publicist about a hot dog stand. Seriously.

7:23 p.m. ET — The Cab frontman Alex DeLeon appears super blown away by the star power of Taylor Swift. "We were behind her and all the photographers were like 'AAAAH!' " he laughed. "And then when we rolled up, they were like 'Eh.' " No matter, though. "Last year we just hung out in Fall Out Boy's suite. This year we get to see Kanye perform. Plus no one knows who we are, so I can get drunk!"

7:18 p.m. ET — Sean Garrett just told us he's working with Beyoncé. He said it was supposed to be a secret, but now the secret is out.

7:16 p.m. ET — Heavy D walks up. No car — just D calmly strolling and talking on his BlackBerry. Soon the roar of the motorcycles traveling with Jeezy can be heard. They're nowhere in sight, though, they just have very loud pipes.

6:41 p.m. ET — Fatman Scoop arrives wearing boxer shorts, a tank top and dress socks. No shame whatsoever. He has a huge smile as he steps out of the limo with his wife, Shanda. Damien from "TRL" chats with John Norris about sports. Of course they talk Tom Brady and Chad Pennington's first games of the NFL season. Floor manager says, "Tokio Hotel are five cars away!"

(Credit: Brian Appio)

What would you say if we told you that the good looking fellow in the Gucci hat is continually mistaken for Akon? And not because they look alike (although both men do share a predilection for dark shades and neon shirts) but because many incorrectly attribute his smash hit, "Dangerous," to the man who signed him.

Sure, that's Akon's voice on the chorus, but the real credit goes to Kardinal Offishall (born Jason Harrow), the dancehall reggae rapper/producer who's been waiting to burst out onto the scene for just over a decade. And by "waiting to burst out," we actually mean collaborating with big-name talent like Lil Wayne, Rihanna and Busta Rhymes, plus winning a Juno award -- the Canadian equivalent of a Grammy -- for Choclair in '00.

And if that wasn't enough, Kardinal Offishall also has the innate rhythm, smooth flow and explosive delivery of Ludacris and an impressive collection of wide-brimmed hats. So check the rest of his exclusive photos and watch the video that brought the so-called "Canadian ambassador of hip-hop" stateside. Then get ready to see a whole lot more of the Ontarian terror, because Kardinal Offishall has officially arrived.

It's incredibly hard to believe, but neither Britney Spears or Mariah Carey have ever won an MTV Video Music Award. Really.

A VMA staple performer and presenter over the years, Britney has been nominated a whopping 16 times with zero Moonman statuettes to show for it. Similarly, Carey, a pillar of MTV (really, she holds up a corner of the building) has pulled down five solo nominations and one for her turn in a Busta Rhymes clip, and she, too, has netted a goose egg when it comes to walking out with an award tucked into her stylish diva bag.

Will that change this year? So far, Spears is nominated for two 2008 MTV Video Music Awards as her "Pieces of Me" video has made the cut in the Best Female Video and, as was announced earlier tonight on FNMTV, the Best Pop Video category. Will she go 18-0? Or maybe more, if she gets a nod in a category like Best Dancing in a Video, which opened up tonight for your votes, which will help MTV determine the final nominees.

Also in the Best Female Video category, Mariah is nominated for her hilarious "Touch My Body" video, which features Kenneth, the adorably dopey NBC page on 30 Rock. She could still pop up in some of the other categories, too, so she may have more than one shot in '08.

So the big, big, big question is: Will these obviously deserving bridesmaids ever get the chance to walk down the aisle with a Moonman on their arms?

Conspiracy theorists, we want you to mull this over a while. After the jump you can watch Brit and Mimi's '08 nominated videos while looking over the detailed list of their past nominations and launch your crackpot conclusions in the comments.

Read more...

Between Busta's recent label drama and Nas' entire album and media maelstrom, the two rappers have been embroiled in a fountainhead of controversy. MTV staff writer timmhotep aku sat down with Busta, who traded in the beef for poultry -- in particular, his guest spot on Nas' new track, "Fried Chicken." See what timmhotep had to say about interviewing Busta, and check out the interview below that.

Embattled, controversial and brolic. Those are words I never thought I'd use to describe Busta Rhymes, an emcee who recounted high school hijinks as a teenaged Leader of the New School in the early '90s and reinvented himself as a cartoonish energy god later on that decade. Fast-forward to 2008: new and improved, jacked and dread-less Busta has been through a couple years of legal trouble and the bad press it brings. So when I sat down to interview the self-proclaimed "Best Rapper In Existence," I skipped the drama to talk about what he does best: rap. Check him out as talks about his skills getting slept on and collaborating with his homeboy Nas on one of the best hip-hop concept songs we've heard in a while.