It takes DC rapper Wale two hours to get dressed in the morning, because he takes fashion incredibly seriously. "Sneakerhead" doesn't begin to describe him, or the way he pores over denim styles, cuts and washes. This is not a hobby. This is art.

When he's not making masterpieces in the mirror, Wale is obsessing over sports -- real or pixelated. He's only lost at "NBA 2K9" once since he left for tour (he frequently invites people on to the bus for a challenge), and his win count for the year now hovers around 250. He's into sports so deep that, as he'll tell you, if he weren't all wrapped up in music, he'd be working the athlete beat.

But he is all wrapped up in music. Mark Ronson, who's doing everything he can to pull Wale up, describes the rapper as a "cross between Lil Wayne, Lupe Fiasco and Nas."

To find out how this fanatic talent -- the same one that spawned "Chillin," featuring Lady Gaga -- grew out of an early obsession with professional wrestling, watch Wale on "The 5," below. Check the "Chillin" video after the jump, and keep an eye out for Wale's Attention: Deficit, due out later this year.

+ Watch "Chillin'," featuring Lady Gaga, after the jump.

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Well well well. Looks who's all growed up. Last year this time, Tyga was dropping tropical-fruit-based party anthems, trashing "cousin" Travis McCoy's house, and pissing off Pete Wentz.

"Coconut Juice," off Tyga's No Introduction debut, was a feel-good summer jam, and he followed that up with a song about instant messenging and MySpace. Fun, sure, but if you weren't paying attention, you might've thought Tyga and Soulja Boy Tell'Em were the same dude -- big glasses, big backpacks, neckscarves, tats, party jams, jewelry drama, etc.

However, one look at Tyga's new video, "Cali Love," and it's clear that he's not only coming back, but he's coming back HARD. Tyga's sound on "Cali Love" is less loopy, more Lupe. Less jiggy, more Jay-Z. And after a few viewings of his "My Glory" video (one of the first lines out the gate: "F+++ you, pay me"), Tyga's even got some of that early, Diddy swagger. Pre-Twitter Diddy, that is.

+ Watch Tyga pay homage to his Compton hometown in "Cali Love," directed by Mickey Finnegan, and tell us what you think of Tyga 2.0.

+ Lupe Fiasco, Kenna, and Justin Timberlake are all climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro for charity. Yes. You read that right. (LiveSteez)

+ The famewhoring just doesn't stop: Lindsay Lohan is now poking fun of herself on Funny or Die. (Gabby Babble)

+ Today's creeptastic moment brought to you by John Mayer Twitter-flirting with Demi Lovato. Discuss. Barf. (MTV News)

+ Mariah Carey is not pregnant. She was JUST wearing a dress shaped like a giant cupcake, 'kay lambs? (Us Magazine)

+ Lily Allen has been doing shameful things behind our back, like singing for Atomic Kitten??? (Holy Moly)

+ Behind the scenes of Green Day's new video -- what do you think? (The Rad Report)

+ It's official: Bow Wow is retiring from rap (at the ripe old age of 22). (Rap-Up)

Japan, that mysterious international capitol of design, technology, sci-fi-fashion and modesty, doesn't always get the most flattering shake out here in the cowboy West. Just look at the classic Vapors video, "Turning Japanese." It's enough to make Lost In Translation blush (and I gave Nicole Scherzinger hell for her bindi?!?). But that Grand Canyon of a cultural divide that's inspired so much misguided mockery, has also spawned some of the sincerest flattery.

We've got a new video playlist called "Big In Japan" up over at MTV.com, just in time for cherry blossom season. Check out Japanese-inspired videos from Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, Coldplay, Gorillaz and Gwen Stefani, as well as a handful from artists like Tokio Hotel, Tokyo Police Club and Japanese Motors. (Get it?) It's the opposite of horbs.

We've already seen proof in the original run of "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City" ads that time has transformed A Flock Of Seagulls (and I ra-a-an) from a pack of fops with Pomeranian haircuts into straight-up thugs. Paired with a Miami sunset and a fleet of matching neon sports cars, not much else sounds as sinister as the one-hit-wonders' new wave Hail Mary, "I Ran."

Cut to a bird's-eye view of late-night Houston where native son Slim Thug is doing FOS one better by transforming their old lyrics to match their new thugged-out sound:

I run/ the streets all night and day (the hood love thug)/ cuz I still run/ the streets all night and day/ I rep for my city/ go hard for the hood/ still posted on that block what's good/ I run the streets all night and day/ can't stay away

A Flock Of Seagulls couldn't be in better hands. The O.G. who's so G that Lupe Fiasco based a whole rap narrative ("Hip-Hop Saved My Life") on his hustle, puts the classic '80s hook on a whole new level. Produced by Jim Jonsin (T.I., "Whatever You Like" and Lil Wayne's "Lollipop"), "I Run" is the first single off of Slim's upcoming Boss Of Bosses record, his first in three years. And if it's anywhere near as tough as the Mr. Boomtown (Bun B, Scarface)-directed video, Slim's got big things to look forward to in '09. So do you.

Read more...

What’s better than watching...

+ Britney-as-butterfly emerge and pick up three Moonmen

+ Jordin Sparks take on Russell Brand for taking on the Jonas Brothers for taking on abstinence

+ Lil Wayne dance his pants off

+ Paramore blow the walls off the Whisky

+ Pink break stuff

+ Katy Perry almost kiss a girl named Miley Cyrus

... And Rihanna rule the night from atop what vaguely resembled a medieval-looking S&M platform (but in the good way) -- and sing the "Numa Numa" song?

Watching a chopped-and-screwed take on the 2008 VMAs, complete with commentary from T.I., Lil Wayne, Paramore, Katy Perry, Lupe Fiasco, and family-friendly crowd-pleasers Slipknot.

Tune in and watch VMA 08 Remix Celeb Replay on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 7pm ET! Until then, warm up with Paramore's take on host Russell Brand's unique brand of comedy:

We can't believe the 2008 VMAs are (finally) over. And as much as we enjoyed watching Tokio Hotel win Best New Artist -- and seeing the Jo Bros get mobbed by a bunch of (fake) New Yorkers -- we're ready for our favorite post-awards show pastime: deconstructing the latest fashions. Check out our red carpet roundup (and the Official VMAs Photo Flipbook) and let us know which trends you loved, and which ones should go straight to the back of the closet.

Trend: Glitter-Glam
When we said the stars would shine on the VMAs red carpet tonight, we meant it. Britney Spears sparkled in silver (the perfect color to match her three new Moonmen!) while The Hills' Audrina Patridge and country gal Taylor Swift glittered in gold. Meanwhile, Miley Cyrus bedazzled in a black 20's-inspired frock and Katy Perry glimmered from head to toe in an precious metals mini. The overall effect? Reflective radiance. Or just really, really expensive tin foil. Fortunately, we happen to dig the whole couture-meets-Reynold's-Wrap mashup.

Trend: Wearing White After Labor Day
Forgot those uptight snobs who blanch at the thought of wearing white after the unofficial end of summer. White is the new black, dammit! And if you don't believe us, then maybe you'll take Lauren Conrad's word for it. (Or, for that matter, LL Cool J, Ashley Tisdale, Cee-Lo or Chris Brown's.) Personally, we're feeling a bit overwhelmed. On the one hand, there's a sense of liberation. (No more hue-related stigmas, huzzah!) On the other hand? White's not exactly the most slimming of colors. Also, whenever we wear it, we invariably spill piping hot coffee all over ourselves. Speaking of which, anyone got a Tide pen?

Trend: Hot Strapless Gowns
Sure, formfitting strapless numbers have always been in style. But this year, we're seeing way more variety in terms of color, shape and size. Some went with long gowns (as in Pink's candy-striped number and Christina Aguilera's cobwebby fishtail) while others chose to go short and sweet (a la Stephanie Pratt's black getup and Paris' two-toned taffeta). And despite the onslaught of decolletage, there wasn't a single wardrobe malfunction to be found. Which means our strapless stylistas remembered the three magic words: double-stick tape.

Trend: Black And White (And Red All Under)
In the old days, wearing plain old black-and-white was so funereal. Done incorrectly, you either looked like Morticia Adams, or else a cross between Pirates of the Caribbean and the soloist from your high school chorus. But celebs these days seem to understand there's a pretty big gray area between chic and geek. Tonight's polychromatic standouts include the Jonas Brothers, Tila Tequila, Lindsay Lohan, Lil Wayne and Tokio Hotel's Bill Kaulitz, who gets double-props for making sure his hair totes matched his outfit.

Trend: Mad Hatters
Another big 2008 VMAs trend? Men in pimped-out headgear. From Shwayze's sideways baseball cap (very Fresh Prince of Bel-Air!) to Slash's trademark top hat to Kid Rock and Lil Wayne's fedoras, rims were most definitely this evening. Which still doesn't even begin to explain the fire engine red, Cat in the Hat-style chapeau sitting (three feet) atop T-Pain's head.

Trend: Vest to Impress
And last but not least, another menswear trend sweeping the carpet this evening: the vest. TH's Bill Kaulitz sported the leather (or was it pleather??) variety while Gym Class Heroes' Travis McCoy favored the preppy-punk grayscale look. Jermaine Dupri and Lupe Fiasco refused to follow the Pussycat Dolls' advice and loosen up their buttons, babe, while Ryan Sheckler kept his vest wide open, presumably to show off his shiny chest bling.

+ Did we miss anything? Check out what everyone was wearing in the VMAs 2008 Red Carpet Flipbook. Then, tell us your favorite red carpet must-haves and let us know who you think deserves to win best/worst-dressed.

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!"

OK, so the VMAs strategy seshes may not be the epitome of glitz and glamour (or even have working air conditioning) but that's probably because they're saving all the REAL perks for this weekend's star-studded awards bash. Right? (RIGHT??)

At least, that's what we keep telling ourselves (when we're not too complaining about being sleep-deprived and explaining how Pete Wentz helped us perfect our upchuck reflex). But now that we hear Lupe Fiasco will be joining the perpetually growing list of VMAs performers, we're finally starting to believe that our time in the oxygen-deprivation chamber was TOTALLY worth it.

The former Artist of the Week -- who's also up for Best Hip Hop Video honors -- will be making like the Ting Tings and performing with the VMAs' official house band (DJ AM and Travis Barker). Get yourself revved up by re-watching our fave LF vid (that would be "Paris, Tokyo") and taking a second (Or third? Or fourth?) look at the Hype Williams-directed video that might just win him a Moonman.

Stay up-to-date on everything about the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards at vma.mtv.com, and don’t miss the big show Sunday (September 7) at 9 p.m. ET/PT or the pre-show red carpet coverage that starts at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

+ Surf's up for the Jonas Brothers! The sibling act took home six ceremonial surfboards at last night's Teen Choice Awards! Which means either (a) each Jonas walked away with two boards apiece or (b) Kevin and Joe enforced Chapter 135 of the oft-invoked Big Brother Clause...and forced Nick to shlep home all half-dozen himself. (Usmagazine.com)

+ Meanwhile, onto more important things...like what everybody wore! Check out these red carpet photos from the Teen Choice Awards and decide whether Miley or Selena should have taken home the surfboard for Best Dressed. (E! Online)

+ "When we came out, I can say it now, I actually hated Puff Daddy," confesses Noreaga. "I was disgusted at what they was doing with the shiny suits and the blow-up dolls...I didn't agree with that. I felt the shiny-suit movement was destroying the grimy movement." (MTV)

+ Kanye West dedicates his electrifying Lollapalooza show to his late mother, declaring: "This performance is for the lady that drove me to Chicago at the age of three." (Billboard)

+ Keri Hilson gives Britney Spears a huge thumbs-up. "She really isn't the puppet that people make her out to be," says Hilson. "She has an opinion and she's a very, very bright girl...You won't find any diva behavior in there." (The Bosh)

+ It's time to get out your KISS makeup, Hot Topic accessories and ripped black fishnets -- and check out the new goth-inspired vid from Vampire Weekend. (NME)

+ Apparently, we're not the only ones who believed in Lil Wayne's air guitar! The "Lollipop" rapper has scored himself a nomination for best hip-hop video, along with Flo Rida, Kanye, Mary J. Blige and Lupe Fiasco. (MTV)