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Rihanna’s Risque New Single for ‘Russian Roulette’

Emma Renda — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:00:40 +0000

Rihanna’s triumphant return to the industry just got a little more risque with clips of her new video, “Russian Roulette” surfacing online. The video, directed by Anthony Mandler, depicts Rihanna undergoing a collage of violence, including images of her underwater riddled with bulletholes.

Mandler says it’s all a metaphor, but eyebrows are naturally being raised in the wake of the Chris Brown abuse scandal.

“I think that with this song and the meaning of this song and how loaded it all is, no pun intended, how much imagery and perhaps symbolism that is loaded in this song, the only way to do it was to do something that was visually challenging,” Mandler told MTV News.

The video premiered on 20/20, this following a series of public appearances from Rihanna who avoided the spotlight since the February incident. Rihanna appeared in a candid interview with Diane Sawyer, in which she revealed details of the attack and the affect it had on her life. Earlier this month, she was recognized by Glamour Magazine as the Woman of the Year.

“Domestic violence is a big secret,” she told Glamour. “My story was broadcast all over the world for people to see, and they have followed every step of my recovery. The positive thing that has come out of my situation is that people can learn from that. I want to give as much insight as I can to young women, because I feel like I represent a voice that really isn’t heard.”

Rihanna’s new album, Rated R, will be released on Nov. 23.

Chris Brown is also premiering a video today for “Crawl”, a song he tells MTV is not only about Rihanna.

The chorus talks about “crawling back to love”, but Brown says it’s a universal concept.

“When I heard the whole concept and everything I was like, ‘Yo, this is crazy,’ ” Brown told MTV. “So being able to express the feelings, it was like, probably one of the best [records I've done.] But it was more than me trying to do a record that meant crawl to love, crawl back to love. Meaning whether it’s from your negative situations, whether it’s from any problems you’ve dealt with, like anybody’s situation. Mine being my personal situation with shorty, but for anybody, for being inspired as far it being the war or a death in the family, whether it’s anything, anybody just crawl back to love. ‘Cause love conquers everything. Love, at the end of the day, makes everybody happy.”

Brown has frequently told media he thinks the details of his relationship with Rihanna should be private, but he has not shyed away from offering several public apologies.

Chris Brown Debuts New Video ‘Crawl’

Joelle Tomlinson — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:58:57 +0000

Would you crawl back to Chris Brown?

In the lyrics to the R&B-singer’s song, “Crawl,” Brown seems to be calling for the return of his ex-girlfriend Rihanna, with whom he has apparently finally split in the aftermath on his assault on her in February,

“So we’ll crawl, until we can walk again,” Brown sings on the tune. “Then we’ll run, until we’re strong enough to jump/Then we’ll fly, until there is no wind/So let’s crawl, crawl, back to love.”

But, according to mtvnews.com, Brown told them that the song isn’t just about his own relationship. He said “Crawl” is more of a universal message dedicated to moving on past any type of heartache. The video debuted on “The Wendy Williams Show” on Friday (November 13).

“When I heard the whole concept and everything I was like, ‘Yo, this is crazy,’ ” Brown said about the track. “So being able to express the feelings, it was like, probably one of the best [records I've done.] But it was more than me trying to do a record that meant crawl to love, crawl back to love. Meaning whether it’s from your negative situations, whether it’s from any problems you’ve dealt with, like anybody’s situation. Mine being my personal situation with shorty, but for anybody, for being inspired as far it being the war or a death in the family, whether it’s anything, anybody just crawl back to love. ‘Cause love conquers everything. Love, at the end of the day, makes everybody happy.”

Chris Brown Talks About The Assault Aftermath

Joelle Tomlinson — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:26:34 +0000

Chris Brown opened up about his assault on former girlfriend Rihanna during the MTV News special “Chris Brown: The Interview” on Friday (November 6), elaborating on his destructive behavior, explaining his previous apologies and describing his ongoing therapy sessions.

According to mtvnews.com, Brown told MTV News correspondent Sway that he has finally come to terms with the fact that he was capable of such violence.

“I think you’d be in denial and be totally naive not to,” he said. “And not being able to realize and own up to the fact of your own wrongs. I mean, me, I’ve come to terms with it and I’m working on it. … For that moment or whatever had me at that place, I want to erase that from what my character is. I want to be totally different from now on. I don’t want to be that person.”

“I’m confused right now as far as the public perception [of me],” he said. “Like, I think with my fans, they still love me, they support me, definitely. You have those people who will support you. So it’s kinda like 50/50 for me. I got the people that will come out and support and then the people that don’t wanna see me do anything. They basically want me in jail.”

Brown said he hasn’t been able to maintain a thick skin when it comes to receiving negative comments in public. During a trip to an amusement park, Brown described hearing cries of “women beater.”

“I’m human, so when I hear certain things that they say or if I go somewhere and I hear somebody be rude about it, it’s just like, ‘Man, it’s a mistake,’ ” Brown said. “I made a big mistake. I’m learning from it. Like, I’m not saying, ‘Who are they to judge?’ because, I mean, everybody’s entitled to their own opinion on how they feel, but it hurts.”

Bad Girls Club Star Natalie Nunn Claims Chris Brown Wanted to Marry Her

Vanessa Baker — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:36:29 +0000

Bad Girls Club contestant Natalie Nunn says Chris Brown wanted to marry her, reports TMZ.

A video reveals her talking about how much she wants the 20-year-old R&B artist. “He might beat Rihanna,” she can be heard saying, “but he doesn’t beat me.”

Chris Brown Transforms His Image With New Single

Stephen Baldwin — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:52:29 +0000

The music video for Chris Brown’s new track “I Can Transform Ya” was released on MTV this morning. The song features two versus form Lil Wayne and chorus and beat contributions from Swizz Beatz. The track will appear on Brown’s new upcoming album ‘Graffiti’.

The original yet still catchy song is a great debut to launch the singer’s comeback after serving community service time for assaulting Rihanna earlier this year.

The video is filled with Brown’s characteristically cool modern dance sequences on a classic white background, and quick, colourful transforming graphics.

“I Can Transorm Ya” coincidentally debuts less than a week after the release of Rihanna’s “Russian Roulette” premiere.

Graffiti is set to release on December 15.

Just Ridiculous: Clark Gable Stabbed, George Clooney Propositioned, Chris Brown Not Cocky

Emma Renda — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:26:24 +0000

The line between relevant celebrity gossip and absolute nonsense is a fine one, almost indistinguishable at times. But as ridiculous as the following stories may seem, they are actually more entertaining than any Hills’ off-screen drama or Britney snafu.

First of all, TMZ had the rare - almost supernatural - occasion of reporting the headline “Clark Gable stabbed in the chest.” Seriously. But before your time-space continuum spins into a frenzy, let’s clear this up. It was actually the grandson of the original Clark Gable, Hollywood’s revered leading man.

Gable III was stabbed in the rib cage at a house party in Los Angeles, where he was involved in a verbal dispute and then rushed to hospital following the incident. He spent a week in hospital but is reported to be recovering. One person has been arrested and police are still searching for more suspects. I’m sure Gable III will cast this as an epic tale, but it hardly holds a candle to Gone With the Wind. Shame.

Next, and I actually laughed out loud at this, George Clooney was propositioned at a press conference for the Venice Film Festival in Italy. A man in journalsim cognito stood up to ask Clooney a question but the moment he got on the mic, he stripped off his clothes – except for a tie – and professed his undying love for Clooney, including shouting “Please, take me George!” Clooney chuckled the whole thing off. No word has been released as to whether or not they will see each other again.

Last, but perhaps most ridiculous of all, Chris Brown has announced “Transformer” featuring Lil Wayne will be the upcoming single for his new album, Grafitti. Rather than hanging his head, Brown has been all over the news lately, particularly after the show he put on for Larry King last week where he claimed he didn’t remember the incident with Rihanna. But here he is, Twittering away.

“Graffiti!!!! Comin soon…. Just finished it…hands down … My best album… That’s all I’mma give away right now… I honestly don’t think the game is ready for the recordz I got coming off the new album…. (not tryna be cocky)!!!! LOL,” he wrote via Twitter.

There is no set release date, but I assume he’ll wait for his recent sentencing to blow over to better his chances of anyone actually purchasing his album.

Update: Chris Brown Shows No Shame

Emma Renda — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:04:18 +0000

Chris Brown should be having a bad day. In fact, he should be having a bad life considering the fire he has come under since he assaulted Rihanna in February. But despite his sentencing yesterday (five years probation, a restraining order from Rihanna, domestic violence courses, 6-months community service), and the release of the official police report from the incident (a brutal account of his relentless attack on Rihanna), Brown has still found time to dress up, hit the recording studio and party.

First, Brown was seen entering the Record Plant Recording Studio in L.A. yesterday shortly after his hearing. Pictures on TMZ.com show Brown had changed from his three-piece suit into a hip vest and oversized yellow heart broach. Not exactly non-chalant.

In the same outfit hours later, Brown was seen partying at Guys and Dolls in Hollywood. The photos on TMZ.com show Brown surrounded by several women – shockingly – and actually enjoying himself. This comes after a statement from the probation report in which Brown said he has been “depressed” since the February incident.

Questionable, considering two other reports of his domestic violence with Rihanna have come to the surface in the wake of his sentencing. The court documents in Brown’s case reveal two separate complaints from Rihanna, according to TMZ.com.

The first incident happened in Europe during an argument between the two, in which Rihanna slapped Brown and he retaliated by shoving her into a wall. The second happened in Barbados, when, during another argument, Brown became so enraged he smashed the driver and passenger side windows of the Range Rover they were driving in. Both incidents happened before the February attack, and though rumours circulated the press, neither were publicly reported.

Rihanna has kept quiet over the last few days. She did not release a statement following Brown’s sentencing, but her attorney did say she did not object to the result. In fact, Rihanna is going about her business as usual, or better. She is scheduled to perform on the series premier of the Jay Leno Showon Sept. 14 alongside Jay-Z and Kanye West, to promote Jay’s new album, The Blueprint 3. It will be her first public performance since the attack.

Chris Brown Sentenced for Assaulting Rihanna

Emma Renda — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:09:36 +0000

Chris Brown was sentenced today to five years probation and six months hard labour for assaulting Rihanna earlier this year, according to TMZ.com. Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault.

Judge Patricia Schnegg ruled Brown must stay 100 yards away from Rihanna at all times, in the exception of entertainment events where he must stay 10 yards away. This ruling extends for five years. According to TMZ.com, Public Information Officer Sandi Gibbons said Judge Schnegg also told Brown the sentence is not a slap on the wrist and she is aware of his celebrity status. She said she will sentence him to prison time if he violates his probation.

Brown will complete his community service hours at the Commonwealth Catholic Charities in Richmond, VA. He is also required to take a 52-week domestic violence course. Besides not being allowed to possess any weapons, Brown must get permission before leaving the country and will have to pay a series of probation expenses and restitution.

Rihanna’s attorney, Donald Etra, said Rihanna does not object to the sentencing but refused to speak about the details of their personal relationship.

Brown has not yet released a statement, but check back for more details.

Wrigley Drops Chris Brown

Vanessa Baker — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 03:03:02 +0000

Wrigley Gum has formally terminated their contract with Chris Brown, reports Perez Hilton. The company suspended its advertising campaign featuring the singer after an incident in February where Brown was accused of beating then-girlfriend Rihanna.

At the time, the company said it believed “Mr. Brown should be afforded the same due process as any citizen.”

Following Brown’s guilty plea to a felony assault, the Doublemint gum-maker has ended its relationship with the star.

Chris Brown and Rihanna Don’t Want Protection Order

Vanessa Baker — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:48:18 +0000

NY Daily News reports Chris Brown and Rihanna would both like to get rid of a court order dictating the former flames are to remain 50 yards away from each other at all times.The no-contact clause is part of a protection order that was handed down Tuesday after Brown pleaded guilty in a criminal proceeding to one count of felony assault. Brown’s assault charge stemmed from an altercation before the Grammy Awards in February that left Rihanna battered and bruised.

“They think it’s unnecessary and ridiculous,” said a mutual friend of the former couple about the no-contact clause. “After, Ri and Chris talked on the phone for almost an hour and really worked at becoming friends. They’re solid now.”

The order does, however, grant Brown some leeway at music-industry events such as Sunday’s BET Awards, which both stars are scheduled to attend. At such events, they will be required to stay ten yards apart.

While Rihanna is reportedly interested in rekindling a friendship with her ex-beau, the source is clear that there is no potential for resurrecting the romance between the two. “That’s 100 percent done,” the friend insisted. “They aren’t looking to hook back up again. They’re both moving on and going their separate ways.”

Brown is currently focusing on repairing his image and propelling his career, working on a comeback album set to feature duets with Mary J. Blige and Keri Hilson.

CoverGirl will be releasing a three-month-old ad campaign featuring Rihanna as its spokesperson.

The Barbadian songstress has been spotted at the “Year One” premiere, and out with Aubrey (Drake) Graham, LeBron James and Kanye West.