Chris Brown released Graffiti late last year after the "Rihanna" debacle.  If you guys don't remember, and I'd question how you could forget (it was on just about every news station), Chris Brown pleaded guilty for the charges filed against him for physically beating Ms. Ri Ri.  There were reports of choking, punching, and biting in this incident (I even think there was a report of an umbrella-el-la-eh-eh print on the victim's face).  Bottom line, Chris Brown "went in" during this now-separated couple's argument gone wrong.  Shortly thereafter, Chris Brown extended a public apology that wasn't well received by people.  Most believed it would have been better for Chris to go on a hiatus, do a bit of community service, and then attempt to make a comeback.  Well, the route Chris Breezy took echoed in his poor album sales.  Graffiti (which I must admit has some great songs), blacklisted from certain stores (i.e. Wal-Mart) reflected pretty disparaging numbers in its first week -- a bit more than 100,000.  In response to these sales, Chris Brown got fired up again (the hard headed never learn) and responded on his Twitter fan page:

im tired of this sh*t. major stores r blackballing my cd. not stockin the shelves and lying to costumers. what the f*ck do i gotta do...

WTF... yeah i said it and i aint retracting shit

im not biting my tongue about sh*t else... the industry can kiss my ass

thx again to my real fans. u dont go unnoticed .love y'all

Now here we are at the BET Awards on Sunday June 27, 2010.  Chris Brown performed a tribute to Michael Jackson by singing and dancing to some of the late pop star's greatest hits ("Smooth Criminal", "The Way You Make Me Feel", "Do You Remember", etc.).  And oh, how appropriate, "Man In The Mirror" begins to play, and Chris breaks down in tears.  This either touched some or made others laugh.  Whatever it did for you, I hope you realize it was a publicity stunt.  Chris has to find a way to gain the favor of former fans and the people in general after he lost it over the Rihanna incident.  So, on national television, Chris decides to use this as his moment of glory to display his regret, hurt, and shame for his past transgressions (again during the very appropriate song, "Man In The Mirror").  I say it's all too convenient.  Chris my friend, don't try so hard.  Instead, why not entertain the thought of seminars against domestic violence, or perhaps begin a domestic violence campaign to show your remorse.  Instead of trying to do it on a laughable awards show which only caters to a certain target group, make a real attempt that will grab the heart strings of a larger audience.  SMH


Burnthecloset would like to know your thoughts on the matter.  Please comment, or email comments to 
burnthecloset@gmail.com!

I'm a sucker for treating myself well; and that includes pleasing my palette.  This simple manicotti recipe will do just that.  In less than 60 minutes you'll have a delectable dish for you, friends, and/or family.  For the meat lovers, I recommend adding 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken to your sauce.  Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 pint part-skim ricotta cheese
• 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• salt to taste
• ground black pepper to taste
• 1 (16 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
• 5 1/2 ounces manicotti pasta

Directions

1. Cook manicotti in boiling water until done. Drain, and rinse with cold water.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
3. In a large bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, and 1/2 cup Parmesan, eggs, parsley, and salt and pepper. Mix well.
4. Pour 1/2 cup sauce into an 11x17 inch baking dish. Fill each manicotti shell with 3 tablespoons cheese mixture, and arrange over sauce . Pour remaining sauce over top, and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake 45 minutes, or until bubbly.

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Rarely am I impressed with the radio any longer...until now.  Just the other day on my way home from work I heard three extraordinary songs back to back.  The songs promise to be very thought provoking.  I truly enjoyed, "Worry About You" by 2AM.  It spoke to a lot of relationships I've been in.  Catch these hot songs on iTunes and Amazon!

1. 2AM-Worry About You
2. Mike Posner-Cooler Than Me
3. Taio Cruz-Dynamite
4. Madcon-Beggin'
5. Justice-D.A.N.C.E.
6. David Guetta feat. Fergie, LMFAO, & Chris Wills-Getting Over You
7. Bruno Mars feat. Cee-lo-The Other Side
8. Nas feat. Kenny Loggins-We Will Survive
9. Corbin Bleu-Speed of Light
10. Brandon Beal-Electrocuted