Happy Birthday Chandler Jordan Johnson! The guy that almost made it to be an Indedpendance Day Fourth of July Baby.... only a few more hours and he would have literally came out with a bang!
But on the real, 8 years ago to this day, my son was born. I can remember, as with all of the kids' birth, having a myriad of emotions... from sobbing like a baby to actually laughing at myself for crying so hard. What a day?!?!
The man who is largely credited with being the brains behind Michael Jackson's adult solo success has no plans to pay "The King of Pop" respect at his funeral.
"No, not at all, not at all," Quincy Jones replied when asked whether he was attending the memorial. His reason: "Because it's going to be, like, 9 million people there, and it's not what I want to see."The 27-time Grammy Award-winning music producer, who tapped Jackson to star in the glitzy film adaption of the Broadway's musical 'The Wiz' in 1977, crafted his seminal 'Off the Wall' album and followed it up with the historical 'Thriller' set.
"It's surrealistic," Jones, 76, told Details magazine's Web site. "I don't know how to process it at all."
In the past, the 'Soul Bossa Nova' creator swore off funerals because too many of his close friends have passed on. But when it comes to Jackson's memorial, Jones is steering clear.
"My condolences and love I've already sent to the family," he aQuincy Jonesdded. "But being there with 10 million people is not my idea of a tribute to somebody you were so close to -- who's got a part of your soul. Our souls were joined, you know. And a piece of it goes with him."
According to published reports, a private family service will be held July 7 at Forest Lawn in Los Angeles. A motorcade will reportedly then go to the Staples Center complex in downtown Los Angeles, where the public memorial will be held.
Jackson died of an apparent cardiac arrest on June 25. He was 50.
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Following a week of questions surrounding the sudden death of Michael Jackson, many have debated the many similarities between the "King of Pop" and Elvis Presley, the "King of Rock 'n' Roll."
In our latest round of Tale of the Tape, we match up the two legendary music icons to see if they had more in common than just their connection to Lisa Marie Presley.
(M) Full Name: Michael Joseph Jackson (E) Full Name: Elvis Aaron Presley
(M) Alias: "The King of Pop" (E) Alias: "The King of Rock 'n' Roll"
(M) Date of Birth: Aug. 29, 1958 (E) Date of Birth: Jan. 8, 1935
(M) Date of Death: June 25, 2009 (E) Date of Death: Aug. 16, 1977
(M) Grammy Awards: 13 (E) Grammy Awards: 3
(M) Worldwide Record Sales: 750 million records (E) Worldwide Record Sales: Over 1 billion
(M) National Record Sales: 61.5 million (E) National Record Sales: 119 million *according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)
(M) Marriages: Elvis' daughter Lisa Marie Presley (divorced after less than two years of marriage); Debbie Rowe (E) Marriages: Priscilla Beaulieu (divorced after six years of marriage)
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
While on a family vacation with Tom and Suri, Katie Holmes hit the beach near Rio de Janeiro in this blue one piece.
bauergriffinonline.com
Rihanna hits the stage at the NFL Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Concert in a pair of knee-high black boots. What do you think about the pop singer's look?
Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images for NFL
Mischa Barton wore this Elie Saab couture mint green gown to the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d'Armenonville. Is Mischa's look a hit or miss?
Eric Ryan, Getty Images
Heroes star Hayden Panettiere arrives at the NBC Universal Pre-Super Bowl event at Portofino in a black tuxedo jacket and dress with a plunging neckline. Is the Hollywood starlet hot or not?
Gerardo Mora, Getty Images
Diane Kruger wore Nina Ricci for the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d'Armenonville. Is her dress a mess or amazing?
Eric Ryan, Getty Images
Kim Kardashian opted for this floral strapless Tracey Reese dress for the 2009 Moves Magazine Super Bowl Party at The Venue Club. Let us know what you think about Kim's look.
Tim Boyles, Getty Images
Burlesque beauty Dita Von Teese wore an ice blue Elie Saab (left) satin dress at the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d'Armenonville.
Dominique Charriau, WireImage
Spanish actress Penelope Cruz appeared at the the 2009 Goya Cinema Awards in Madrid in this black lace Chanel gown. Is it a win or a loss?
Carlos Alvarez, Getty Images
Amy Adams wore a Jasmine di Milo gold and silver sequin backless dress and Christian Louboutin heels to the 61st Annual Directors Guild of America Awards.
Frazer Harrison, Getty Images
Being thousands of miles away didn't stop Meryl Streep from celebrating the inauguration. The actress wore this Catherine Malandrino flag dress to the Paris premiere of Doubt.
If you are one to believe everything you read, then you would give credence to the "story" about Rev. Al Sharpton and Jay-Z putting a kibosh on Chris Brown's planned Michael Jackson tribute during the 2009 BET Awards.
But that's not the case.
Or so claims a rep for the Viacom-owned network, which presented its glitzy annual awards ceremony on June 28 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
While the New York Daily News is reporting that producers pulled Brown's performance "at the last minute" on the insistence of Rev. Al Sharpton, that's apparently not the truth. An insider also told the tabloid that "Jay-Z also had a hand in the decision," because he is "a big name in the BET community."
And so are Kanye West, Beyonce, T-Pain, Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige and Ciara. But what does that have to do with the price of tea in China?
Jay-Z, left, and Beyonce Knowles are seen at the 9th Annual BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
AP
REFILE - ADDING CAPTION INFORMATION....Singer Ne-Yo and actor Jamie Foxx hug after singing "I'll Be There", a song by Michael Jackson, during the BET Awards '09 in Los Angeles June 28, 2009. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni (UNITED STATES ENTERTAINMENT)
Reuters
REFILE - ADDING CAPTION INFORMATION....Singer Ne-Yo and actor Jamie Foxx hug after singing "I'll Be There", a song by Michael Jackson, during the BET Awards '09 in Los Angeles June 28, 2009. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni (UNITED STATES ENTERTAINMENT)
Reuters
REFILE - ADDING CAPTION INFORMATION....Singer Ne-Yo (L) and actor Jamie Foxx sing "Ill Be There", a song by Michael Jackson, during the BET Awards '09 in Los Angeles June 28, 2009. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni (UNITED STATES ENTERTAINMENT)
Reuters
REFILE - ADDING CAPTION INFORMATION.....Actor Jamie Foxx sings "I'll Be There", a song by Michael Jackson, during the BET Awards '09 in Los Angeles June 28, 2009. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni (UNITED STATES ENTERTAINMENT IMAGES OF THE DAY)
Reuters
REFILE - ADDING CAPTION INFORMATION....Ne-Yo performs "The Lady in My Life", a song by Michael Jackson, at the BET Awards '09 in Los Angeles June 28, 2009. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni (UNITED STATES ENTERTAINMENT)
Reuters
REFILE - ADDING CAPTION INFORMATION....Singer Ne-Yo and actor Jamie Foxx sing "I'll Be There", a song by Michael Jackson, during the BET Awards '09 in Los Angeles June 28, 2009. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni (UNITED STATES ENTERTAINMENT)
Reuters
REFILE - ADDING CAPTION INFORMATION....Ne-Yo performs "The Lady in My Life", a song by Michael Jackson, at the BET Awards '09 in Los Angeles June 28, 2009. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni (UNITED STATES ENTERTAINMENT)
Reuters
REFILE - ADDING CAPTION INFORMATION....Singer Ciara performs "Heal the World", a song by Michael Jackson, .at the BET Awards '09 in Los Angeles June 28, 2009 REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni (UNITED STATES ENTERTAINMENT)
Reuters
REFILE - ADDING CAPTION INFORMATION....Singer Ciara performs "Heal the World", a song by Michael Jackson, .at the BET Awards '09 in Los Angeles June 28, 2009. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni (UNITED STATES ENTERTAINMENT)
Reuters
But have the New York Daily News tell it, Brown "is facing negative publicity after pleading guilty to the February assault of his ex-girlfriend Rihanna."
"Al made such a fuss to the BET executives that they pulled Chris," revealed the alleged insider.
Jay-Z was reportedly "very vocal about his displeasure with Chris attending the ceremony. He didn't want Chris anywhere near the awards so close to the court's ruling."
"This is totally untrue," BET spokeswoman Jeanine Liburd told BV Newswire today. "And for some reason, I continue to be amazed at how fast rumors fly."
"Chris Brown was never confirmed, and the rumors circulating are fictitious," she continued.
Wendy Washington, who helms media relations for Chris Brown's record label, Jive, said the company did not issue a statement regarding the Daily News story.
Jay-Z's last known record company publicist, Jana Fleishman, did not respond to queries by deadline. She also reps Rihanna.
"The Daily News report that Reverend Sharpton had something to do with Chris Brown being pulled from the BET Awards was 100 percent erroneous and without merit," Sharpton's spokeswoman, Rachel Noerdlinger, said.
"Not only did Reverand Sharpton have no idea what they were talking about, he himself hadn't intended to be present," she continued. "He shifted his plans however, when he got a message that Joe Jackson wanted him there for support."
VIBE magazine has shut down. The magazine was launched in 1993 by music industry legend Quincy Jones and it served as as widely revered urban magazine. "On
When 'CSI: NY' actor Hill Harper decided to pen a tome to inspire and uplift young African American men, he was confronted by plenty of naysayers. At his New York book-launch party for 'Letters to a Young Brother: MANifest Your Destiny,' the Harvard-educated author talked about the numerous people who told him young black people don't read. Instead of letting the negative comments dissuade him from writing, Harper stood firm in his belief that he had a message that young people needed to hear.
"I knew I could get an effective message across to our amazing young people. I am happy to know that both of my books have become [New York Times] best sellers, because that indicates to me that statistics and stereotypes can be overcome."
Harper's 2006 debut, inspired by Rainer Maria Rilke's 'Letters to a Young Poet,' includes advice from the likes of his Harvard Law classmate President Barack Obama, as well as rap star Nas and tennis great Venus Williams.
In 2008, Harper's second offering, 'Letters to a Young Sister: DeFINE Your Destiny,' followed. The book, which was designed to inspire young women and is written in letter format, features advice from influential black women like First Lady Michelle Obama, Nikki Giovanni and Ruby Dee.
Now, the 43-year-old, who notes that his biggest struggle in dating has been how much time he spends on the road, is hoping to switch gears and talk about relationships in his new book, 'The Conversation: How Black Men and Women Can Build Trusting Relationships.'
"My last two books, 'Letters to a Young Brother' and 'Letters to a Young Sister,' relied heavily on contributions from well-known men and women who had wisdom to impart to and inspire our youth. 'The Conversation,' however, is different," he clarified.
"The research I did for the book was all about talking to many people from all different walks of life to explore how we are or are not communicating as men and women."
The idea for 'The Conversation,' which includes stories from couples in all stages of relationships -- from new love to 50-year-long marriages -- came from the Iowa native's travels while promoting his previous books.
"While traveling the country on book tours and speaking engagements, I meet all sorts of people. ...Many of them trust me and feel comfortable enough to share their feelings and personal experiences," he said. "It made me want to explore both the reasons for the poor state of our men-women relationships and solutions for making them better."
Considering, as Harper points out, that in 1966, nearly 80 percent of black children were raised in two-parent households. Now that rate is a mere 33 percent; it is a good time for 'The Conversation' to hit bookstores this September.
After the release of 'The Conversation,' Harper hopes to work on a children's book series. But he's quick to remind everyone about how proud he is that his Harvard classmate is now the president of the United States of America.
"I'm so proud of him; I am so proud of us. Let's all of us work as hard as we can in our own communities to create the change that he discussed during the campaign so that we can see real transformation. He can't do it alone, and he is working really hard...so we should do the same."
Harper is certainly doing his part as an author. If 'The Conversation' is as successful as his previous two books, President Obama is certainly equally proud of Harper.
Hill Harper Letters'The Conversation' will be released via Gotham Books on Sept. 8.
After striking a plea agreement that keeps him from doing jail time, the popular R&B crooner must perform 180 hours of community labor, attend a domestic-abuse program and serve five years prChris Brown Run Itobation.
The felony assault and criminal threat charges stem from an incident between Brown and then-girlfriend Rihanna, which left the Barbados-born singer battered and bruised on the eve of the Grammy Awards in February.
It might seem as if Brown is getting a slap on the wrist, but the Virginia resident isn't quite getting off easy. The charges against the 20-year-old are felony, not misdemeanor. And though, a felon status and Brown's admission of guilt could serve to restrict some of his civil liberties, in the near future, it looks like not going to jail will keep him from having to comply with the tough parolee restrictions.
Although his case was heard in California, Brown is a resident of Virginia, a state that revokes a felon's right to vote.
Most felons in the commonwealth can apply to have their voting rights restored three years after completing their sentence. However, parolees with violent felonies, drug sales and electoral offenses must wait five years before seeking restoration. In Brown's case, he won't be a parolee since he does not have a jail sentence, however, his offense was violent, making it unclear how long he'll have to wait.
"In many respects, his legal outcome is more fitting as a celebrity over that of thousands of black men in their twenties who have to face similar punishment," says David Troutt, a law professor at Rutgers Law School in Newark, N.J.
Troutt, a Harvard-educated author of several publications involving race and justice, including 'The Importance of Being Dangerous,' believes that Brown won't face felony disenfranchisement.
"A lot of felons in a lot of states cannot get a driver's license, and most employers don't want to hire a felon," Troutt said. "So if you come from a poor neighborhood, having experienced little opportunities and go to jail, serve real time and come back into that same community that is bereft of resources, chances are, as a result of your status as an ex-con, you are facing financial circumstances you cannot overcome."
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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According to Troutt , Brown's probation status will still allow him voting rights, the ability to serve on juries, hold public office or "if he wanted to start a foundation, becoming the recipient of a public grant."
Ultimately, Brown's criminal conduct could work to increase his popularity and notoriety. Already, a previously unreleased single, 'Not My Fault,' hit the Web shortly after his plea deal was announced. N.E.R.D.'s Pharrell Williams has said that the material he has produced for Brown's upcoming album, 'Graffiti,' so far is impressive.
"The fact that he is essentially self-employed, what's available to him are privately made and held opportunities, and he can go outside the system of public scrutiny and punishment and parlay these sorts of things into greater opportunities," Trout added.
Other conditions of Brown's sentence require him to stay at least 50 yards away from Rihanna unless the estranged couple are at the same industry event, in which case, Brown is required to keep a distance of 10 feet.
Brown cannot contact the Covergirl spokesmodel at any time during his five-year probationary period.
Only time will tell whether Brown can overcome his trouble with the law and make a career comeback.
Writing from the perspective of a "black music artist," I absolutely believe that it is important to not only acknowledge Black Music Month but to be acknowledged. I believe this rich genre of music and its heritage holds significance for everyone.
Black music resonates worldwide. It is the foundation and the basis of many styles of music, from rock and roll to hip-hop. Ask any artist ─from the Rolling Stones to the Beatles─ who their role models are and they will tell you the black American musical icons who inspired them and whose musical styles they emulated, including Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Otis Redding, Chuck Berry, Little Richard and the list goes on and on. These are icons who should be recognized, and having a Black Music Month commemorates the impact these artists have made to the world.
6/24/09: Bootsy Collins Just in time for Independence Day, legendary funk singer-songwriter Boosty Collins is paying tribute to our fallen soldiers with his new project 'Fallen Heroes Memorial.' The 20-track opus, which features country icon Charlie Daniels and jazz music maestro George Duke, originated when Collins learned that his dear neighbor was found decapitated in Iraq, after his convoy went under attack. Thanks to Collins, Daniels, and Duke's efforts, proceeds from the project, which is now in stores, will go to the Fallen Heroes Foundation.
Wire Image
6/24/09: Chris Brown With his trial for assaulting ex-girlfriend, Rihanna behind him, Chris Brown is looking to make his way back a top the music charts. As of late, unreleased songs of the troubled R&B crooner have been appearing left and right via the web. However Brown's label, Jive Records, released a statement this week dismissing rumors of the leaked songs are from his forthcoming album, tentatively titled 'Graffiti.' "Countering misleading reports of 'new' Chris Brown music: there are no 'new' songs from Chris Brown currently being promoted by Chris or his record label," a representative for Jive Records said. "There are several old demos circulating that are being falsely promoted as new material from Chris." As of press time there was no official date set for the new music.
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6/24/09: Michael Jackson To build even more anticipation for his upcoming 50-show run at London's O2 Arena (set to kick off July 13), Michael Jackson is making sure select fans receive VIP treatment. According to Rolling Stone, concert-goers who registered to buy tickets recently received an e-mail informing them that "rehearsals are underway with the full production staged," in addition to AEG Live offering a limited amount of production tickets. A password will be sent to those who successfully registered for the ticket lottery at the Michael Jackson Live website. Meanwhile, VIP packages are still available for approximately $1,256 to $1,292.
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6/22/09: Teena Marie Grammy Award-nominated singer-songwriter, Teena Marie has landed herself back on the album charts with her latest release 'Congo Square.' With 18,000 copies sold during its first week, Lady T's Stax Records debut opus managed to land her at the number 20 spot on Billboard's Top 200 and number 4 on the U.S. R&B charts. The multi-talented instrumentalist also reached out to the likes of Faith Evans, Shirley Murdock, MC Lyte, George Duke and the ever so popular Howard Hewett, to help make 'Congo' a squared project. The 'Fire & Desire' singer is one of the headliners during the fifteenth anniversary of the Essence Music Festival, taking place next month in New Orleans.
Stax Records
6/22/09: Calvin Richardson You can always depend on Calvin Richardson to dig deep into his vast musical roots to help inspire his style. Hence, the release of his forthcoming album 'Facts Of Life: The Soul of Bobby Womack.' And judging by the title you can bet any amount of money that Richardson channeled the legendary great Bobby Womack for the opus. "Bobby Womack is a pioneer who is very important to the type of music that I do," Richardson professed. "He's a great artist who I have great respect for, who I built my sound around and as a result I feel I have a direct connection with him." 'Facts Of Life,' in stores and at digital retailers Aug. 25 via Shanachie Entertainment, features popular Womack hits such as 'A Woman's Gotta Have It,' 'Across 110th Street,' 'I Can Understand It,' and 'Harry Hippy.'
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6/22/09: Death Row Records It looks like Death Row Records is making a comeback (of sorts) in the music industry. According to Billboard, music publisher EverGreen has signed a deal with Canadian-based development company WIDEawake has acquired the assets of Death Row Records to be the international administration company of the now-defunct hip hop powerhouse record label. The deal entails EverGreen to handle licensing for all compositions and master recordings in Death Row's catalog, in addition to the processing of all mechanical and performance royalties in the catalog. Devoted 2pac fans can expect another album of unreleased material in 2010 to celebrate the late rappers birthday. The as-yet-untitled album will be distributed by E-1 stateside and EMI overseas.
Getty Images, Interscope Records
6/18/09: Fonzworth Bentley Fonzworth Bentley fans may be in for a treat or two once his long-awaited debut album, 'CoolOutrageousLoversOfUniquelyRawStyle' comes out. Executive produced by Kanye West, the opus is expected to feature appearances by Andre 3000, West himself, and Anthony Hamilton - who is featured on the lead single 'Greener.' "The song 'Greener' is about leaving the past and looking to the future," Bentley states. "Whether it is a relationship, a career change or any type of upgrade in your life...It is my hope that after listening and seeing the visual for 'Greener,' people will be inspired to join the movement." 'CoolOutrageousLoversOfUniquelyRawStyle' is expected to hit stores later this year via E1 Music.
Astrid Stawiarz, Getty Images
6/18/09: Kanye West/Beyonce/Maxwell The annual 'BET Awards' have just got hotter! In addition to comedian-turned singer Jamie Foxx hosting this year's event, Beyonce, Kanye West, Maxwell, Young Jeezy, Ne-Yo and Soulja Boy are scheduled to perform. In addition to gracing the stage, Beyonce ties T.I. with five nominations including favorite R&B Female and Video of the Year. 'The 2009 BET Awards' will air live from Los Angeles on June 28.
Self Magazine / Getty Images
6/18/09: Queen Ifrica This week, reggae music powerhouse VP Records released 'Montego Bay,' the debut album from Queen Ifrica, who's described as an audacious singer/songwriter with a husky tone reminiscent of late, great song stylist Nina Simone. The 13-track collection features production by Kemar McGregor, Rickman Warren, Donovan Germaine and C. Hurst and offers a new, striking Rastafarian voice taking on empowering anthems, lovers' rock tunes and social commentary.
VP Records
6/18/09: The Roots Although The Roots' schedule may be a bit hectic due to their new duties as Jimmy Fallon's house band, the legendary hip hop band are set to release their 11th album, entitled 'How I Got Over' via Def Jam. Questlove and company recently shot a video for the project's first single, 'I Walk Alone.' In addition to recording the Roots will appear alongside opera diva Jessye Norman, jazz singer Nnenna Freelon and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra on August 30 for the premiere of Langston Hughes' 'Ask Your Mama: 12 Moods for Jazz' in Los Angeles.
Johnny Nunez, WireImage
When I travel abroad, it seems like black music is given its just due and celebrated more so than it is here in the United States, its birthplace. Black music artists who are no longer popular here in America are often welcomed as the true stars they are in Europe and Asia, places where they continue to earn a living performing at sold-out concerts.
Black Music Month is vital because we need to have at least one month of the year where we can honor and show our appreciation for the musical talents who forged a proud musical heritage. We must make sure that their contributions are not forgotten, as well as show support for those of us who are building upon and continuing to expand our nation's black music legacy. "
Deborah Cox music
Known as Canada's top R&B artist, Deborah Cox is a renowned singer-songwriter and actress. Her 1998 song 'Nobody's Supposed to Be Here' held the record for longest-running #1 single on Billboard charts (14 weeks), a record held for nearly eight years. Over the past decade, the married mother of two starred in the Broadway musical, starred in two movies and recorded two albums -- most recently 'The Promise.'
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Happy Birthday Chandler Jordan Johnson! The guy that almost made it to be an Indedpendance Day Fourth of July Baby.... only a few more hours and he would have literally came out with a bang! 
The 27-time Grammy Award-winning music producer, who tapped Jackson to star in the glitzy film adaption of the Broadway's musical 'The Wiz' in 1977, crafted his seminal 'Off the Wall' album and followed it up with the historical 'Thriller' set.
(M) Date of Death: 
Writing from the perspective of a "black music artist," I absolutely believe that it is important to not only acknowledge Black Music Month but to be acknowledged. I believe this rich genre of music and its heritage holds significance for everyone.