On the Scene: Jay-Z & Pharrell, Lupe Fiasco, Jennifer Hudson, Rihanna, Akon, M.I.A., Nick Cannon

Jay-Z spent his Friday night catching up with Pharrell backstage at N.E.R.D.’s show with Gorillaz at NYC’s Madison Square Garden, wearing a blue sweatshirt depicting the artwork from his upcoming Decoded book. The image is one of Andy Warhol’s Rorschach inkblots.

Although he’s no longer signed to the label, Def Jam is planning to release Jay’s greatest hits package on November 23. The two-disc set, titled The Hits Collection Volume 1, will include five previously unreleased tracks and a 32-page mini-book bound in white linen with Hov’s diamond logo.

After finally receiving a release date for his Lasers album, a victorious Lupe Fiasco donated his time to RE:FORM SCHOOL, a group art exhibition and event series aimed to fix the public education system.

Looking regal in purple, Jennifer Hudson lent her powerful pipes to the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education’s 15th Grand Slam for Children benefit concert at Wynn Las Vegas.

What’s black and white and red all over? It’s Rihanna, who had a hard time escaping the paparazzi while departing her hotel in Paris with boyfriend Matt Kemp not far behind.

A shirtless and sweaty Akon stage dove into the crowd at the Think Pink Rocks concert to benefit breast cancer research charities at Mizner Park Amphitheater in Boca Raton, Fla.

M.I.A. lit up the stage with her electrifying set during Day 2 of the 2010 Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Park in Austin, Tex.

Following his party in NYC, Nick Cannon marked his 30th birthday with a second sweet celebration at Universal Studios Hollywood. Hundreds of guests left on a sugar high after indulging in the open candy bar.