The stories of both Bobby Fischer and D’Angelo read like a major network soap opera – twins separated at birth living similar lives. And because a part of their evolution is hidden somewhere in the mystery of solitude, they’ve done nothing less than prove the theory that great minds ride the same wavelength.

If we’ve learned anything from the Chris Brown-Rihanna situation, it is important to not be judgmental of Mr. Winans. The situation is unfortunate and all we can do is pray for him, keep him in our thoughts and hope he gets some professional help or intervention…not come out with a duet or a book.

Hip hop journalism aint dead. And it surely lives in the south. Roni Sarig’s tome Third Coast: OutKast, Timbaland, and How Hip-Hop Became a Southern Thing is one of few books to trace southern musical roots from Mc Shy D to booty shake.

Hadar’s new EP, aptly titled She’s 4 Months, takes you from first seductive kiss to the 3am “where are my panties” orgasm.

Sadly, it’s a wrap for Chris Brown. Even if the allegations prove to be false, the damage is done. He has already lost endorsements (Wrigley’s Gum and the Got Milk? campaign) and is losing a heated battle in the court of public opinion. There are old school rules. Hitting women, or the implication that you may have, puts you on the wrong side of the law.

Lil Wayne’s statement about altering his name– to disconnect from the legacy of his father– had the resonance of a Langston Hughes poem. Who’s name is James, but used Langston to separate from his father. Lil Wayne is obviously in a bit of pain. Not sure who is the blacksmith of his shackles, but as it’s always been, he’s using music to break free.