EXCLUSIVE: Even Rob Thomas Still Gets Butterflies

As successful as Rob Thomas is, both on his own accord and as the lead singer of Matchbox Twenty, he still isn’t too cool for a “geek out” moment when interacting with fellow musicians. Take the recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for example, which Thomas performed at.

“The day after the awards, Jann Wenner, the founder of Rolling Stone, called me and told me that he was hanging at a party the night before and Bruce Springsteen was talking about my performance and how much he liked it,” recalled Thomas. “And I wet myself.”

Given his genuine excitement level, you might think the Matchbox Twenty front man was only half-kidding. But all kidding aside, Thomas stays true to his art by embracing his inner-fan.

“I think if you stop being a fan of music, you should get out of the business,” he bluntly stated. “If you think you’re above it, then you don’t get it.”
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Part 1: Ralphie's 2nd Concert Ever, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Radio Promo

Part 2: Mad Season, Someday EP, New Matchbox Twenty LP


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Thomas doesn’t feel above it, and totally gets it – his actions speak for themselves. I caught up with the Grammy winner amidst a radio promo tour of mid-major markets. Yes, even after selling more than 80 million albums between Matchbox, solo works, and collaborations with the likes of Santana and Jagger – the singer/songwriter still makes the rounds, performing acoustic music sets for small groups of listeners who win access to the events.

“Radio promo for me is, hanging out with some of my best friends in the world, you know, traveling around the country, playing music for people,” he explained. “It’s what I do for a living, so to me yeah, it’s a really good time.”

Thomas latest project is his second studio LP, Cradlesong, along with a four-song EP, Someday. This summer he’ll embark on a “Storytellers”-type tour, playing venues ranging from 400 to 3,000 seats and performing acoustically while chatting about the songs and his career in between riffs. Then this fall, he’ll begin to work full-time with the rest of Matchbox on the band’s fifth studio album.

TMZ: Chris Brown/Rihanna Update

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TMZ's Leslie Harris gives Ralphie details on the types of charges that might be brought against Chris Brown - while also shedding light on an abusive past between the two.

Catch Leslie on TMZ TV - Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.

RALPHIE REPORT: Rihanna, Chris Brown, Colby O'

The following appears in the latest edition of The Weekender.
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Pop went Chris Brown’s bubble this week, in oh-so-many aspects.

In the confines of a weekend, the R&B singer lost an endorsement deal, a Grammy Awards performance, a girlfriend, and a squeaky-clean image – all while gaining a criminal record.

The downfall began on Sunday morning, around 12:30. According to witnesses, Brown allegedly engaged in a physical altercation with another female. A number of sources identified the woman as 20 year-old Rihanna.

After one onlooker heard screaming, she called 911. By the time police arrived, Brown left the scene of the crime – but turned himself in to custody later that evening. The Los Angeles Police Department booked Brown on suspicion of making felony criminal threats. Authorities released the singer after he posted the $50,000 bail.

A court date is set for March. Wrigley Jr. Company is not waiting until then to take action. The candy company suspended its marketing campaign which promotes Doublemint gum with Brown and his song, “Forever”. In a statement released Monday, Wrigley’s acknowledges due process yet takes the allegations seriously.

Coincidentally, Brown’s “Got Milk?” campaign was previously set to cease this week. That contract will not be renewed. Furthermore, the crooner will not appear at next weekend’s NBA All-Star Game in Phoenix.

As the fallout of Brown’s fate unfolds, more details emerge about the victim, allegedly Rihanna. According to TMZ, law officials call the songstress’s injuries “horrific.” The website reported a litany of damage done by the beating – from face contusions to busted lips and a bloody nose.

Both singers cancelled their performances for Sunday’s Grammy Awards. Neither won an award.
TMZ’s Leslie Harris informed me that there’s a history of domestic violence in Brown’s family. In an interview on The Tyra Banks Show a few years ago, Brown recounted some of those childhood memories.

“I treat women differently, because you know, I don’t want to put a women through the same thing that person put my mom through,” said Brown when recalling memories of watching the abuse as young as age 7.

Rumors began to swirl earlier this month that the couple, who had been dating for at least a year, was on the rocks. Other artists even talked about the possible break-up. Grammy nominated Colby O’Donis went as far to dedicate a song off of his LP, “Let You Go”, to the duo.

“I actually just found out that they broke up,” O’Donis told me exclusively on 97 BHT the Thursday before The Grammy’s. “I’m sure they’re going to dedicate that song to each other.”

O’Donis nabbed his first Grammy nod for his contribution to Lady GaGa’s “Just Dance.” He and Rihanna share a mutual friend in singer/producer Akon.

As of press time, neither Brown’s nor Rihanna’s camp issued a statement regarding the abuse reports.
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Listen to Ralphie Aversa weekdays from 5-10p on 97 BHT.

DAILY DOWNLOAD: Coldplay B-Side...

02.09.09 : Coldplay - The Goldrush

TMZ: Rihanna/Chris Brown Situation

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TMZ's Leslie Harris phoned in the latest on the Rihanna/Chris Brown story to The Ralphie Radio Show.

Catch Leslie on TMZ TV - Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.

Probably My Favorite Grammy Performance...

Does M.I.A. get props or drops for wearing that outfit for a Grammy Performance on her due date?

Full list of Grammy Winners here.

Chris Brown Booked For Alledged RiRi Assault

Sunday night should have been a magical evening for Chris Brown and Rihanna, with both scheduled to perform at The Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. However the morning hours wiped away any chance of that, with an alleged domestic violence alteraction that's left the R&B singer with a $50,000 bail and many people asking lots of questions.

Few answers are known, but here's are the facts: The Los Angeles Police Department booked Brown on Sunday for suspicion of making felony criminal threats. The crooner posted the $50 K bail and left authorities before 9 p.m. The Los Angeles Times reports that sources close to the investigation identify the female in the incident as Robin "Rihanna" Fenty. Standard procedure for the department involves not release the alledged victim's identity. 

A victim tipped off police to the incident around 12:30 PST - calling 911 to inform authorities of an altercation that involved a visably-injured female. Brown left the scene before police arrived, however turned himself in later. The victim identified Brown as the attacker.

EXCLUSIVE: Ne-Yo 2-steppin'

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RALPHIE RADIO SHOW EXCLUSIVE: Ne-Yo gets his 2-step on regarding his album, the postponement of its release, and who stood by it despite it being different from his previous works.



Ralphie & Ne-Yo - Syracuse, NY - April 2007.

rihanna's grammy night - non stop like the music.

from the new york daily news...

"Rihanna got into a fender-bender outside Universal's party, where another driver rammed her vehicle. The scrape didn't stop the Grammy winner from heading to Entertainment Weekly's party for Island/Def Jam chief L.A. Reid. As soon as she walked in, Rihanna made a beeline for Chris Brown, the boyfriend she's been trying to keep under wraps. "They were touching and whispering in each other's ears," says our spy. "Then Jay-Z and Beyonce walked in. Jay was saying hello to everybody except them. Rihanna seemed upset. She walked over to his table and looked like she was reading him the riot act. A few minutes later, she and Chris left together in her car." Jay and Rihanna have both denied rumors of a past fling, and he and Beyonce did invite Rihanna to an intimate dinner they threw Thursday."

maybe jay didn't approach rihanna over this?

timbaland roid rage?

not too long ago, a slew of celebrities were named in a ongoing investigation into the distribution of steroids throughout the country. 50 cent, wyclef, timbaland, and mary j. blige were all mentioned in the latest report.

last night, timbaland did nothing to help bolster his image. the producer hosted a grammy party for people magazine, but the night ended with a thud resonating stronger than any of timbaland's beats. the virginia-native lashed out in a profanity-laced rant due to security at the club not letting in some of his friends.

read the entire article here, which also includes notable celebrities who were in attendance, including a barefoot and underage miley cirus dancing in front of the stage.

too late to apologize?

lupe fiasco in bad health?

really surprised NO ONE is talking about this. click here to read the article...

fiasco won best urban/alternative performance at last night's grammy's for daydreamin', a collab with jill scott off his first cd.

one of the best grammy performances...

amy winehouse kills it!

writers, britney spears will not appear at grammy's.

she gained five grammy nods, winning one award for toxic. however the daily news reports that britney spears will not be allowed inside the grammy's. just think, she performed just eight years ago on stage at the event.

sad.