The Tanning Effect with Steve Stoute

Watch brilliant former music executive sit down with Jay-Z, Pharrell, Jimmy Iovine and Lady Gaga in the first installment of his video series, The Tanning Effect.  His new book, entitled The Tanning of America: How the Culture of Hip Hop Rewrote the Rules of the New Economy, will hit stores tomorrow.

To learn more about Steve Stoute and to read an excerpt from his book, click here.

The MTV Video Music Awards are Tonight!!

The 2011 Video Music Awards Air on MTV tonight at 9/8 central, and Gangstas Use Emoticons will be live tweeting the entire show, starting with the 8/7 preshow.  I, DJ Hourglass, promise to keep you up to date with all of the great moments and foolishness that is sure to occur.  It's only 2:30 and Lil Mama's already starting.  If I see her on stage like last year, I will be on the floor.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter @DJHourglass and @GsUseEmoticons to join in on the festivities!

Hit the jump to see a list of performers for tonight.