Here's a list of completely random notes taken while simultaneously watching the show:

1. What A LETDOWN! Ludacris brings out Rakim for his mini performance and I got so excited. But all Rakim says is "Emcees can move the crowd" and promptly leaves. Disappointing.

2. Despite the disappointment with Rakim, it's nice seeing T.I. and Ludacris squashing the old beef and performing together, I can't front.

3. T-Pain did a decent job with the opening monologue despite his lack of preparation time.

4. They should have let Nas perform one of the better songs on the "Nigger" album, it could have been a powerful performance.

5. Why did Keri Hilson not perform with Nas (she was featured on the track), but 10 minutes later she came out to present an award?

6. I love how Salt from Salt & Pepa cleaned up every dirty or suggestive lyric in her songs....she ain't playin.

7. Cory Gunz is a monster. Jesus Christ.

8. I wish they showed more audience reaction shots during NERD's performance, that could have ben entertaining in itself.

9. Watching T-Pain and Lil Wayne try to sing was undoubtedly the worst part of the night. Horrible.

10. I'm really glad they injected a healthy dose of footage detailing the positive impacts some artists have in the community, as well as the Obama love.

Over on the Okayplayer message boards, ?uestlove started a thread in which the members can ask him to tell a funny story about any celebrity they choose. The selection I've included below is an encounter ?uest had with Nas ten years ago.

"aug 98-

electric lady.
i walk into electric lady coming from waverly diner across the street. bag of food in hand
i walk inside and walk downstairs.
nas is talking to the receptionist and hands me a $20
grabs my bag and says “its cool…keep the change”

i thought he was joking so i let 15 secs go by but he kept walking to studio b.

me and the receptionist were laughing and i thought…well maybe i should keep this 20 cause this story is too funny…

but i was starving…

and then i thought about it…and my ego kicked in…

how does this nigga not know im not the delivery boy from the diner and not questlove??!?!??

i mean for god sake he bitched to the source the HARDEST when we got a higher rating than It Was Written….so i KNOW he has to know….

i ran like “yo!!!!! i thought you were playing….that is my food yo..i thought you were joking”

“naaaaah….i….thought you were the delivery boy…”

*hands bag back*

*me and the receptionist were like “this nigga must be high as hell”*

there are 2 $20 dollar bills i have on my wall at home.

one from Prince–he tipped me jokingly for being funky

the other from Nas….i never gave him that $20 back"

Theres an even better story about ?uest being dissed by Quincy Jones too, you can read those HERE