Artists React to Chris Brown and Rihanna Incident

The incident with R&B vocalists Chris Brown and Rihanna has caused a major wrinkle within the music industry. The two innocent young artists have been the topic of discussion amongst industry icons, friends, and family. It seems to have upset practically everyone as they speak out to the media and express their feelings.

Kanye West recently spoke to Ryan Seacrest about the incident between the two R&B vocalists, these were his comments:

“I was completely devastated by the concept of what I heard, I was completey devastated during the performance. All I will say is its so devastating. I feel like, just as a person, I don’t care how famous she is, or even if she worked at McDonald’s; that should have never happened. It should have never come to that place.”

West told Seacrest that he recently saw them at Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy gala that Saturday night prior to the Grammy’s. He states that he knows Rihanna really well since they went on tour together, he is close to her like a sister:

“I know Rihanna a bit better because I went on tour with her and we vibed out on a lot of creative ideas with the touring. I gave her all these references of Grace Jones and [photographer] Jean-Paul Goude, back in the ’80s when pop stars took it to a whole ‘nother level. I felt and feel like Rihanna is so important to our culture, to pop music. I feel that she is the most important artist in music and has the most potential. For her taste level at her age and the songs she does and her style. She has the potential to be the greatest artist of all time. In that sense, I feel like she’s my baby sis, and I would do any and everything to help her in any situation.”

This past Monday, T.I. spoke to Carson Daly about the incident and added that he spoke to Chris and kept him calm:

I spoke to him today, he’s cool, you know. He’s a little concerned about the situation, but he’s still the same Chris. I told him, ‘This too shall pass.’ We’re celebrities, we’re entertainers, but we’re still human — all of us. Don’t expect us not to make mistakes, because we will.”

After speaking with Carson Daly, he released a statement to MTV News and sent his sympathy to the both of them:

“After careful consideration, I realized I made the mistake of commenting before understanding the situation. I myself am no stranger to media scrutiny. My only intention was to support both Rihanna and Chris during these times. My heart goes out to both of them.”

Legendary R&B vocalist Lionel Richie who’s no stranger to the media and domestic violence spoke on the matter involving Chris and Rihanna and gave advisement to them on how to handle the situation:

“You’ll go through adversity, you’re gonna have it. You’re gonna have difficulty. Stand up, face it. Look right in the camera, say, ‘Yes, I did it,’ then back out of it. Keep going. That’s all you can do. Because now, there’s no more secrets. You can’t hide anything anymore. You can’t get away now, analyzing how much the media has changed over the past two decades. It took a minute when you could practice your integrity thing; you could practice your mistakes, before the world even heard about it. Now, whatever mistake you make, it’s out there. It’s a different kind of vibe. I wouldn’t want to deal with it right now, not learning the business and life at the same time with that thing [camera] pointing at you every five minutes. All I can say is it’s here, it’s now, deal with it.”

Speculations are swarming that Jay-Z is infuriated with Chris Brown for attacking Rihanna and basically everything has hit the roof. Hov has mentored Rihanna since the beginning, he was the reason Def Jam signed her to the label. As a matter of fact everything is hitting the fan for Chris Brown as he recently lost all of his endorsements and his ratings an R&B artist is declining fast.

Grandmother of the Battered Rihanna Speaks On Her Condition 

Representatives for Rihanna have yet to come forth to give the media a status report on her condition, but her grandmother has spoken on her condition and reassures her fans that she recuperating.

The grandmother of the R&B starlet, Clara Braithwaite, recently spoke with Barbadian newspaper Daily Nation and provided fans with reassurance of her granddaughter’s health and to initially decline speculations that Rihanna sustained a broken nose:

“I don’t want people to worry, Rihanna is fine and she is doing well.”

Reports are surfacing that both R&B vocalists have canceled their upcoming shows in different events and cities. Chris Brown was slated to appear at the upcoming NBA All Star Weekend, but that has been canceled. Rihanna was set to perform in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; she has since pulled out of that concert. Her birthday bash that was scheduled towards the end of February has been canceled by Def Jam.

At press time, Chris Brown is still under investigation with Los Angeles detectives, but rumors are surfacing that he has apparently left town regardless of court orders. Rihanna is cooperating with Los Angeles authorities with the case and is still stern on pressing charges against Brown.

Stepfather of R&B artist Chris Brown Adds his Remarks to the Media

It seems as if family members on both sides are coming out of the shadows to add to this horrendous incident. Chris Brown’s former stepfather, who was reported to have physically abused Brown’s mother while he was child, recently came forth and spoke to Access Hollywood about his former stepson’s actions.

Brown’s stepfather whose name is Donelle Hawkins recently spoke with Access Hollywood this past Tuesday about the incident between Brown and Rihanna.

Hawkins told the media outlet that, “Chris has to take responsibility for his own actions.”

In 2007, Brown told Giant Magazine about his stepfather’s abusive mannerism towards his mother while he was growing up. He has since stated that he hated his stepfather until this day. Hawkins omitted to the media outlet about his past and defended Brown’s accusations of his abusive nature.

“There was a lot of arguing between his mom and I. I never raised a hand at his mom. She and I argued frequently. As far as physical abuse, there was no physical abuse, but I spanked Chris one time.

“I became the bad guy, Chris was really mad at his mom for leaving his dad, so I became the scapegoat. No matter how much I tried to be a father figure, nothing worked.”

At press time, representatives from both Brown and Rihanna still haven’t released a statement to the media concerning this whole ensemble. As soon as they do, we will keep you posted.

Keep posted to 24hourhiphop.com for updated news as this situation escalates.