Rebel Watching: MTV Makes A Chrihanna Special, PBS Stax the Deck and Boys II Men Take Hitsville to HDNet

The first official statement from Chris Brown reads:

"Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired. I am seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones and I am committed, with God's help, to emerging a better person. Much of what has been speculated or reported on blogs and/or reported in the media is wrong. While I would like to be able to talk about this more, until the legal issues are resolved, this is all I can say except that I have not written any messages or made any posts to Facebook, on blogs or any place else. Those posts or writing under my name are frauds."

I for one think the statement probably could have been released earlier, but it's good he finally released one and the wording is probably the best that could be hoped for under the circumstances. If you're like me, you're probably also pretty concerned for both Chris and Rihanna's development, as well as the young fans of both stars who are probably deeply affected by the issue. Well, it looks like MTV will be doing their part to examine the issue via their special "Chris Brown and Rihanna: Love In Trouble". A statement from the network reads:

"MTV News has gathered journalists and industry professionals - as well as an in-studio audience of young fans - to provide insight and commentary about what the incident means for both artists' careers and lives, and society in general."

The special airs tonight, Monday, February 16th at 6PM. Check out a clip below, featuring writer Laura Checkoway, who interviewed Brown for the GIANT Magazine article where he revealed his stepfather's abusive relationship with his mother.







While I'm interested to see how MTV will address the situation without all the facts, part of me can't help but feel they are just doing the tabloid thing and capitalizing off some very real pain and suffering. I'll reserve my judgment until after viewing. In the meantime, I saw some really great R&B on TV this weekend (and no I'm not talking about the John Legend/Juanes performance of "If You're Out There" that replaced Chris Brown's All Star Game halftime performance).





"RESPECT YOURSELF: THE STAX RECORDS STORY" originally premiered on August 1, 2007 on PBS but I happened to catch it on PBS in the wee hours of Saturday morning.

Between 1959 and 1975, Stax Records in Memphis, Tennessee released international chart-topping hits such as "Soul Man," "Dock of the Bay," "Green Onions," "Midnight Hour," "Respect Yourself," and the theme from SHAFT. The label's artists included Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Booker T. & the MG's, Rufus and Carla Thomas, the Staple Singers, Isaac Hayes, and even Richard Pryor and Jesse Jackson. You can read more about the special here, but please check your local listings as it is not to be missed!!!



Sunday night, I avoided watching the West beat up the East by tuning into HDNet's concert series which re-aired the Boyz II Men Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville USA performance taped at the Atlantic City House of Blues earlier last year, which premiered on HDNet November 9th. It was a great show! The guys are still in great shape (minus retired member Michael McCary) and sounded amazing. Check www.hd.net for their programming schedule.





Watching Boyz II Men back in action made me remember when Brandy used to date Wayna Morris. Remember that? I wonder how different things might be for both of them if that situation had worked out. Just a thought.