** We talked to some artists about staying an outsider at school—whether by dropping out or getting ten-plus years deep in the academy. John Maus, Kreayshawn, Killer Mike, Best Coast and more told us about getting schooled.
** Tyler, the Creator won a VMA and his mom went full on exorcism crazy. Wavves had a pretty good night, too.
** Spank Rock teamed with Le1f and Big Freedia on "Nasty."
** Lil Wayne released his first 'sober' album, Tha Carter IV. We sized up its sports metaphors and shoutouts to animals, By the Numbers.
** We learned how to take a concert photo, how to read an aura and got an art history lesson from Soulja Boy and Noz.
** Waka Flocka and Ludacris released "Rich & Flexin," a song as bouncy and play-angry as Luda's best work.
** Syd The Kyd made an excellent remix of Little Dragon's album cut "Seconds." Call it a love song.
** R&B patriarch Terius Nash bka The-Dream released and amazing, angry album. Get it now, for free. Meanwhile, matriarch/master songwriter Stacy Barthe released an earnest, perfectly sung EP.
