Floyd "Money" Mayweather calls himself a living legend in the boxing game, and it's hard to argue with him. He has yet to lose a fight in his career and has held world championships in five different weight classes. He's as much an icon outside of the ring as in, known for flashing around giant stacks of money and wearing flashy bling (it's no wonder he fit right in as a character on WWE programming back in 2008). So when MTV News' Tim Kash asked Mayweather who in the music world most inspired him, his answer made perfect sense.

"Michael Jackson," the former champ said. "Flashy. Diamond socks. Glitter glove. Just like I brought to the sport of boxing, he brought something totally different." For a tough guy, Mayweather's take on Jackson's greatness is awfully poetic. "He was an artist who painted a picture when he danced," he said. "Today, you still play his songs and you get a chill through your body. Just like me in the fight game — I do the same thing."

Like a lot of other athletes, Mayweather draws a lot of inspiration from a number of musicians. During his sit-down, he called Drake "tough" and also praised the work of Jay-Z and Kanye West. He also addressed the feud between himself and rapper Rick Ross. "When you're on a certain level, you just let things go by," he said of the situation, which began when Ross baited Mayweather with a lyric in the song "Mafia Music." "I'm gonna stay in my lane and he's gonna stay in his lane." He even counts Ross as a fan, saying that he was in the audience when Mayweather fought Ricky Hatton. "Whether you pay to see me win or pay to see me lose, you still pay, so I thank Rick Ross for his donation."

Last night's annual "VH1 Hip-Hop Honors" show tipped its pimp hat to Def Jam Records, perhaps the most influential hip-hop company in history. When Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons launched Def Jam from Rubin's NYU dorm room 25 years ago, they surely could not have anticipated that they would nurture some of the greatest talent the hip-hop world has ever seen, from LL Cool J and Public Enemy to Ludacris and Young Jeezy.

In addition to more than two decades of killer music, artists on the Def Jam label have also focused on having a keen visual sense. As a result, some of the clips the label has put out over the years have become cornerstones of the video genre. From the punk-rock simplicity of the Beastie Boys' "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party)" and LL Cool J's "Mama Said Knock You Out" to the grimy savagery of Redman's "Blow Your Mind" and Onyx's "Slam" to the widescreen gloss of Young Jeezy's "My President" and Rick Ross' "Magnificent," Def Jam videos have been eclectic and occasionally surreal but always memorable.

Def Jam's video history reveals some interesting wrinkles in the label's history. For example, Slayer's iconic album Reign in Blood was originally put out by the label (not shocking, considering Rubin's affinity for metal) and "Raining Blood" makes for a fascinating entry in the label's history. And even though Def Jam was always primarily identified as an East Coast label, they put out one of the bigger records of the early-'90s West Coast gangsta era in Warren G's Regulate ... G-Funk Era, which meant that the clip for "Regulate" (featuring a breakout performance from Nate Dogg) was a Def Jam original.

So take a look at the 20 videos that make up Def Jam's history, from oft-forgotten clips like Oran "Juice" Jones' "The Rain" and EPMD's "Headbanger" to more high-profile clips like Sisquo's "Thong Song," Ja Rule's "Holla Holla" and, of course, the Beastie Boys.

Birdman's new album Pricele$$ comes out at the end of October, and he's already dropped the second video from the album (the Lil Wayne team-up "Money to Blow"). It's an excellent clip, but it doesn't match the majesty of their previous collaboration "Always Strapped." The track is a rock-inflected bounce track that piles on the New Orleans swagger like the vintage Cash Money albums of yore, and since the sound is a bit of a throwback, they must have figured the video should be as well. It utilizes a classic hip-hop video style we like to call "The Arrival," wherein it seems as though the rappers are making an entrance to a club/party/barbecue/warzone for the entire length of the clip. In between, there are scenes of Weezy rapping in a parking lot, shots of stacks of cash and a cameo by Rick Ross. (Not surprisingly, it's directed by Lil X, the Hype Williams protégé who is responsible for such over-saturated epics as Usher's "Yeah!" and Redman's "I'll Bee Dat.")

But there are two key frames from the video that tell the whole story. They both come pretty early in the clip to help establish the vibe of the whole clip. The first is a cool backlit shot of Birdman slowly putting on his sunglasses while standing in a crowd of women. The shot uses that same flare effect that showed up in this summer's "Star Trek" movie, which suggests that Birdman is actually going to party somewhere on the Enterprise.

The other scene needs no introduction. Read more...

Every day a multitude of stars wanders through the halls of MTV News to talk about their latest projects and goof around with staff members. But sometimes we catch stars elsewhere, and that's why we put together Spotted!, a daily compendium of stars in the wild.

We're now at the point where Justin Timberlake might actually be obsessive compulsive. Sure, he has made a name for himself as a singer, dancer, actor and comedian, but lately he's been casting his net especially wide. Having just opened up his first golf course, Timberlake apparently has his heart set on becoming a member of Hell's Angels. The multi-talented star was spotted leaving Los Angeles eatery Cafe Med on his motorcycle, which is a custom Harley Davidson.

(Click here for the entire archive of Spotted! photos, including Beyoncé, Britney Spears, the Jonas Brothers and more!)

He's not the only former "Mickey Mouse Club" cast member to enjoy two-wheeled action, as actor Ryan Gosling has been seen cruising around town on a vintage Honda motorcycle.

Elsewhere in today's update: Rick Ross exits his New York hotel (he would later join John Legend on stage at Madison Square Garden), Joe Jonas runs (and sweats) in a charity race, Paula Abdul gets some medical attention in Los Angeles and the freshly-impregnated Kourtney Kardashian pays a visit to BET's "106 & Park." Check out these photos — as well as the entire ongoing archive — in MTV News' "Spotted!" photo gallery.

By Ayana Allen

John Legend has performed in huge stadiums to massive crowds at the Super Bowl, WrestleMania, political conventions and at Live Earth. He's a guy who by now should be comfortable with fame and attention. But last night during his performance at New York's Madison Square Garden — the first time he has ever headlined the iconic arena — he seemed just slightly overwhelmed by the energy of it all.

"I used to sing this song in clubs," he said before launching into "Stay With You," the final song in his set. "And I couldn't wait for the day I got to sing it in Madison Square Garden."

(Click here for more photos from from John Legend's performance at Madison Square Garden!)

Legend certainly treated the show like a huge event, welcoming friends Kanye West, Rick Ross, Estelle, reggae legend Buju Banton and opening act India.Arie to the stage for some all-star collaborations.

"This is a star-studded event!" Legend announced following his opening number, a spot-on take on Bob Marley's "Redemption Song," which he crooned from the audience. He made his way up to the stage and rolled out hit after hit, climaxing in the appearance of Estelle and West for an extended version of the trio's hit "American Boy."

For one lucky fan, the highlight came when Legend invited her up on stage for a slow dance during (obviously) "Slow Dance." Though she looked like she was about to faint, she maintained her composure and walked away with a kiss on the cheek, a long-stemmed red rose and an unforgettable memory for her trouble.

But fans didn't need to dance with the man to appreciate the evening. By the time he ended the show with "Green Light," he had managed to seduce everybody at MSG.

By David Rosario

Before Def Jam ever came along, Rick Ross was signed to Miami's own Slip-N-Slide Records. In late 2002 and early 2003, Rick was pumping out song after song in preparation of the "original" version of his debut album Port Of Miami. And in early 2003, I got invited to a listening session to hear most of the album. Keep in mind that this was a completely different album from the Port Of Miami that was released in 2006 — you know, the one with "Hustlin'" on it, with Ross focused on wordplay and beats that sounded like they belonged on Jay-Z's The Blueprint.

One of the songs from the 2002/2003 version of Port Of Miami (called "Listen") was produced by Kanye West. It was based round a beat that later became T.I.'s song "Doin' My Job." It became one of the many reasons why Ross and T.I. had beef for a couple years and threw jabs at each other for a brief period. (Check out the four minute mark of this 2006 interview with Ross for his thoughts on Tip.)

Ross' version of the song actually leaked prematurely on a DJ EFN mixtape and everybody at Slip-N-Slide was fuming mad. In the song, Ross also dropped the line, "99 Jamz show me some love." This was at a time when Rick Ross was actually at odds with 99 Jamz and had a couple of scuffles with them over airplay issues and such. And I do remember that during that era, 99 Jamz made it a point to not play any Rick Ross songs at all. But obviously that later changed as 99 Jamz and DJ Khaled ended up breaking Ross' breakthrough single "Hustlin'", which was responsible for getting Ross his multi-million dollar deal with Def Jam … and the rest, of course, is history.

All this week, MTV News will be celebrating Miami's legends, superstars and upstarts. Keep checking back with us for more from the evolving city.

So who is winning the beef between 50 Cent and Rick Ross? Personally, I don't care: All I care about is the music. But I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't ask 50 something about this current feud.

Apart from acknowledging Ross' #1 debut, it's fair to say 50's been quiet as of late about the on-going Rick Ross rivalry. But never forget he's is one of the best strategists in the game. Whether he's moving like a juggernaut or silent like a ninja, one thing is for sure: He's always making moves.

Last week, 50 — who's currently in the middle of shooting his new film, "Twelve," in New York alongside "Gossip Girl" star Chace Crawford — stopped by our local Play N Trade to meet and greet a few hundred fans who were patiently waiting to get a signed copy of his new computer game, "Blood on the Sand." Read more...

It's not the biggest surprise on the world, but DJ Khaled is predicting that Rick Ross' Deeper Than Rap will be the primo album in the land come tomorrow.

Khaled also spilled the beans that his Miami friend is already working on Deeper Than Rap's follow-up. "I'm probably not supposed to tell you," Khaled joked while on the set of Ace Hood's "Overtime" video. Khaled worked closely with Ross on Deeper Than Rap, serving as the project's A&R, and hinted that fans can expect more of the same from the Boss' next opus.

Meanwhile, Khaled will continue to work with a plethora of other Def Jam artists. (He's the president of Def Jam South and has his own label, We the Best, which Ace is signed to.) Look for Khaled to be sliding beats to acts such as Young Jeezy, Ludacris, Fabolous and new singer Cherlise.

Rick Ross has made Kanye West a believer. The Miami rap kingpin is still awaiting his first-week numbers to find out if Deeper Than Rap will be his third consecutive album to debut at #1 one. However, as the fans hit stores and critics critique the opus, Ross has one very vocal supporter: Kanye West, who raved about Deeper Than Rap on his blog last night.

"Rick's album is the sh--," Kanye boasted. "He made an album I can play in my apartment, which is the highest honor I can give any piece of music. TV on the Radio, Feist, Pink Floyd and the new Rick Ross album!"

Of course ,West is not completely objective about the project. Kanye is one of the stars of album highlight "Maybach Music 2," which also features T-Pain and Lil Wayne.

"Marrrrrrrr-tinnnnnn, Louie the King Junior," West raps on the song, calling out his newest nickname. "Starrrrrrrr-tinnnnnnn all that stuntin' is gon' ruin ya/ If B.I. was alive, he probably have a two-tone/ With the Grey Poupon, anything 'Ye poop on/ Will explode, 'cause I am the sh--, and this is my commode/ Uh-oh there they go/ Talking 'bout how ya boy clothes extra tight/ I just remembered that my limelight extra bright."

Kanye is still promoting his own #1 album, 808s and Heartbreak. He recently released the video for the third single, "Amazing," with Young Jeezy. The song is also used in a commercial for the NBA postseason.

By Rahman Dukes

After almost a year of addressing and dodging his old job as a prison guard, Rick Ross' Deeper Than Rap album finally hit shelves today. Lawsuits, controversies and a heated rap battle with knockout king 50 Cent filled Ross' plate, but in the end, the MC packaged it all nicely into his best work to date.

The hip-hop community was looking for 50's next chess move against Ross, which Fif threatened to deliver on Ross' album-release day, but the blow never came. The Bawse seemed totally removed from the beef and focused on his big day, which included an in-store signing at a local chain store in North Miami called BrandsMart. Many supporters came out to show Ricky love, copping his new CD and meeting him in person.

As I sat back and watched Ross signing copies of the album for fans, flanked by pal DJ Khaled and his Carol City Cartel clique, I couldn't help but wonder if I were watching the making of the next rap superstar. Only time will tell. For the duration of his battle with Fif, real heads knew the victor would be based on two things: good music and record sales. Ross gets a point for the endless hits he's been putting out these past months, but the real deciding factor will come next Wednesday, when SoundScan releases the numbers.

I'm putting my money on another #1 debut.