Chrihanna back on?

Hm. From the 'we don't want to believe it but we don't doubt it' files, comes news that Rihanna and Chris Brown are back together again.

People.com is reporting that Chris reached out to Rihanna on her 21st birthday (by phone, not fist this time) and that the two are presently holed up at one of Diddy's villas in Miami Beach's Star Island.

According to a 'source':

"While Chris is reflective and saddened about what happened, he is really happy to be with the woman he loves. ... He called to wish her happy birthday. They've reached out to each other. It's been mutual."

Sigh.

Now first, Diddy knows he is wrong for accommodating these two in this. He is older than them and should not be helping them hide and dodge and get back together out of the public eye.

At the very least, Diddy is a consumate businessman - he's all about money and these two kids are effing up their money right now with this because the public has already crucified Chris, especially after that photo came out showing Rihanna with her lip busted up and her head all bruised. And while they will give Rihanna a little more leeway since she is the alleged victim, they are not going to take kindly to her essentially throwing all their sympathy back at them by going back with him. It's a Bobby-Whitney type situation and sympathy will eventually turn to disgust.

I'm not really vex-vex with either of them though, since who can say this was really unexpected? Especially in light of their tempestuous relationship?

I'm disappointed and I wish someone could get through to them and make them see what they are doing. I wish someone older who has been through that flush of irrational, emotional first love could protect them from themselves.

But damn it, I've been 21 and crazy in love too and I sometimes wish I could go back to the 21 year old me and tell her:

DON'T DO IT, GIRL!!!!!!

There are some things you only realise with age and time, like just because you feel you are going into withdrawal when you and the person break up, doesn't mean it will last forever and doesn't mean that you should stay with that person who is bad for you. Even when you are in the throes of real deep tabanca - losing weight, crying 24/7, no energy to face the day, you need to think long-term.

But... I've been 21 too.

Sigh.

NY Fashion week gets it : black is the new black

Let's hope we're not putting our mouth on the fashion industry by speaking too quickly but it finally seems like the message of diversity is getting through to the fashion types. Maybe it's the Obama effect, as the NY Times put it, (or as Tracy Morgan  more succintly put it: "black is the new president, bitch!") but the recently concluded New York Fashion Week was far more colourful than any in recent times.

[caption id="attachment_704" align="aligncenter" width="360" caption="Islandista Jourdan Dunn was one of the big winners, walking in 20+ shows and opening for both old guard designers such as Oscar de la Renta (pictured) and new guard designer Jason Wu, who famously designed First Lady Michelle Obama's inauguration ball gown"][/caption]

Jezebel did an exhaustive (seriously, that must have been time consuming- really got to large them up for taking the time to go through all of the pics on style.com and break it down- whew!) study of the week and concluded that some 18% of the spots in fashion shows were given to models of colour. Their analysis:

There were 116 labels that held shows at the recently ended New York fashion week; that's 3,697 spots in runway and presentation lineups. Of those, 668 were given to models of color — which, at just over 18%, is 6% better than one year ago. (And certainly better than in the fall of 2007, when WWD reported that one-third of the New York shows used no models of color at all.)

They even did graphs breaking down the race of the models of colour used. Of that number, 41% were black, 36% were Asian and 22% Latina, with 1% being other ethnicities.

While this is no where close to being an accurate representation of the racial composition of the United States, which is 26% non-white, it is encouraging progress so let's give credit where credit is due.

Now, it's on to Milan Fashion Week, which, while known for being very vanilla, also produced the iconic all-black Italian Vogue. So here's hoping...

A pelau post for my islandistas!

I got a pelau kind of post for y'all here - a bit of this and a bit of that. Let it simmer and it gine be real good! :)

The day after completing her Carnival sweep, Queen of the Road, Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez was resting up at home and laughing off rumours that she had delivered a 'Carnival Baby'.

 

Speaking to the Trinidad Express, she said:

This is marvellous. The rumour went out by who, we don't know, and people instantly believed it. We told people that called it was not true, and they still believed the rumour. The rumour took precedence over what we were saying. This is the most amazing thing I have ever seen. Even though we are saying the baby has not come as yet, people insist it has. It just goes to show that you can't believe everything you hear. Ian and I had a good laugh over it.

In an interview with Newsday, Bunji added:

It looks like everyone is so excited with Fay’s baby that they feel that it is the nation’s baby. Since Saturday we have been hearing the rumours. We were sitting looking at the television when the announcer came across and announced that Fay had her baby, we just looked at each other and burst out laughing.

They both licked out against the bad-minded people who have been saying ... get this one... that she got pregnant just to get people on her side during Carnival, with Bunji saying:

This is a life not a toy, we wouldn’t do something to jeopardise the child.

Wow. People really taking this thing too far though - how they could really think that her getting pregnant during Carnival could be purpose-work? It doesn't even make any sense, for it certainly made her job more difficult  for while, as she said, she was not sick, you can't jump and wave much when you're eight months along - besides it not being a good idea, gravity is kind of working against you.

UPDATED: Fay-Ann delivered the carnival baby?

Update: False alarm! Turns out that this was just a rumour - but apparently, even a television station in TnT reported it and from there it went flying. However, we have received reports, both from bandi, in the comments section and also someone who has just returned from Trinidad this evening, that it is false. Fay-Ann is still very much pregnant and she and Bunji actually had a good laugh about it today when they were being interviewed as they made the rounds following her Road March win.

That would have been too perfect timing, wouldn't it?

Ok, so I'm still checking up on this one, but rumours are flying around that Fay-Ann Lyons actually gave birth yesterday - as in Carnival Tuesday.

Both bandi from Trini blog bandwagonist and commenters on regional site islandmix have been reporting this. Reportedly she gave birth to a baby girl.

I'm still checking around to get a solid confirmation of this because... wow! That would be almost eerie timing. It almost seems too crazy to be true - the daughter of Fay-Ann Lyons and Bunji Garlin and granddaughter of Super Blue being born on Carnival Tuesday, even as her mother was storming to her third Road March win?

It should also be kept in mind that Fay-Ann was eight months along and was not due til next month so she still had a few more weeks to go.

If she has delivered, we wish her and Bunji all the best - girl, you is a real super woman if this is true! 

Queen Fay-Ann!

Tell them that ah tough like iron

When ah done wid dem,

Dey bound to know know why mih name is Fay-Ann Lyons.

What did we say, nuh? Who could beat de lady wid de carnival baby? Not a man - or woman!

As expected, Super-preggy Fay-Ann Lyons won the Road March, sweeping all three soca titles and making her the 'winning-est' woman ever in Trinidad Carnival.

 The news just came through a short while ago.

She now has five titles, including an unprecedented three Road March titles - surpassing the great Calypso Rose's two Road March titles and equalling her for back-to-back wins and a Carnival sweep.

Despite all the talk about Destra Garcia being close, in the end it was a proper cut-ass by Mummy Lyons-Alvarez, with Fay-Ann's 'Meet Super Blue' getting 410 plays to Destra's 'Bacchanal' a distant second with 76 plays.

Congrats Queen Fay-Ann!

Fay-Ann and Destra out front & islandistas at Oscar parties

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So up to now, we here at Islandista are still not sure who has won the Road March title in Trinidad and Tobago. From all accounts, it seems to be a close battle between Fay-Ann Lyons 'Meet Super Blue' and Destra Garcia's 'Bacchanal'.

Checking Trinidad's major papers isn't helping either.

The Trinidad Express claims, 'Bacchanal hot on Super Blue's tail', while the Guardian says 'Destra, Faye-Ann in tight race for Road March'. At first glance, NewsDay seems to be sure it is Fay-Ann, with their front page proclaiming 'Fay-Ann's Queen of the Road' and their online lead story headlined as 'Fay-Ann leads Road March race'. However, later in the article they caution

Bits & pieces - Machel's rant, Rihanna's statement and more...

So much has been going on these past few days - the Rihanna situation, Trinidad Carnival, New York Fashion Week, that it's hard to get it all in but we're trying!

First off, we have some behind the scenes pics (compliments E-Zone Entertainment - big ups to Lisa Wickham - that woman is everywhere) of Destra's upcoming Bacchanal music video.

 In other Destra-related news, islandistas would have noticed that she has teamed up this season with her former nemesis, Denise 'Saucy Wow' Belfon. Alison Hinds is also in the mix, as the three of them are on a song called Obsessive Winers. They are calling themselves the Three Ss - Saucy, Sassy (for Destra's song Sassiness) and Sexy.

However, in light of Destra and Denise's well-recorded cat fight a few years back, eyebrows might have been raised to see them performing together. However, both Destra and Denise have said that is all water under the bridge and that they are like sisters.

In an interview with Bajanfuhlife, Destra said:

SuperPreggy sweeeeeeep!

Who can stop the woman wid de Carnival baby this year? Not a man - not even hers!

As I predicted, Fay-Ann won the International Power Soca Monarch contest early this morning at the Hasely Crawford Stadium after she mash up the people place with Meet Super Blue annnnd... she win de Groovy Soca Monarch too with Heavy T.

Shurwayne Winchester placed second to her in the Groovy Soca Monarch contest and hubby Bunji Garlin placed second to her in the Power Soca Monarch contest - the Alvarez-Lyons household getting that money for sure this Carnival season!

And now... it's on to the Road, as Trinidad Carnival reaches its climax this weekend with 96 hours of pure frenzy - no sleeping, only partying!

As for our Road March bet... well to quote commenter Molasses "who say CLEAN SWEEP!"  We do, fuh damn sure! The smart money is on Fay-Ann to keep her crown again this year and do a clean sweep of the party crowns - Power Soca Monarch, Groovy Soca Monarch and Road March Queen.

Take a look at her winning performances below.



In other Carnival news, Fay-Ann said she and Bunji still don't know if they are having a boy or a girl. In an interview with the Trinidad Express, she said that despite two ultrasounds, they can't tell the sex of the child.

"Yes, we want to find out, but it's on the baby's timing. Because of the position of the baby we can't really tell if it's a boy or a girl. I went the first time I heard it's a boy, and then I heard it's a girl, so I know it can't be two of them at the same time (laughs) and it's not a twin."

Hmmm... yet last night I coulda swear I heard Bunji mention that he gine cut 'her' ass when referring to 'Baby Lyons-Alvarez' cheeky verse during Fay-Ann's winining performance of 'Meet Super Blue'. Will check back and let you know...

KFC, KFC... we liiiike it!

I saw this ad repeatedly during the Soca Monarch finals and I thought it was just... hilarious!

The mashed potatoes and fries wukking up... *dead*! Worse... wait til the video gets to 0:29 seconds and watch the corn at the right pulling a meaaaannn slow grind in a bikini bottom!

And when Ziggy Ranking got to the part where he chanted "I'm not sure anymore... if I want corn or cole slaw...slaw" I literally fell off the couch laughing.

Classic!

Fay-Annnnnnnnn!!!

So I'm just going to go ahead and call this for Fay-Ann Lyons.

They have not yet announced the results of the Bmobile International Power Soca Monarch contest and the Playwey (?) Groovy Soca Monarch contest but if Fay-Ann ent win de big one (power soca) then the judges did not see what the whole Caribbean did.

Eight months pregnant, Fay-Ann mash up the place with her hit 'Meet Super Blue'. Half way through her performance, she brought on the man himself, her father Austin Lyons, aka Super Blue, eight time road march king. He didn't have to do a thing except be there - he didn't have to sing a note because the crowd was hers already.

Then... Fay-Ann bring de dunner. She hold over and say 'ah feel a pain'. Call me foolish, I fell for it, especially when Super Blue put his arm around her shoulder. Hear me:

"Oh shite, she gine have a Carnival baby fuh trute?"

Damn...

It was bound to happen eventually... someone leaked a photo taken of Rihanna right after she was allegedly beaten by Chris Brown.

Gossip site tmz released it today. Quite frankly, it's awful and to be honest we're torn about putting it up as well. Just looking at it and her expression makes me cry.

But... there has been too much foolishness going about the blogosphere from Chris Brown stans wildly speculating about 'oh maybe she hit him first' and 'she probably deserved it' and so on. These traitors to womanhood have even made their way here, accusing us of being 'ignorant negroes' for being harsh on Chris Brown.

So to them we say -  if this was you or any female relative of yours, what would you have to say?

Photo credit: TMZ.com

Meanwhile, the LAPD is not at all happy that the photo has been leaked and issued a statement this morning saying:

“The unauthorized release of a domestic violence photograph immediately generated an internal investigation. The Los Angeles Police Department takes seriously its duty to maintain the confidentiality of victims of domestic violence. A violation of this type is considered serious misconduct, with penalties up to and including termination.”

Leg of mutton dressed up as...

I well tired now and I ent even get to blog about Trinidad Carnival which is reaching its peak this weekend but I promise all you islandistas that I will get to it! Just now! Soon come! And all of that...

But I just got a quick ting to drop pun yuh from the Brit Awards night before last in London.

Our girl Estelle is doing what she does and well...

[caption id="attachment_642" align="aligncenter" width="196" caption="Photo credit: PA"][/caption]

 

I... do not know what to make of this dress. I have been trying to work with Estelle and her crazy-angled dresses but ...

I see what she trying to do and ting ... be cutting edge and fashion forward (though since leg of mutton sleeves are actually circa the late 1800s - so can you be fashion forward if you going back over a century?) but... oh gosh man, she just looking fuh attention now.

And I think Nora here (compliments Wikipedia's nice little entry on 1890s fashion) rocked the look much better back in 1896.

[caption id="attachment_643" align="aligncenter" width="304" caption="Photo credit: Wikimedia commons"][/caption]

Rihanna's dad: 'I am not homeless' & Chris is so sorry

It's been a week in coming but  people are finally talking out about the Rihanna/Chris Brown assault situation.

After speaking to people.com at the start of the weekend, Rihanna's dad Ronald Fenty is speaking to the Barbadian press about his daughter's situation and more specifically how folks are trying to smear him to get at her.

Photo credit: nationnews.com

According to Ri-ri's dad, news stories have appeared in the international press claiming that he is homeless and lives out of his car.

From the Barbados Nation:

It's an attempt by them to shift the focus from Chris Brown [ex-boyfriend]," he told the SUNDAY SUN yesterday.

Fenty was referring to the incident involving Brown, an international singing star facing charges after allegedly assaulting his daughter in the United States.

"I am really upset about the whole incident. They had me all over the TV saying that I was living in a car and was homeless. I have a home in Warrens. I don't live in this car. Rihanna has done really well as a person from a small island and I know that she is up against the heavyweights, so they will do anything to discredit her," he said.

According to the father of the international star and Grammy Award singer, selling items from his car in The City is "a job I do on the side just to keep me happy".

He pinpointed two media corporations overseas who allegedly showed clips of him selling from the back of his car in The City, and stating that he was homeless and also lived in the car. The middle-aged designer said he had seen vehicles parked down the street and people taking pictures from a car, but he had no idea what their motive was.

He chided the media for trying to "dig up dirt on Rihanna", whom he described as being okay and in good health.

Now what can we say about this? Truth be told, Mr. Fenty's admitted past as a cocaine addict has put him in a position to be misrepresented.

But from all accounts, he has kicked his habit and he ent nuh paro. Cuhdear man! Moreover, even if he was, what de hell that would have to do with Rihanna getting beat? stupse...

Furthermore, these people need to check themselves-  what car, wha? Homeless people in the Caribbean don't  live in cars! It's warm outside - they sleep on the street and never die of frostbite (or two day old, sour food).

In other news, Jay-Z is not pleased with how many folks are talking about the whole Rihanna/Chris Brown mess. Speaking to the media last night on the red carpet before his 'Two Kings' event with Lebron James, Jigga had this to say:

"It's not a sound byte, this is a real situation. You have to have compassion for others. Just imagine it being your sister or mom and then think about how we should talk about that.... I just think we should all support her. She's going through a tough time. You have to realize she's a young girl, as well. She's very young."

Annnnnd... finally... one of the parties at the center of the whole situation has finally spoken out. Chris Brown issued an official statement through his PR reps at Sitrick and Company. And... well... he's sorry.

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 writings under my name are frauds.”

Mm. Trust me, you ent sorry yet buddy. By the time the public really done with you, you gine be real sorry in truth - you only just start to feel it.

Sorry.

Rihanna's dad - "I didn't believe it" and Fashion Week stuff

Rihanna's father, Ronald Fenty has spoken of his shock on hearing of his daughter's alleged assault at the hands of her (now ex we presume?) boyfriend Chris Brown. Speaking to people.com, Mr. Fenty was remarkably restrained and diplomatic for someone whose only girl child has been battered (or maybe they just edited out the part where he said 'if I ever see Chris Brown again, I gine burst he rasshole head... who knows?).

"I know my daughter," said Fenty, 55. As for Brown, he said, "You think you know somebody, but you really don't."

Describing Rihanna's current condition after seeing her in Barbados on Friday, Fenty said, "There is some bruising. She will be alright. I think so."

He adds, "At some point, she will speak out. I hope she will stand up for women all over the world."

Fenty, a salesman and freelance clothing designer, said Rihanna is spending time with her girlfriends in Barbados while she heals. While Fenty said he wouldn't tell his daughter what to do, he did say, "If it were me, I'd move on."

Like we said... restrained. Kudos to Mr. Fenty for taking the high road. 

In other news... it's FASHION WEEK!

New York Fashion Week is having an existential crisis about whether it's appropriate to have the traditional lavish displays of luxury and wealth when the world is in a recession. Several designers, including Ms. Fabulosity herself Kimora Lee Simmons (soon to be Hounsou?) have scaled back their shows in deference to the recession.

But the clothes still cost an arm and a leg ok? And a few toes on the next foot... but at least dey trying.



[caption id="attachment_630" align="aligncenter" width="401" caption="photo credit: from theybf.com"][/caption]



Islandista Nia Long looked cute as can be walking the cat walk for the Heart Truth's red dress collection in a dress by top black designer Tracy Reese and a new group called the African Fashion Collective had an all-star cast of black models for their show, including islandista Jaunel McKenzie and guest appearances by Tyson Beckford and the irrepressible Grace Jones.

[caption id="attachment_631" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="photo credit: Young, Black and Fabulous"][/caption]

Fay-Ann going for the double, island folk on the red carpet and more

Of course... we have more on the Chris Brown/Rihanna drama - we think we're going to have to retire the 'Chrihanna' moniker after all of this.

A reliable source close to Rihanna has reported that she flew into Barbados last night to recuperate from her injuries and escape the drama that has swirled around her since Sunday. There's no 'official' word on her arrival as yet but we highly doubt there will be under the circumstances and we figure that unlike previous trips where she hit the beach and Chefette and Club Xtreme, that she will probably stick close to home and family this time around. We would too. Welcome home Ri-ri - get well soon!

That is some good news out of a bad situation - and to add to the good stuff, here are some shots of islandistas (and a few islandistos) shining on various red carpets around the globe this past week.

The Grammys of course were the hottest ticket in the world this week and Barbadian singers Shontelle (T-Shirt) and Hal Linton were up in the do at various Grammy parties and hanging out with stars, some of island extraction like Busta Rhymes.

Other island folk hit the red carpet for Victoria's Secret's 'What Is Sexy? party at the Bowery in New York and Elle's Style Awards in London.

What in de hecking heck is Genevieve Jones wearing here? No really... WHAT IS IT? Is it tourist chic - judging from the socks with the high-heeled sandals here? And as for the chiffon shirt with the bow in front... man I done... next!

Saucy text caused Chrihanna bust-up?

And the news just keeps on coming and coming in this Rihanna-Chris Brown assault mess.

Word from tmz.com is that law enforcement sources have said that the fight (well, really beating because I don't know how many licks Ri-ri got in but Chris seems to have gotten in more) between the couple was caused by a text message that Chris received from a woman while he and Rihanna were driving home from Clive Davis' pre-Grammy party.

From tmz:

Law enforcement sources confirm to TMZ Chris Brown received a text message from a woman while he was driving with Rihanna and that's what started the confrontation that left Rihanna battered and bruised.

We're told the text message was from a woman who wrote about hooking up with Brown later.

Tsk. I guess that was almost inevitable, wasn't it? Not the beating obviously, but the signs of straying. Two such hot young people only just getting the opportunity to explore their youth and hotness is a combustible enough combination for regular folk. When you add the factor of their being basically on their own with no parental supervision that is an even more volatile situation, leading to premature domesticity and kids trying to act like old married couples when they're really young and hormonal - trust me we've seen it - UWI anyone?

Worse, when they are besieged by sexual offers all the time because of their fame and their teen idol/sex symbol status - it could only end in tears.

Ending in blows, however is something else altogether...

In other Chrihanna bust up related news, the Los Angeles District Attorney's office has sent back the evidence which the LAPD sent to them today. Apparently, they want the LAPD to work on it more as they feel there is not enough evidence to charge Chris with at this point in time. Eh? you may say. Apparently they are trying to get him on a whole set of charges including domestic violence, battery etc so they need the evidence to be strong. I thought a buss face was strong evidence but I ent no legal eagle...

In other islandista news (yes, there is actually other news), we have some pics of islandistas and islandistos on the red carpet at various Grammy weekend events. Had them for a while but this Chrihanna bust up has been taking up a lot of time - every time you turn your head, there's a new 'development'.

Soooooooo...

Up and coming Bajan singers Shontelle and Hal Linton both hit the New Era party with Akon.



Love Shon's hot pink skirt, not fond of the black camisole. And you're still too thin hon - please put on a leeeetle more weight.

Actually like Hal's look, even the extra-pointy faux-hawk which is shocking since I DESPISE the trend of faux-hawks - it has generally gotten out of control but Hal rocks it well here - looks funky and like he's doing 'him'. Good church boy that he actually is, he's probably  really doing what the label advises him to do but at least it has the appearance of being individualistic.

Estelle hit up the gifting suite before the Grammys. Again in an outfit that you will either love or hate. I've decided to just embrace Estelle's choices - she's a London chick after all so she's always going to be a bit edgy and off.



And before the madness ensued, Rihanna rocked a very cute blue dress on the red carpet at the Verizon/Blackberry pre-party.

Chrihanna bust up - the drama continues

Conflicting reports have been coming out in the last day or so on the Rihanna/Chris Brown bust up. Rihanna's grandmother Clara Brathwaite, in an interview with Barbados' Nation newspaper, would only say:

"I don't want people to worry. Rihanna is fine and she is doing well."

Another, unidentified friend told the paper that Ri-ri wants Barbados to know she's ok.

However, the reports coming out of popular gossip site TMZ are saying she's anything but okay, with a 'police source' reporting that police on the scene took pictures (let's hope for evidence since none have popped up on gossip sites yet) showing:

Major contusions on both sides of the singer's face -- there is serious swelling and bruising. Her lip is split and her nose bloody. We have now confirmed there are bite marks on one of her arms and on several fingers.

And we now know this... Rihanna claims Brown struck her with his fists and that's what did the damage. There was no object used in the alleged attack.

Rihanna refused treatment at the scene, but before she left cops took photos. We're told the photos alone are "devastating proof of abuse."

Poor kid. Reports/rumours out of Barbados today are that her family is distraught and her parents are trying to arrange for her to come home to recover. If someone beat up my only girl child I would be making arrangements for a lot more... like a paro to lick down the person responsible... 

Anyhow, Brown is already feeling the fallout - Wrigley's has suspended the advertisements where he was featured singing about their Doublemint gum and released a statement saying:

Wrigley is concerned by the serious allegations made against Chris Brown. We believe Mr. Brown should be afforded the same due process as any citizen. However, we have made the decision to suspend the current advertising featuring Brown and any related marketing communications until the matter is resolved."

The 'Got Milk' folk aren't too happy either with their good boy gone (allegedly) bad. They have pulled his ad from their bodybymilk website and also released a stern statement, saying:

The Milk Mustache campaign is taking the allegations against Chris Brown very seriously. We are very proud and protective of the image of the Milk Mustache campaign and the responsible message it sends to teens. Mr. Brown's ad was launched last fall and is scheduled to end this week.

And it keeps getting worse for Brown. People.com has reported Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton as saying he expected the case would be handed over to the district attorney’s office tomorrow and that prosecutors could charge Brown, 19, with more crimes. 

Chrihanna bust up update and islandista Grammy winners

As if we needed any confirmation, Rihanna has been reportedly confirmed as the victim in the Chris Brown assault case... sorry felonious criminal threats. (eh?)

According to theybf.com, the crime report lists Robyn Fenty as the victim.

Of course, in the wake of this, all kinds of things are coming out. An alleged 'friend' of Chris Brown's has been posting on a popular gossip blog, 'explaining' his side of the story. His (or her?) story below:

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED,CHRIS AND RI WERE HEADING BACK TO THE HOTEL,RI WASEN’T SUPPOSED TO BE GOING BACK TO THE HOTEL WITH CHRIS BECAUSE THEY ARE BROKEN UP.RI HAS A TEMPER,SHE’S EXTREMLY JEALOUS.THIS ISEN’T THE FIRST TIME THEY HAVE FOUGHT,CHRIS NEVER HITS HER ONLY PUSHES HER AWAY WHEN SHE’S TRYING TO BEAT UP ON HIM ,HE’S HAD MARKS ON HIS FACE AND BODY BUT HE FORGAVE HER AND MOVED PASSED IT.LAST NIGHT IN THE LIMO WAS NO DIFFERENCE,SHE CONFRONTED CHRIS ABOUT ANOTHER WOMAN HER BEST FRIEND TOLD HER ABOUT AND WHEN CHRIS BRUSHED HER OFF SHE GOT MAD AND STARTED PUSHING HIM AND SLAPPED HIM,HE GRABBED HER ARM AND TOLD HER TO “CHILL THE FUCK OUT”,SHE GOT MORE UPSET AND JUST STARTED WHALING ON HIM HE PUSHED HER,THATS WHEN SHE STARTED TO SCREAM FOR THE LIMO DRIVER TO STOP AND LET HER OUT THATS WHEN SHE CALLED THE POLICE,WE ALL GOT OUT HE LIMO AND CHRIS AND HIS BODYGUARD LEFT.RI IS FINE SHE WAS JUST REALLY UPSET,MEL AND RI WENT TO THE HOSPITAL AND SHE’S BACK AT HE HOTEL,CHRIS NEVER HIT HER,IT’S ALL A MISUNDERSTANDING.CHRIS WOULD NEVER HURT HER,WATCH WHEN SHE CALMS DOWN,THIS STORY WILL DISAPPEAR AND THEY’LL BE A STATEMENT CLEARING ALL THIS CRAP UP .

I WON’T COMMENT ON IT ANYMORE BAST THIS SO I HOPE THIS ANSWERS ANYONES QUSTIONS,BUT YOU DON’T HAVE TO BELIVE ME BUT WHAT I JUST STATED WAS TO COMPLETE TRUTH I’VE BEEN FRIENDS WITH CHRIS FOR 4 YEARS AND IT WAS 5 OF US IN THE LIMO,IF ANYMORE DETAILS GET OUT YOU’LLSEE THAT EVERYTHING I WROTE WAS TRUE,RI PEOPLE WILL BE MAKING ANOTHER STATEMENT SOON SAYING SHE WAS NO WAY INVOLVED WITH THIS INCIDENT AND IT JUST A MISUNDERSTANDING,AS WE SPEAK CHRIS IS TALKING TO THE LAPD SO JUST WAIT AND SEE,BTW RI HAS BEEN TRYING TO CALL CHRIS SINCE IT ALL HAPPENED BUT HE DOSEN’T WANT TO DEAL WITH HER,SHE’S TOO MUCH,LOVE THE GIRL LIKE A LIL SISTER BUT SHE IS NOT SECURE ENOUGH TO BE IN ANY RELATIONSHIP RIGHT KNOW SO THEY’LL PROBLEY BE FRIENDS BUT I DON’T THINK HE WANTS TO DEAL WITH THE DRAMA JUST WAIT.PLEASE STOP CALLING CHRIS A ABUSER,YAH DON’T KNOW THERE RELATIONSHIP AND UNTIL YOU’VE BEEN IN THE MIDDLE OF ONE OF THERE ARGUMENTS NOBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO ASSUME ANYTHING,HE DOES NOT ABUSE HER.THEY ARE BOTH YOUNG AND THIS IS JUST A JUVENAL LOVER SPAT.

Hmm... we shall wait to see more details of this story come out ... if the full is ever told (paraphrasing Buju there). Like we said, rumours have been going around Barbados since Chrihanna's trip here last summer when allegedly they tore up the Hilton where they were staying. Rumour has it that they have a 'mash up and buy back' relationship - as in they damage each other's stuff - she tosses his playstation out a window, he throws a rock through the windshield of her Range... and they make up and buy back for each other.

Being tempestuous young lovers who throw things is one thing... especially if you can afford to buy stuff back but getting into a fight ... well beat down because as big as the Fenty children are, Chris is still bigger than Ri-ri... is another.

Especially before the biggest night in the music industry. This drama has overshadowed the Grammys and is totally unprofessional. They need more people, like right away.

Moreover, there are reports that they were seen together yesterday going for gas... after the alleged incident.

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 Some sites are saying it was before however. Sigh... for some reason, we think it was after... we also think these kids are crazy in love with emphasis on the crazy. And they have put themselves in potta now because for the sake of their images and careers, it will be difficult for them to stay together publicly after this. And they seem to find it extremely difficult to be covert about their relationship - into that impassioned, can't-live-without-you, must-be-with-you, can't-hide-it  kind of stuff that tends to befall youngins.

What a mess. Mamas Brown and Fenty - come fuh yuh pickney.

In other news, Alicia Keys and Estelle both won Grammys last night  - Alicia for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for Superwoman and Estelle for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for American Boy, which she did with Kanye. Estelle also performed last night, looking a wee bit nervous in yet another crazy-angled dress that we're not sure about. She sure pushes the fashion envelope though.



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Chrihanna pre-Grammy bust up?

Update #2: Our sources are reporting that Rihanna has only just left the hospital a short while ago, after spending much of the day there. Chris is also reportedly on his way out... of the police station that is, after posting $50,000 bail.

Update #1:

Reports are that Chris Brown has turned himself into the LAPD, after being prepped for the last few hours by his lawyers. Good thing too - he had until midnight to turn himself in or else, as LAPD's Officer Harding put it "if Police locate Brown, he's subject to arrest". In other words, they were going to be on his tail.

Meanwhile, the stories of what went down are coming out fast and furious. Our sources say that apparently Chris was being 'overly social' at Clive Davis' pre-Grammy party which he and Rihanna attended together and that did not go down well with her. They got into a big argument about it on their way 'home' and he choked her. The ybf.com has it that he punched her in the face. Either way, she's reportedly recovering in the hospital.

Damn. Our original report is below.

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Wuhloss... pepper sauce!

Word is filtering out that Chris Brown (aka Rihanna's boo) is under investigation for domestic violence felony battery, stemming from an incident in the wee hours of this morning, after he left Clive Davis' legendary Grammy pre-party, which he attended with Rihanna, as you can see below.



The LAPD confirmed the reports but have said they will not be releasing the name of the victim, with spokesperson Officer April Harding saying:

"Any victim who's involved in a domestic violence incident is entitled to confidentiality."

According to people.com:

 Around 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, the R&B singer and a woman were in a vehicle in L.A. when they became involved in an argument, according to a police statement. After stopping his car, Brown and the woman got out and the argument escalated. The woman suffered visible injuries and identified Brown as her attacker, according to police.


The LAPD received a 911 call reporting the disturbance. "If police locate Brown, yes, he's subject to arrest," Officer Harding added.

When officers arrived they found the victim, but Brown had already left the scene, the statement reads.

 Hmm... and it gets more and more suss. Just a short while ago, a statement was released saying that Rihanna, who was scheduled to perform at the Grammys tonight, will NOT be performing after all.

We have just been informed that Rihanna will not be attending tonight's 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards. We're sorry she is unable to join us this evening."

 In addition, E! the entertainment station just confirmed that Chris won't be performing either.

Eh-heh. Are we surprised? Not really. In a little place like Bim... heck the Caribbean, word gets around fast and ever since Chrihanna's trip here last summer, rumours were circulating about the ... tempestuous nature of these kids' relationship and of their major bust-ups including throwing and damaging each other's stuff.

Looks like it may not have been just rumours after all. Tsk ... there are no prizes for being the new Bobby and Whitney, kids.

Real islandistas RALLY!

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That's right. Thought we were just interested in fashion, music and suss? Nah - islandistas are Caribbean through and through and that means we love West Indies cricket - not just for the liming and all-inclusive partying from the Mound to the Trini Posse stand but the game itself.

 

True, it has been often been hard to love for the last decade and a half but islandistas ent sissies. We hang tough and keep rallying. And every now and then - like yesterday, we are rewarded for hanging in there and remembering that West Indies cricket is bigger than just the current crop of players. It goes to the heart of our Caribbean-ness - at least, for us in the English-speaking Caribbean.

Yesterday's innings defeat of England was one to savour. So here are a few pics of the action. Enjoy.

Remember where you came from...

We quite liked these pics snapped of Rihanna as she puttered about LA preparing for the Grammies this Sunday.
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We love it not just because of the fab looks on both girls - though we do love the floaty white skirt and quirky touch of the pearls on Rihanna and the plaid shirt in Barbados' national colours on her best friend Melissa.

But the obvious genuine friendship and camraderie evident is good to see. Often celebs end up surrounded by fake friends who can be their downfall. But Rihanna has clearly decided that the small matter of a few thousand miles of sea and land (Melissa studies in Trinidad) is not going to keep her from her real friends and you see Mel around so often, you would be forgiven for thinking she lives in the States.

It brings to mind a comment Rihanna made to men's magazine Complex in 2007 about how she keeps grounded amidst the madness of the entertainment biz.

I'm just not that type to get sucked into bullshit. Everyone has control over what they do as an individual. I'm very sure about who I am as a person and what I'm here to do. I'm here in LA but I am still not here in LA. I come from a very different place and it gives me an advantage.

Good on her.

In other news, LisaRaye McCoy-Misick is still talking... and talking... and talking to essence.com about her two-year marriage to the premier of Turks and Caicos, Michael Misick. And it is pure hilarity, commess, and pappy-show-ness.



On their jet-setting lifestyle:

ESSENCE.com: What sort of things were you interrogated about?

LISARAYE: Our lifestyle. Like, how many times we rented a jet before we purchased our own jet. I told them to my recollection he bought me a jet and we never leased one. Actually, I was going to refurbish the entire jet, which I flew back and forth to Los Angeles in, by adding the family crest in the carpet and some flat screen televisions, and I wouldn't have done that if I was leasing. Also, our credit card and bank statements were examined to figure out where certain monies were coming from, and I signed a loan document for $6 million that I thought was for a house we were building in Los Angeles.ESSENCE.COM: Why would you allow yourself to be placed in the dark on such important personal affairs?
LISARAYE: I don't expect the readers to understand this lifestyle. This lifestyle that I married into was even new for me and on some other level. Things are done differently on this level, so if you have never been there, you can't imagine, because some things just can't be taught. When you are dating or married to a man of Michael's magnitude, you're not sitting there paying the water and electric bills. You have business accountants handle that.

Woman, please. Spare us, do cos yuh talking blasted shite. We got to call a spade a spade. NO PM, Premier or President in de Caribbean ent ballin' like dat. All in T&T, Manning try to ease and lease a private jet through BWEE and people fall in he tail cos they say Trinidad can't afford it. So if big-able T&T that got oil money fuh days can't afford it, how in de hell the premier... not even Prime Minister! of TCI gine afford it? Stuuuupssssssse... And she talking bout how de lifestyle was "on some other level". For damn sure cos it was mock like a $21 bill!

If you can stomach it, the rest of the interview is over on essence.com. In four parts no less - serialising like it is a damn soap opera. Fadda...