Rihanna versus Chris Brown: Round 2

Rihanna and Chris Brown both made headlines this week but thankfully this time it was for the right reason, their music.

 

Rihanna released the first single off her new album "Rated R" that hits stores Nov. 23.  Her new album cover was also released this week, taken by iconic photographer Ellen von Unwerth.  "She's so beautiful, sweet and tough at the same time... and a pleasure to shoot" said von Unwerth of the pop princess.  "I loved taking her beauty and finding a new dramatic look.  She's fantastic to work with, very creative and involved in every aspect of the shoot, and ready to push the boundaries."

The single, "Russian Roulette" was written and produced by fellow Def Jam artist Ne-Yo.  The song is dark and dramatic with lyrics such as, "And I'm terrified but I'm not leaving, know that I must pass this test," which sounds like it was inspired by her domestic violence disputes with Chris Brown.

And speaking of Chris Brown, he announced he will be heading out on a 19 city fan appreciation tour on Tuesday - the same day Rihanna released "Russian Roulette".  Then on Wednesday he released the second single "Crawl" from his upcoming album "Graffiti," which sounds like it's about Rihanna. So is all this timing a coincidence? I think not.

Brown's record label, Jive Records, announced that the singer will play in small venues to thank his fans for their support.  A portion of the proceeds from the tour will be donated to a Los Angeles domestic violence intervention charity called the Jenesse Center and Best Buddies International, an organization providing support for people with developmental disabilities.

Rihanna's new single and Brown's tour announcement were both firsts since their violent fight and resulting break-up in February. Domestic violence is definitely still a theme prevalent in their music careers but hopefully they can both grow from their horrible dispute. 

So since it is supposed to be about the music, whose new single are you liking more?