DAILY DOWNLOAD: Jaicko - Fast Forward (FFWD)

Yes, another talented pop singer, from Barbados, on "The Ralphie Radio Show." Meet 18 year-old Jaicko, who checked in to "The RRS" to chat about his new track, "Fast Forward (FFWD)."

Part 1: "Fast Forward (FFWD)"

Part 2: Barbados, Valentine's Day

DAILY DOWNLOAD: Vita Chambers - 'Young Money'

Universal Motown/SRP Recording Artist Vita Chambers swung through The RRS to talk about her Thanksgiving Day performance to celebrate 50 years of Motown, as well as her new track, "Young Money", which is available now on iTunes.

Part 1: Barbados, Thanksgiving Performance


Part 2: "Young Money"

EXCLUSIVE: Shontelle Preps New LP, Thought Rihanna Did "Great" on 20/20

In the days of Web 2.0 – you know you’ve made it when someone attempts to imitate you on Twitter. Bajan singer Shontelle fell a brief victim to an identity thief – or should I say, twief – on Wednesday evening. Coincidently enough, Ms. Layne stopped by The Ralphie Radio Show on the following day.

“This was not the first time,” revealed Shontelle. “We literally had to call the Twitter people and freak out, ‘cause we’ve like, submitted for verification so long ago. I guess it takes a minute, ‘cause there’s so many people they have to verify.”

The impersonator used the Twitter username “ShontelleLayne_”, simply moving the underscore from the real Shontelle’s handle of “Shontelle_Layne.” When Layne looked at the fake account’s timeline, she was shocked to find that this person began “tweeting” at Solange Knowles (singer, Beyoncé’s sister) and Rorrey Fenty (Rihanna’s brother) amongst other people.

As of late Sunday evening, Twitter had yet to verify Shontelle’s account. By “verifying” an account, Twitter places a notification in the upper right corner of the page, so that visitors know the account belongs to the person who they claim to be.

Of course, Layne didn’t need the Twitter incident as a sign that she’s making it in the entertainment industry. Surely opening up for Beyoncé overseas could help that argument. Layne opened for Jay-Z’s husband for about a month on the “I Am…” tour overseas. Shontelle entered the trek with the expectation that she wouldn’t even meet Beyoncé face-to-face, however the headliner proved the opener wrong on that thought.

“I just get this message, ‘Shontelle, go to Beyoncé’s room’” she recalled, noting that immediately she believed that something was wrong. “When I got in there (Beyoncé) was like, ‘No, I just wanted to like, hang out for a bit, because you know, you’ve been on this tour with me, and I haven’t really gotten the chance to tell you thank you for being on the tour, I haven’t really gotten the chance to tell you how talented I think you are.’”

Shontelle's feelings immediately switched from scared to shocked – one of the biggest pop stars in the world went out of her way to pay Layne high compliments on her singing, stage performance… even videos. From the sound of Layne’s recollection, “stunned” may be an understatement.
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Part 1: Twitter, Beyonce, Thanksgiving Day

Part 2: "Licky", Rihanna, New CD

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“I’m like, ‘You’re Beyoncé, why are you telling me this?’” said Shontelle. “Like, is this real? They couldn’t even get me in the room at first… because I was shaking,” she admitted, although Layne insists she wasn’t star struck as much as she was nervous about the meeting’s purpose.

Shontelle also admitted on The Ralphie Radio Show that she’s nervous about an upcoming event – the “T-Shirt” singer will take part in the halftime show in Detroit at the Lions/Packers game on Thanksgiving Sunday. Layne, along with other Universal Motown artists, will perform classic Motown hits in Motown. Shontelle would not divulge which song she is covering.

“If you watched Sister Act 2… you can take a hint from that,” she teased.

In addition to the performance, which will air to a national and international audience on FOX, Shontelle is preparing a new LP. The album is slated for a 2010 release, and Layne will only confirm collaborations with Mr. Hudson and Akon. The first single is a dance infused record called “Licky” – which Layne insists is inspired by desserts.

“Licky” isn’t the only new track from a Bajan artist – as Shontelle’s friend, the aforementioned Rihanna, is back with “Russian Roulette” and “Hard.” A week and a half ago, Rihanna appeared on 20/20 with Diane Sawyer to tell her side of the story. Layne told me that the interview was tough to watch.

“Honestly, it was like watching your little sister do a piano recital for the first time,” she said. “I was nervous. I was a wreck.”

The singer thought her former Cadet partner handled the situation on camera well.

“I thought she did great, actually,” remarked Shontelle. “And she said a lot more than I even thought she was gonna say. I’m really proud of her… I just want, them both really, to grow from this.”

EXCLUSIVE: OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder On Possible Rihanna Collaboration, New OR Single

He’s the lead singer of OneRepublic. The guy’s band is currently on tour with Rob Thomas. The group is releasing a new LP this month. He’s also writing and producing some of the biggest hits on radio for some of the most popular artists. But if you’re Ryan Tedder, you know you’re busy when you miss the deadline for Rihanna’s new album.

“(Laughing) Man, that week literally, I was working on stuff, and they were closing out her record, and I just missed (the deadline) by the cusp,” Tedder revealed. OneRepublic’s front man called in to The Ralphie Radio Show while on the road, and sounded optimistic about a future opportunity to work with Rihanna. “I mean, I know they’ll be repackaging it at some point. Yunno, they repackage everything at some point, so. I talked to her label and I’m definitely gonna bring some heat for the reissue.”
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Part 1: Rihanna, Michael Bolton, Making Radio Hits

Part 2: Balancing OneRepublic/Side Projects, New LP, New Hit Predictions

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Rihanna’s last LP, Good Girl Gone Bad, spawned Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded, which included the mega hit, “Take A Bow.”Other projects that Tedder worked on included the new release from Leona Lewis (Tedder co-wrote “Bleeding Love”, and wrote her new single, “Happy”) and Adam Lambert’s For Your Entertainment. Tedder is responsible for the song, “Sleepwalker” – which he predicts will be a radio hit. Another big song prediction of Tedder’s is the next OneRepublic track, “Secrets”

“It connects, man,” Tedder noted of the song, which already reached the top of the iTunes sales charts overseas (The German movie, Zweiohrküken featured “Secrets” on its soundtrack). “We have a lot of high hopes for ‘Secrets’.”

While the song is reminiscent of the sound that made Dreaming Out Loud such a success, if it doesn’t take off in the States, it wouldn’t mark the first incorrect prediction by Tedder. The songwriter admits he is still learning the skill of marrying the right song to the right artist, and cited Jennifer Lopez’s “Do It Well” as an example.

“It sounded like such a hit for her,” said Tedder. “It was kind of one of those deals where, I think people just really didn’t care. They were kinda like, ‘Eh, J-Lo, whatever.’”

Clearly, Tedder hopes for a different reaction when OneRepublic releases their sophomore LP, Waking Up, on November 17.

TMZ'S LESLIE HARRIS: Chris Brown's Community Service

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Chris Brown is going about serving his community service in a peculiar manner... TMZ's Leslie Harris elaborated.

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

THE SKINNY: Bald Beauty

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Jessie chats about the shaved head look in this edition of "The Skinny".

Jessie - Blog
Jessie - Twitter

ATTY. ELIZABETH KELLEY: Chris Brown's Jig Is Up

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Attorney Elizabeth Kelley predicted the outcome of the Chris Brown/Rihanna case well before both sides reached a plea deal. Ms. Kelly weighs in on the situation with The Ralphie Radio Show.

Visit Elizabeth Kelley's website.

EXCLUSIVE: Drake Denies Rihanna Relationship, Calls Soulja Boy, "Smartest Artist of Our Generation"

America is offering quite the introduction in to the music industry for Canadian recording artist Aubrey “Drake” Graham. The singer/actor already experienced first hand the influence of an A-list affiliation – regardless of the endorsement’s capacity.

Drake performed in support of Lil Wayne earlier in the year, and is set to trek out with Weezy again on this summer’s “America’s Most Wanted Music Festival.” The tour kicks off in Scranton on July 27 – so Drake called in to The Ralphie Radio Show, promoting the concert while speaking on a wide-array of topics, including his ties to the “Umbrella” singer.

“The most important thing in that situation is that, she’s actually a dope person,” said Drake of RiRi. “Whatever it did for me, I guess was just an additional blessing on top of the fact that she’s actually a great individual.”

Rumors have swirled about a romance between the two for well over a month. Paparazzi have caught both Drake and Rihanna out on the town, even kissing at times. Certainly it thrust the Toronto-born artist in to American pop culture. Now Drake can’t even hit an airport without being recognized.

“Some guy that was like working at Customs was like, ‘Yo, I know you, you’re Rihanna’s boyfriend.’ Which I’m not by the way, for the record,” Drake clarified.

Drake gave honest, almost inapprehensive answers when it came to his ties to the Bajan beauty – until I asked if he still keeps in touch with her.

Rihanna & Drake (CelebrityRadar)
Part 1: Toronto, Lil Wayne, Gaining Cred in the States

Part 2: Soulja Boy Tell 'Em, Rihanna

Info about the show here.
“(A few seconds of silence) Yeah, I see her from time to time,” Drake answered, his tone clearly down a notch.

But Drake didn’t hesitate to offer up props to his tour mates – a bill that generated a solid amount of buzz here in Northeastern PA with the likes of Wayne, Young Jeezy, and Jeremih. Specifically, Drake big-upped Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em, anointing the rapper, “the smartest artist of our generation, period.”

“Whether it’s him, whether it’s his team around him, whoever has the thoughts to do the things he does, is genius.”

The two hip-hop artists met recently for the first time while playing the new Ultimate Fighting Championship game on XBOX 360. Drake took a light-hearted jab at the “Swag On” rapper, insisting that Soulja Boy, “can’t see” him when it comes to that game.

Hopefully Drake knows what he just got himself in to with that comment. After all, he’ll see a lot of Soulja this summer: the two will perform 21 dates throughout the U.S. and Canada.

ATTY. BRADFORD COHEN: Rihanna/Chris Brown

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Celebrity Attorney Bradford Cohen breaks down the various possibilities regarding Rihanna's pending participation in the Chris Brown preliminary hearing on The Ralphie Radio Show.

Visit Mr. Cohen's website here.

TMZ'S LESLIE HARRIS: Rihanna Subpoenaed In Brown Case

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Lawyer says RiRi will comply.

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

From TMZ:

"Rihanna's lawyer just said the D.A. told him his client will be subpoenaed at the next court hearing.

Donald Etra said Rihanna will be called to the stand to testify at Chris Brown's preliminary hearing on June 22.

Etra says his client will cooperate and take the stand. It's not at all unexpected that the alleged victim would be called to the stand in a prelim.

Also today, the judge rejected a motion made by Chris Brown's lawyer, Mark Geragos, asking for an order requiring the LAPD to ante up info regarding leaks in the case."

DR. CARA GARDENSWARTZ: Chris Brown's "Monstrous" Act

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Momlogic.com contributor & California-based psychologist Dr. Cara Gardenswartz reacts to comments made by Chris Brown.

Brown made the following comments...

Visit Dr. Gardenswartz's website here.

RALPHIE REPORT: Anti-Chris Brown Song, Britney's "Circus"

If a group by the name of Jump Smokers didn’t do it, you know someone else would have released an anti-Chris Brown song. But, the Chicago-based duo is gaining world-notoriety for the track, “My Flow So Tight (Anti-Breezy)”.

“My flow so tight and the beat so sick, Chris Brown should get his ass kicked,” raps Jump Smokers front man C.W. Grizz on the hook.

The lead emcee called in to The Ralphie Radio Show last week to discuss the origin of the song and the response it’s received.

“It started out kinda as a joke,” revealed Grizz. “We wanted to make a song that legitimately would be poppin’ here in Chicago at the clubs.”

Jump Smokers first received airplay from a DJ in the Windy City, who spun the song on a live-to-air broadcast from a nightclub. Immediately, the radio station request lines lit up with listeners inquiring about the source of the track. Suddenly, night clubs and radio stations from coast to coast began playing the record, and news outlets from MTV to The New York Times covered the story of the song.

“Once I saw the pictures of Rihanna on TMZ.com… for me, I had it,” explained Grizz. “I kinda got fed up with a lot of celebrities not speaking out against him.”

Kanye West can be counted among the artists who didn’t speak against Brown – matter of fact – he even spoke in support of him. At a TV taping shortly after the pre-Grammy night incident, West asked a crowd to give the young R&B crooner a break. Other public figures – such as Oprah, Tyra Banks, and Perez Hilton – spoke out against the alleged abuse.

In an attempt not to gain any direct monetary success from the situation, Grizz noted that the group is donating proceeds of the song sales to charities that benefit women. However, this road proved rocky when a couple of non-for-profits were reluctant to accept the funds. Some were afraid that the song sent the wrong message to people – answering domestic violence with more abuse.

“I think (the charities) are taking it a little too seriously,” Grizz said in defense of his track. “We’re not threatening Chris Brown in this song. Hopefully the song makes you dance, laugh, and then think.”

At least two of the three reactions occurred over the weekend, when I spun the track inside Reflex at The Wilkes-Barre Hardware Bar Entertainment Complex. A couple club goers stopped and shot a perplexed look toward the DJ booth, while others “oohed” and most continued to dance.

And for those wondering, yes, Rihanna did hear the track. A DJ at a birthday party for Los Angeles Clipper Baron Davis spun the song with the Bajan-beauty present. No word on her reaction.

BRITNEY TOUR LIVES UP TO “CIRCUS” TITLE

Poor Britney Spears. If it isn’t Kevin Federline showing up backstage, it’s the Pussycat Dolls verbally clawing at each other on stage. If it isn’t a smoke-filled venue, it’s a fan jumping from the venue’s seating on stage.

Orlando, Florida resident Kyle King, 20, faces a single breach of peace charge for walking on stage during Spears’ encore performance of “Womanizer” at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. He could face jail time.
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Listen to Ralphie Aversa weekdays from 5-10p on 97 BHT.

DAILY DOWNLOAD: Jump Smokers - My Flow So Tight (Anti-Breezy)

05.01.09 : Jump Smokers - My Flow So Tight (Anti-Breezy)
Jump Smokers' front-man C.W. Grizz on The Ralphie Radio Show:
How the anti-Chris Brown song came about:

Trying to donate to charties, Rihanna's reaction:

Grizz insists during the conversation that in no way does the song advocate abuse, yet some charities are reluctant to accept proceeds of download sales from the group. The Jump Smokers lead emcee also confirms during the interview that Rihanna did in fact hear the song at a L.A. party - however he is unaware what her response to the song was.

He cites the TMZ photo of a beaten and bruised RiRi as the lead inspiration for the song. The Jump Smokers hail from Chicago.

ATTORNEY JANELL WEINSTEIN: Chris Brown's Not Guilty Plea Not Surprising

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Family Attorney and Media Correspondent Janell Weinstein breaks down the not guilty plea of Chris Brown and previews the possible hearing on April 29.

Visit Ms. Weinstein on the web here.

RALPHIE REPORT: Chris Breezy Pleads Not Guilty, Nat from 3OH!3

The Ralphie Report runs everyweek in The Weekender, a weekly publication in NEPA with a circulation of 175,000.

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Chris Brown pleaded not guilty on Monday to the charges of felony assault and criminal threats – both claims which stem from his alleged altercation with Robyn “Rihanna” Fenty the night before The Grammy’s.

The R&B crooner appeared in court wearing all black with a matching steadfast facial expression, from the time he walked in to the time he left. According to The Los Angeles Times, Brown spoke in a voice so low that at times people in the court wondered if he even spoke. The hearing lasted about 2 minutes, with both parties expected back in court later this month. Judge Patricia Schnegg informed attorney Mark Geragos that his client, Brown, need not be present.

The latest developments do not come as a surprise – as the plea served as simply a formality to extend the period of time for a deal to be reached. The only consistent report to emerge from both the defendant’s and Rihanna’s camp is that a trial is not desired.

Meanwhile RiRi continues to recover with a little rest and relaxation. Many gossip sites reported that the Bajan beauty spent a couple days in Hawaii, and then flew to New York City to enjoy a movie and dinner with friends.

As for the future of Brown and Rihanna – it seems that every day a new rumor emerges, which only contradicts the previous story. It would be unrealistic to think that such buzz will cease before the legal proceedings take their course.

EVERYONE HAS A WARPED TOUR HAIL STORM STORY

Nathaniel Motte, better known as Nat from the crunk-rock group 3OH!3, called in to The Ralphie Radio Show last week. The band’s new single, “Don’t Trust Me” is gaining traction on radio stations across the country. The Hills also featured the song on two separate episodes.

The boys from Denver will headline this year’s Vans Warped Tour, slated to hit Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain on Wednesday, July 15. Of course, like many other bands that I’ve spoken with since last year’s festival, Nat had a, “I was there when…” story regarding last year’s hail storm on the mountain.

“It was insane, man,” Nat recalls. “I remember looking out of the amphitheater and there’s like 3,000 kids running down this hill. And then all at once, they slide down this mudslide thing. It was pretty nuts.”

But when you play festivals, you grow to appreciate the uncertainty that each show brings.

“That’s kinda what’s fun about Warped Tour. Nothing ever works out as planned.”

The White Tie Affair and NOFX join 3OH!3 on this year’s tour stop at Montage.

STAY TUNED…

Next week in The Ralphie Report: my exclusive interview with Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag of The Hills. Season 5, allegedly Lauren Conrad’s final run with the show, premiered Monday on MTV.
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Listen to Ralphie Aversa weekdays from 5-10p on 97 BHT.

RALPHIE REPORT: Shontelle

The following can be read in this Wednesday's edition of The Weekender.
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Surely while growing up in Barbados, neither Shontelle Layne nor Robyn “Rihanna” Fenty pictured how their careers would eventually shake out.

Rewind back to a time when both Bajan teenagers were enrolled as “Cadets”, a young Army program in the country. Rihanna may be the current pop music princess, but at the time the roles were reversed. Shontelle was in charge as a drill sergeant, even at one point ordering Fenty to drop and give her 10.

“It was a whole group, and they were late,” explained Shontelle, who is still friends with the “Umbrella” singer. “As drill sergeant, there are people above me who are expecting me to discipline people who are straggling.”

But Layne insists, the incident was isolated.

“Funny enough, Rihanna was a really good cadet. Real good. Super sharp. But that day was just not a good day for her.”

Certainly RiRi’s ups and downs have been well-chronicled since – the latest set of events related to the alleged abuse by R&B singer Chris Brown on the night before the Grammy’s. The Barbados natives have spoken since the incident.

“She is doing good,” says Layne. “She’s looking super-fly. I’m really happy.”

Meanwhile, the 23 year-old songstress isn’t doing too bad herself. Shontelle gained global notoriety with her smash hit, “T-Shirt” – which leads off her debut LP, Shontelligence.

Turns out there was a specific shirt to ignite the song, and the singer still owns it. But she would not reveal the shirt’s original purchaser.

“He doesn’t matter anymore. Music is my boyfriend.”And music treats Shontelle well – affording her black diamonds, a couple pairs of the now infamous Jimmy Choo’s, and a Louis Vuitton bag or three.

Layne told me this – but she’s also told countless others using Twitter. Many celebrities allow both fans and journalists unprecedented access in to their inner lives and thoughts with the micro-blogging service. But in a growing trend, reporters are now integrating a person’s tweets in to questions and stories. So of course, I asked Shontelle what inspired tears of joy a few nights ago.

“I cannot believe he has a list of my tweets!” she exclaimed before attempting to change the subject by pointing out that not all of her posts are personal – some are meant to inspire.

“Right now times are hard and I feel like yunno, if I’m in a position where I can make someone’s day or make them feel better or make them smile or give them some hope, I’m totally down for that.”

Her intentions are well placed within the Twitter-verse, but I continued to inquire as to the source of the crying.

“Well, you see… well, uh, I mean…”

So much for that 140 character limit.
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Listen to Ralphie Aversa weekdays from 5-10p on 97 BHT.

EXCLUSIVE: Shontelle w/ Ralphie!

The singer of "T-Shirt" & "Stuck With Each Other" swung by the 97 BHT studios to chat about THE t-shirt, Twitter, Rihanna, and her live performance inside Evolution at The Woodlands!

Part 1: THE t-shirt, Twitter


Part 2: Rihanna, Live Performance

DAILY DOWNLOAD: New Rihanna!

03.09.09 : Rihanna - Whipping My Hair

DR. CARA GARDENSWARTZ on Nickelodeon/Chris Brown

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The psycologist/Momlogic.com contributor talks about why Brown should've never been placed on the Kids Choice Awards ballot in the first place...

The psycologist is quoted in this article on Momlogic.com.

TMZ: Chris Brown's Manager Sent The Text

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TMZ's Leslie Harris tells Ralphie who sent that text message to Chris Brown that pissed Rihanna off... and it turns out, Ralphie's met her.

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