A lot of hype is being built around Watch The Throne, a soon-to-be released record from Jay-Z and Kanye West, available for preorder August 2nd. Part of the push includes recording session images, with the one featured here one of the more intriguing of the bunch. Lots of body language going down between Jay and Bee. Can’t quite figure it out but it sure is fun to try! Via Hypebeast.

The Billboard Music Awards took place last night in Las Vegas, and some of our style faves were there, including Beyonce, Rihanna and Nicki Minaj. Here is fascinating shot of Rihanna with Jay Z, a pair whose exact relationship has always had an air of mystery to it, like, hmmm…. 

On the next page, red carpet plus performance images from all of the above, plus Fergie, Britney Spears, Keri Hilson, Kelly Rowland, Mary J and a couple more.

All of the internets are buzzing that Mr. Sean Carter has launched a site titled Lifeandtimes. It includes style features and while clearly more for a male audience, among the neckties and men’s shoes was an interview with street photographer Garance Dore (that’s her above in a photo accompanying the interview, shot by her fella, Scott Schuman). Here are a few of her responses:

L+T: What’s the most fashionable place you’ve ever been?
GD: Anna Della Russo’s closet.

L+T: Who are three artists in your iPod that you’ll never take out?
GD: Leonard Cohen, Serge Gainsbourg, Destiny’s Child

L+T: What fashion trends should we be looking forward to in 2011?
GD: I love hats and I would like to see more women and men adopting them into their wardrobe.

Note the nod to Beyonce! Definitely it will be interesting to see if the famously private Jay-Z will use his insider access to create compelling content. So far he’s playing his hand chest close and like a lot of things Carter-related, you feel a wall. Though given this is just day one, it’s will take a few weeks to tell.

Howard Stern conducts a fascinating, hour-long  interview with Jay-Z, in which he discusses his upbringing, choosing Alicia Keyes over Mary Blige for “Empire State Of Mind,” meeting Rhianna for the first time and his views on the Kanye/Taylor Swift dust up, plus tons more, all in the name of promoting his book, “Decoded” (cover image above), which went on sale today. –Youraudiofix

The recession recedes to the rear view mirror with Urban Outfitters and Burberry, among others, reporting kick-ass quarters.–CNBC

Like it or not, it’s that time of year again and Refinery does its part by putting together a great list of 40 holiday gifts under $100. –Refinery

WAH nails and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are a bit of an odd combo, but the resulting Formula 1 nail art designs are totally fly.–WAHnails

Much ado was made about Victoria’s Secret fashion show at the end of last week. It hadn’t been done for a few seasons and the idea is that its reemergence is some sign of optimism. The show was okay. You can can tell the brand is trying to be more Viki, aka, playful and modern, and less Victoria. I’m not NOT a fan (bought some adorable panties at a VS store a couple weeks back), but I thought the show was just okay. Still, there was some great people watching as always at the show. I picked Heidi for the front page shot because I thought she look amazing (check out her finger accessories!), though when I saw she was quoted at the show as still needing to lose 20 pounds I couldn’t help but feel dismayed and a little disappointed. Oh Heidi. Still think she’s a peach.

After the jump: Keri Hilson looking super fab and shaking hands with Mr. Knowles, plus two daughters whose mothers’ fame precedes them: Chanel Iman and Julia Restoin-Roitfeld.

All images Wire.

The Carters sharing a private laugh and just generally enjoying each other’s company at a charity event held in conjunction with the NBA All Star event. Looks like Bee took a minute to get her nails fixed, too, thank god!

Images are from WireImage.

Steal a look at the Carters’ footwear on the next page: Jay is wearing Adidas Shelltoes and the missus has on some sky-high flashy numbers and because I’m not a geek like my partner, Samia, I have no idea who they’re designed by. 

When we were chatting yesterday with Shana of Pitch Control, the topic of celeb style came up and, natch, Beyonce’s name was in the mex. We agreed that while Beyonce’s legendary creds are money in the bank, sometimes (not always!) her look is a complete mess. It’s like she keeps trying to run that New York cool look, but the Southern belle in her can’t help but meddle in the mix and the results are not cute!

Case in point. Here she is at a party her man (who, FINALLY, is willing to be photographed putting his hands on her in public!) recently held at his New York 4040 Club:

^^Okay so she’s working the cute black mini, which creates a great backdrop for her big ole Chanel piece. It aint cutting edge granted, but it’s cute enough. But then look at the damn ole school, ”flesh-colored” stockings she’s wearing! WTF???? That’s so damn Sunday school that I gotta wonder if ANYONE has the ovaries to tell it like it is to her so she doesn’t leave the house looking ridiculous?

All images Wire

More images of a hot jock and a beloved hip-hop artist after the fold. Plus a dork.

This blog is so far off the rails in terms of what’s its content is supposed be today that I figured I’d just pile on with this video, in which Jay’s “Dirt Off Your Shoulders” song is mashed up with clips from the campaign, including Barack’s speech yesterday when he channels Mr. Carter and literally brushes his shoulders off.