Despite various setbacks and mishaps, Bobby Brown's long-awaited tell all autobiography, 'Being Bobby Brown: The Truth and Nothing But ...' has finally hit shelves this week. And in true Bobby Brown form – there's a lot of drama surrounding it.
The hardcover book, released via Down South Books, is being billed as an "unauthorized autobiography."
Contrary to previous reports, which found the 'My Prerogative' singer working alongside author Derrick Handspike, the two parties oddly enough decided to part ways before the book's pending release. This occurrence led the music veteran/scribe to take on full responsibility of the project.
"Inconspicuously, Bobby started stalling," Handspike revealed. "The first sign of the fact that was unfolding daily was when he let our first release date of May 13 that we set come and go! He showed no signs of finalizing an agreement. When he let our second release date of June 1 roll around and we still hadn't reached an agreement, it became transparent."
There wasn't any doubt in the author's mind that Brown's sudden disposition on releasing the project was not only caused by his actions, but his manager and attorneys as well. "Obviously, he was procrastinating! It seemed like him, his manager and his attorneys were trying to find anything that they could to not get the deal done, than to get the deal done."
Bobby Brown Photos
Arista Records head Clive Davis, left, kicks off Grammy week with his 10th annual pre-Grammy party with, from left, Quincy Jones, Whitney Houston, and Bobby Brown in Beverly Hills, Calif., Tuesday, Feb. 27, 1996. HO/AP Photo
Whitney Houston (R) poses with husband, singer Bobby Brown (L) 15 March at Eighth Annual Soul Train Music Awards. Houston received the Sammy Davis Jr. Award for entertainer of the year. Photo by VINCE BUCCI, AFP/Getty Images.
Whitney Houston, center, her husband Bobby Brown, second right, and other members of her entourage pose for a photo near Jerusalem's Old City walls Wednesday May 28, 2003. Houston is in Israel to visit the Black Hebrews, an African-American community that moved to Israel in 1969 and settled in the southern town of Dimona. Photo by Zoom 77, AP Photo.
Whitney Houston waves as she walks down the street with her husband Bobby Brown after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon at the Prime Minister's residence in Jerusalem, Tuesday, May 27, 2003. Photo by Brian Hendler, AP Photo.
Whitney Houston, right, and her husband, Bobby Brown, perform during the "VH1 Divas" duets show in this May 22, 2003 file photo, in Las Vegas. After a tumultuous 14-year marriage marked by drug arrests and stints in rehab, Houston is divorcing Bobby Brown. The pop singer filed divorce papers in Orange County Superior Court this week, a month after filing for legal separation from Brown, Houston's publicist Nancy Seltzer said Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2006. Photo by Joe Cavaretta, AP Photo.
Whitney Houston, left, smiles at her husband, singer Bobby Brown, during a court hearing on Nov. 25, 2002, in Dekalb County State Court in Decatur, Ga. Houston has filed for divorce from Brown, her publicist told The Associated Press on Wednesday, Sept 13, 2006. Photo by Erik S. Lesser, AP Photo.
Whitney Houston smiles next to her husband Bobby Brown during a visit to Jerusalem, on May 27, 2003. Houston has filed for divorce from Brown, her publicist told The Associated Press on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2006. Photo by Pier Paolo Cito, AP Photo.
Whitney Houston on the arm of her husband Bobby Brown arrive at the Atista Records pre-Grammy party Tuesday evening in beverly Hills, Calif. Houston is up for several awards at this years 42nd Annual Grammy Awards Wednesday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Photo by Jill Connelly, AP Photo.
Bobby Brown and his wife Whitney Houston arrive at Vanity Fair's Oscar party at Morton's in Hollywood on Sunday, March 25, 2001. "I have not seen or spoken to my daughter since early June and I have no prospect of speaking to her anytime soon due to Whitney's actions," Brown declared in Orange County Superior Court documents filed Friday Aug. 24, 2007. Brown has been trying to overturn a judge's default judgment to nullify the couple's marriage and grant Houston sole custody of 14-year-old Bobbi Kristina. During their 14-year marriage, Brown was arrested for drugs and alcohol, and Houston twice entered drug rehab programs. Photo by Laura Rauch, AP Photo.
Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston at the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center in Los Angeles, 2/23/00. Photo by Frank Micelotta, Getty Images.
Earlier this year BlackVoices.com obtained an exclusive advance copy of the memoir, in which Brown spoke candidly about various topics from his 14-year marriage with Whitney Houston to his affair with Janet Jackson, whom he stated was the reason why he started abusing alcohol.
"I can recall that I started drinking heavily when Janet Jackson and I broke up," Brown wrote. "Before I met Janet I would never drink hard liquor, I only drank beer. But after our break up, I started drinking hard liquor abundantly. I took the way our relationship ended very hard. Not to say we were head over heels in love, but she was someone I had a lot of feelings for. Besides, we were young and naive. I was only about 19 or 20 years old. Young love is no joke!"The release of early tid-bits of the book and the media's instant fascination with its explosive contents -- where he wrote intimately about his affair with Madonna, and a physical altercation with R&B crooner Usher Raymond, among other things -- may have been the primary cause for Brown's sudden change of heart.
Handspike went on to reveal in the book's foreword that the former New Edition bad boy's mood seemed to soften after the story broke.
"Bobby called me the morning the story broke in the media and he was baffled! He was confused! His voice was all low and he sounded wounded," the author described. "I had never heard him like that before."
"First of all, he wanted to know how the story got leaked into the press," he continued. "Second, he was dealing with how Whitney and their Bobbi Kris were feeling about yet another negative outburst of publicity drama about their family, and this time it was rightfully caused by him."
"I don't think he was really ready for what had just happened," Handspike, who's also penning a memoir on Andre Rison and late R&B star Lisa "Left-Eye" Lopes, continued. "Especially since him and Whitney had just started to heal and become friends after their divorce. We had discussed before how he was fully supportive of Whitney's attempt to make a comeback in the music industry. (In my opinion) I don't think he wanted the pessimistic reports from the book and tabloid gossip to overshadow the fact that Whitney was finally clean, sober, healthy and happy!"
While speculation and scuttlebutt about Houston paying off Brown not to be involved in the book's release have surfaced, Handspike forged ahead with his initial plans – although a little later than planned. "The call I made on moving on with the release of the book unauthorized was nothing personal, it was strictly business," he said.
Black Music Notes Nov. 20
11/20/08: The Notorious B.I.G.
January will mark a celebration in memory of slain rap icon The Notorious B.I.G. Not only will Biggie's life and death story hit the silver screen on January 16 with the FOX feature film 'Notorious,' the late rapper also has his first official full length documentary hitting stores around the same time. Produced by Biggie's close friend Damion Butler (aka D-Roc) and his production company, RocDarling Films, the DVD captures scenes from Biggie's personal and private life, performing in different cities, with adoring fans screaming his name and his lyrics. The documentary is uncut and uncensored featuring appearances by Diddy, Lil' Kim, Lil Cease, Jay-Z, and The LOX among others. Titled, 'Biggie Smalls: Rap Phenomenon,' the project will hit stores January 27.
11/20/08: Beyoncé / Raphael Saadiq
With the debut of the highly-anticipated film, 'Cadillac Records,' set to hit theaters December 5, the film's soundtrack is sure to feature a star studded lineup. The soundtrack, which will be made available as a single or double set, features Q-Tip, Mos Def, Nas, Raphael Saadiq, Solange, and Beyonce's version of Etta James' classic hit 'At Last' among others. 'Cadillac Records - Music From The Motion Picture' will be available December 2.
11/20/08: Mary J. Blige, Ghostface Killah, Amy Winehouse
Grammy Award-winning singer's Mary J. Blige and Amy Winehouse are among the many guests featured on Ghostface Killah's upcoming remix album, 'GhostDeini the Great.' The December 16 Def Jam release features a slew of remix tracks as well as unreleased songs including, 'Ghostface Christmas,' 'Be Easy' remix featuring Ice Cube and 'Slept on Tony.' Not to mention the Wu-Tang Clansman's 2000 hit single 'Cherchez LaGhost'. Kanye West and Ne-Yo also make an appearance on the remix version of 'Back Like That.'
11/20/08: John Legend
In promotion of his recently released third album 'Evolver,' John Legend has recently kicked off his new tour featuring UK's very own Estelle. Not only are the pair wrapping up their current trek in North Carolina on December 13, Legend also confirmed that he has added additional dates from January 12 through February 7. The tour picks up in Oakland, California and ends in Atlantic City, New Jersey on February 7.
11/20/08: OutKast
Despite various setbacks, OutKast member Big Boi still has plans to release his sophomore album 'Sir Lucious Leftfoot: The Son of Chico Dusty.' And according to the rapper, the project's delay may very well be worth the wait. Big Boi recently revealed to 'MTV News' that in addition to his album being released in 2009, fans can also expect a solo release from Andre 3000 as well as a new OutKast album. "Me and 'Dre were on the conference call [recently]," he explained. "He's working on his album; my album is done. We're gonna wait until the top of the year - January or February - to put it out. Then 'Dre is gonna come hit y'all, and [then] we're gonna do the OutKast album. So y'all gonna get three records from the 'Kast next year." In the meantime fans can catch Big Boi on November 25 when he appears on an episode of 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.'
11/20/08: 50 Cent
You can now add 50 Cent's name alongside Big Boi and Keri Hilson for artist who have delayed their albums in 2009. Fifty, whose forthcoming album 'Before I Self Destruct' was originally scheduled for a December 6 release before being pushed back to December 16, is now tentatively set for February 3. "I'm trying to leave the same way I came in," he revealed to MTV. "February 4 [2003], 'Get Rich or Die Tryin' came out. I drop this album February 3. The time frame. It used to take six to eight weeks for us to position a hip-hop record. Now, it's taking 12 to 14 weeks." Although the rap mogul expressed his satisfaction with the album's current single 'Get Up,' he did mention that he's "just looking for the opportunity to present more of my material [prior to the album's release]. It's not the strongest effort on my album; it's just a great start for me."
11/20/08: Montell Jordan
Grammy Award-nominated singer Montell Jordan returns to the music scene with his new studio album 'Let It Rain.' The new project reflects a more grown and sexy side of the R&B singer, which is a huge difference from Jordan's earlier days as he describes. "Those people that understand that the time frame that my music was originally created are now a more grown and sexy group of people," he told Eurweb.com. "We went from the college era, and the party style to becoming adults, and so that's where my music is now." And to keep in touch with the adult side of partying, Jordan reached out to the "World's Greatest Entertainer" Doug E. Fresh for the album cut entitled, 'Left Alone.' 'Let It Rain' is in stores now.
11/20/08: Lupe Fiasco
Despite releasing his debut album 'Food & Liquor' in 2006, Chicago rapper Lupe Fiasco is looking to unplug his microphone following the release of his triple disc album entitled, 'LupEND.' The rapper recently made the announcement during his Halloween show in Chicago, explaining that the album's title stands for "everywhere," "nowhere" and "down here." "When you play a videogame, you can only put in three letters for your name and when the game's over, those three letters and 'END' pop up," he continued. "My next record might be my last one." Although Lupe is making plans to retire, there is no official word from his label, Atlantic Records, regarding a release date for the project.
Comments: (71)
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By: nikky on 12/11/2008 2:24AM
Why does someone discriminate black? I don't think love is just belongs to white. I'm a black and but my hubby is white. We met at i n t e r r a c i a l romancing . c o m which tell us love is color blind. Our love proved this. I hope each one will not discriminate blacks.
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By: Robbert on 12/11/2008 9:19AM
I hope I’m giddy!!!!
I’d seen many his pics on a dating site *********INTERRACIALLOVING.COM********. There are many beautiful black or white women and men chatting on that community which designed to help ethnically diverse singles meet new friends and make dates.
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By: Truth on 12/11/2008 10:56AM
Bobby had "second thoughts" because the book broke the confidentiality agreement he signed with Whitney. He's trying to avoid the lawsuit. It's a shame, because in his book he claims that Whitney chose not to invoke the prenup and allowed him spousal support. He also says that she helped him get his house out of foreclosure. Nice Bobbo!
I'm gonna read it because I'm nosey! lol but I won't buy it because Bobby is a sad excuse for a man and doesn't deserve my $$$. To betray his daughter that way is pathetic. I doubt it will hurt Whitney as nothing is surprising about her at this point.
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By: Lorena Ellis on 12/11/2008 11:26AM
Yes I would like to read this book. I've been a fan of both Bobby and Whitney since the start of their careers. I've met him backstage years ago when he was with the New Edition. He was such a talented and personable young man.
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By: Jenna on 12/11/2008 11:25AM
Hell, I'm nosey too! However, I will wait until the book is on the discount table @ Barnes and Nobles. I just hope the B. tells the truth and not say things just to make the book juicy. So many people threw stones at B., and he's getting a chance to tell his side. I still have love for both Bobby & Whitney, and I wish them peace.
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By: Ebonybeauty on 12/11/2008 4:55PM
I got my book after waiting months! OMG! It is definitely a page turner! I'm glad he explained what the deal was in the foreward. Now I'm not so upset about the long ass wait! Now I KNOW why there was so much controversy! It is definitely an easy read! Read it in 2 days cause I couldn't keep it out of my hands! There is a great picture section... talking bout flashback!!
I'm going to definitely recommend this book to my home girls! Especially the ones who had the crushes on Bobby B!!
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By: Fancey on 12/12/2008 9:47PM
My prayers goes out to Whitney and her daughter. No matter what happened in their marriage it should never be played out in public. It's a shame he would exchange the love an respect of his daughter by trashing her mother and his exwife for a few bucks. Just think about how this will affect his daughter. Whitney and Bobbi keep your head up.
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By: will on 12/13/2008 2:37PM
BOBBY'S TRYING TO HANG ON TO HIS 15 MINUITES
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By: lindee on 12/13/2008 3:56PM
Bobby, we have ignored you for the last 10 years and we don't plan to stop now. Don't worry, your book will never be on the Bestseller list so no one will know or care about your dirty little secrets.
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By: Carolyn on 12/13/2008 4:40PM
If you want a book that you know you will only read one time go to the library and check it out. If your library doesn't have a copy of it. They will find one at another library in thier network and have it sent to your library. I have done this alot of times. It sure saves money on books that you will never read again.
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