El DeBarge Headed To Rehab!

Yesterday it was announced that singer El DeBarge is headed back to rehab due to a relapse in his battle to handle his drug addiction. El, who has been on tour promoting his album "Second Chance" obviously felt like things were going the wrong way for him, so he's done the right thing to seek help. The pressures of the music business are tough to deal with in the best of times, and El's recent album has failed to make a dent in terms of sales, but he's been on the road performing to earn a living and also to see if he could reinvigorate the record.

We have to wish El the best, drug addiction is a rough illness to deal with especially since he's back in the fishbowl of the music business.

Keyshia Fires Manny Halley!

R&B singer Keyshia Cole announced via Twitter that she had relieved longtime manger Manny Halley of his duties. Cole, whose latest CD "Calling All Hearts" has sold poorly appears to be reassessing her career direction with the disappointing sales of her latest effort. Perhaps new management will turn things in the right direction for Cole, but a hit record always eases a lot of pain for an artist used to platinum success.

Chuck Berry Still Performing!

I must admit that hearing the news that music legend Chuck Berry had to leave a concert performance in Chicago this weekend surprised me. Berry, who is 84 years-old and still performing his Rock & Roll classics such as "Maybelline," had to leave the concert stage in Chicago due to exhaustion according to his manager. Chuck Berry has to be the Joe Paterno of music to still be performing at his pace. Hopefully he will listen to his body and shut the performances down if necessary just to rest.

Welcome Back Keyshia!

Keyshia Cole releases her 4th CD tomorrow titled "Calling All Hearts." All 3 of Cole's previous efforts have been certified platinum, but she may have a difficult time duplicating her previous efforts in terms of sales. 2 singles have already been released for "Hearts" and neither has yet to chart in any significant way which is not a good sign for the CD.

Keysia's life has changed quite a bit since her last CD "A Different Me" was released 2 years ago. She has had a baby and become engaged, so personally she's in good place. Career wise she's still making music, but may have to downplay expectations just a little in terms of future record sales.

El's Second Chance

El DeBarge's latest CD hits stores today amid as much fanfare as can be created outside of the marketing budgets of Kanye West and Nicki Minaj. El's CD is titled "Second Chance" and this is his statement to fans after being away from the music scene for 16 years and falling as low as a person can fall while dealing with drug abuse and prison time. El's comeback record should not be judged based on sales because the music landscape is crowded with releases over the next few weeks. El's voice is still magnificent and he's working with the likes of Babyface and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis so expectations in terms of quality should be high and hopefully will not disappoint.

Toni Braxton's Money Woes!

Toni Braxton was once a multi million selling artist who probably made millions as one of the top female R&B artists. Braxton even had a successful Las Vegas stint that was cut short by a heart condition. Unfortunately for Braxton, although she had insurance, the company states that because she had a preexisting condition that it wasn't going to cover the losses that resulted from her leaving the Vegas show. Now Braxton has been forced to file bankruptcy with debts that she states could be as high as $50 million. Braxton didn't write on any of the hits that she sang when she was with LaFace records, so she has no residual income when they're being played on the radio.

Artists such as Janet, Mariah and even Mary figured out that part of the music business a long time ago, so long past when they're careers are over, they still will be receiving paychecks. Too bad Braxton didn't ask for songwriting credit on those early hits that are getting played throughout the world. The music business is unforgiving if artists don't have the savvy to use it to their benefit.

Will Fame Derail Bruno Mars?

Singer/songwriter Bruno Mars is one of the hottest artists at the moment. He currently has the #1 song in the country with "Just The Way You Are" but is facing felony cocaine charges after being arrested in Las Vegas last month. Mars, 24, releases his debut album "Doo-Wops & Hooligans" tomorrow, but it appears that he may be allowing the trappings of his new found fame to derail him his promising career.

Chris Brown Scores A #1 With "Deuces"

Chris Brown has scored an improbable #1 record with "Deuces" on the Billboard R&B chart. The song, taken from the mixtape "Fan of a Fan" has gained momentum over the last month, currently charts at #24 on the Billboard 100 chart and still gaining steam. Brown also has a role in the #1 movie from last week "Takers" so this has been a pretty good week for the young Mr. Brown.

Is Timbaland Ok?

It was being reported that producer/rapper was in danger of causing harm to himself on Tuesday after he apparently left his home distraught over the theft of a $2 million watch by someone he knows. Hopefully everything is OK with Timbaland, whose real name is Timothy Mosly.

Fantasia Wanted Out!

Fantasia Barrino says that she wanted out of her life 2 weeks ago when she attempted suicide. It's probably not fair for me to be a skeptic, but it seems convenient that Barrino has a new CD out today titled "Back To Me" and a new VH-1 "Behind The Music" airing tonight. Barrino is a talented singer who has legitimately had personal issues. Hopefully in this particular situation she's being sincere with her fans.

Faith Evans Arrested For DUI!

Singer Faith Evans who we haven't heard from in a while was arrested Saturday night in Los Angeles for suspicion of DUI. Evans who is expected to release a new album in October is also pitching a reality show. It's bad enough that Evans really isn't relevant as an artist anymore, but getting arrested makes things even worse for her. Perhaps she's never heard of the term designated driver.

Chris Brown "Deuces"

While he may never have the career that he could've had before the Rihanna incident, Chris Brown is moving along with his career. His movie "Takers" debuts next week, and he has what I believe is the hottest R&B song out right now with "Deuces". Brown is all tatted up now and clearly has an edge to his music, which seems to have an "I don't care what you think about me" edge to it.

Admittedly I've stated that Brown's career is effectively over compared to where he was headed, which was all time great status in my opinion. However, "Deuces" shows that he will remain a viable artist capable of still producing great music.

Queen of Soul Breaks Ribs In Fall!

The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin has been forced to cancel 2 free concerts she was scheduled to perform in New York next week due to breaking her ribs in a fall over the weekend. Get well soon Queen!

The-Dream's Drama!

Reports surfaced last week that music producer The-Dream and his wife Christina Milian's marriage was on the rocks after pictures hit the net with him in the Caribbean with another woman. The-Dream took too his personal website to address the rumors, stating:

"I've cried about this for months, after interviews, after prayer and I've tried to take my own life at a point because of the failure that was looming."

The-Dream, who is one of the hottest producers in the business, is at a crossroads as a solo artist as his latest solo effort "Love King" has tanked. Hopefully he can regain some normalcy in his personal life.

Usher "There Goes My Baby"

Usher just released a video for his hit "There Goes My Baby" from his platinum CD "Raymond v. Raymond." Good to see Mr. Raymond back in good form musically and visually. A great song goes a long way towards resurrecting a potentially floundering musical career.

Is There Beef Between Maxwell, Jill and Erykah?

R&B singer Maxwell has been touring with fellow superstars Jill Scott and Erykah Badu for the past month to mainly sold out crowds. This week word leaked out that the second leg of the tour is either being postponed or cancelled due to friction within the camps of the three singers. The initial rumor has been that Maxwell's camp is not happy with the female superstars due to their sets going a little long. Jill Scott's people are denying any issues and Maxwell's publicist hasn't issued a statement regarding the matter.

New York dates at Madison Square Garden are completely sold out meaning this tour has the potential to make a lot of money for all parties. I would be a shame if egos derailed these talented performers from entertaining their fans based on the original tour schedule.

R.I.P. Marvin Isley!

Marvin Isley died yesterday at the age of 56. Marvin was the bassist for the Isley Brothers on their many hits after he joined the group in early 70s. When I was listening the to the incomparable Isley Brothers during the 70s and 80s, Marvin's brother Ronald's fluid voice lead the vocals on all of their hits. The one thing about groups and music back then was that the groups were self contained units that flourished because of many moving parts. Marvin's bass playing can be heard on hits such as "Voyage to Atlantis" and "For The Love of You." In his later years Marvin suffered from diabetes which resulted in both of his legs being amputated.

Marvin Isley leaves a lasting legacy of family music for all of us to enjoy, may he rest in peace.

R.I.P. Ali-Ollie Wilson

Ali-Ollie Wilson former lead singer of The Temptations has died after a bout of cancer. He was only 58 years-old. Wilson lead the group during it's 80s resurgence singing lead on the hit "Treat Her Like A Lady." While Wilson wasn't an original member of the group his voice is unmistakable on the group's hit songs during the 1980s when he replaced Dennis Edwards. Prayers go out to his family for their loss.

Janet Still Brings A Smile To Everyone's Face!

I admit that I was surprised yesterday morning when I found out that Janet Jackson performed on the American Idol finale on Wednesday night. She looked and sounded like Janet again. Her performances following late brother Michael's death last year were very lackluster, but it's good to see that Janet has found her voice again.

Toni Braxton Has A New Album!

I always find it interesting when artists keep releasing music after they're no longer relevant as big selling artists. Toni Braxton released her first album in 5 years titled "Pulse" yesterday. The problem with the release is that Braxton doesn't have a single on the charts or receiving airplay. She's essentially fighting a losing battle without any type of radio airplay and relevant music. I'm wishing the best for Braxton's latest offering, but the prospects don't look promising.