Chris Brown - Is it OK to Like Him Again Yet?

It has been over two years since Chris Brown assaulted R&B queen (and then girlfriend) Rihanna, resulting in a domestic violence charge and the inevitable class of his career.

His "comeback" album Graffiti tanked in a BIG way, and the former super star who scored multiple #1 hits and platinum albums was suddenly left out in the cold. And you know what, people didn't really care. He made his bed, and he had to lay in that sh**.

But still, people didn't forget that this guy used to be at the top of his game. He was named Artist of the Year in 2007, wowing crowds with his superb dancing and spot on vocals. No one could deny that the kid was talented.

And now, in 2011, it looks as if the masses has finally accepted Brown's apology, and have welcomed him back into the spotlight.

His latest album F.A.M.E, was a hit right out of the box debuting at #1 in the U.S., and has produced multiple smash hits, including the insanely catchy "Look at Me Now" (welcome back Busta Rhymes!)

So what do you think? Is Chris Brown back for good? Has the American Public moved on from that terrible incident years ago? Or will we always remember him as the douche bag that beat up our fave Barbadian girl?

I guess time will time.

(Image courtesy of http://www.holamun2.com/)

Bruno Mars Has Arrived

With arrests for possession of cocaine aside, the arrival of Bruno Mars to the world of pop/R&B music has yielded some (mainly me) to proclaim him as the male Alicia Keys.

Now, only time will tell if Mars has the staying power, but his debut album Doo-Wops & Hooligans hit the top 3 on the Billboard charts, and his lead single as a solo artist "Just the Way You Are" has become an international #1 hit.

His recent performance on SNL was fantastic, and it appears as if he has the whole package!!! He can sing (VERY well), play the guitar, write, and look damnn good doing it at the same!

His next single "Grenade" is already heating up radio stations across the country, check it out and jump on the Mars bandwagon!

(Image courtesy of http://3.bp.blogspot.com/)

Chris Brown's Road to Redeeming Himself?

I didn't think it was possible, but Chris Brown may have begun the process of redeeming himself last night at the BET Awards.

His dance tribute to Michael Jackson was SO phenomenal, and at the end when he broke down and started crying and couldn't sing, it seemed genuine. Wow.

People in the audience gave him a standing ovation, rightfully so. I have never seen such an on-point tribute to MJ, it was unbelievable. Brown's career has been in the crapper ever since he beat up ex-girlfriend Rihanna, and I assumed he'd be out for the count...forever.

But after last night, i don't know. It really proved that this kid has some serious talent. It will be interesting to see if the industry accepts him back in after everything he has done and been through.

Watch the performance HERE.

Thoughts??

(Image courtesy of bet.com)

OMG! Usher Collects His Ninth #1 Single

Although it's definitely not at the same caliber as 2004's "Yeah", Usher sees his latest single "OMG" rise 6-1 this week on the Hot 100, giving the R&B superstar his 9th number one single.

He is now tied with Elton John and the Bee Gees for the 10th artist with the most number singles in HISTORY.

Pretttyyy impressive if I do say so myself.

Not so impressive though, is how bland and cliche "OMG" actually is. Everyone, including Usher, has jumped on the auto-tune bandwagon, and this song is just soo not as good as his previous hits.

But it's nice to see him back on top; Usher's had a phenomenal career, but has seen lagging album sales since his 10x platinum iconic Confessions was released in 2004.

As a tribute to his 15 year career, here' a look at Usher's 9 number one singles, as well as the sales for his six studio albums:

Usher's #1 Singles:

1998: Nice & Slow

2001: U remind Me

2001: U Got It Bad

2004: Yeah!

2004: Burn

2004: Confessions Part II

2004: My Boo (With Alicia Keys)

2008: Love in This Club

2010: OMG

Usher's Album Sales:

1994: Usher (50,000)

1997: My Way (6 million)

2001: 8701 (4 million)

2004: Confessions (10 million)

2008: Here I Stand (1 million)

2010: Raymond Vs. Raymond (538,000 and counting)

(Image courtesy of hiphoproll.com)

Mario's "Break Up" Breaks into top 20

It's been a little while since R&B singer Mario had a top 20 hit on the Pop charts, but with his new single "Break Up," he accomplishes that feat once more. The song is a fairly regular contemporary R&B song, but since that is kind of what is dominating the charts right now then I guess it's no surprise.

He scored a massive #1 single in 2004 with "Let Me Love You," but has been stuck on the R&B charts mainly until now.

Check it out below!

Break Up


(Image courtesy of xclusiveblog.com)

R&B Singer Jay Sean Breaks in the U.S.

British singer-songwriter Jay Sean has scored 6 Top 40 hits in the UK, and now it seems like he's about to break in the states.

His new single "Down" is sitting at #2 on the Itunes 100 best selling singles.

The song is catchy, but just like every other R&B/Hip-Hop song on the radio, it's filled with voice enhancement technology that makes him sounds like a robot. It will probably sell millions...