Source: wadeblogz.com

Another week, another Twitter beef between Chris Brown and someone else in Hollywood. But this time, we can’t really fault him, because Brian McKnight is out here throwing shade for no reason. And as they say, don’t start none, won’t be none.

Much to his chagrin, once again, his foray into adult R&B music (with the release of his “Anal” track) isn’t being accepted with open arms and excitement. While the “Anytime” singer was probably hoping he would get some attention that would probably bring him back to the top, instead, folks have thrown out the scary I-word: “irrelevant.” So in response to the criticism, McKnight went in on a slew of famous black men with less than stellar reputations who still found a way to make big money and who he seems to think don’t receive enough criticism: R.Kelly, Floyd Mayweather, and of course, Breezy. It all allegedly started when a fan told him to go back to making quality music since his true fans weren’t going anywhere. In response, via Twitter, he said, “Really then why are record sales for everyone so low, why weren’t you on my timeline until now. Integrity won’t pay the mortgages, I will ask all of you how many of you would do your job for no pay?”

When that response wasn’t enough, he decided to go in on other folks and have a real conversation about what is and what isn’t “acceptable” since his new music doesn’t seem to be. See below:

Chris, who was touched upon in the Lambo a** whoopin’ comment, being young and crunk as always, decided to let him know what everyone was thinking: using other people’s names to get publicity is a big no, no. Especially when you’re a person who has allegedly had your own share of domestic violence issues…

“I see how this works now … When peoples’ careers get to the ‘nobody cares’ stage, they use my name for publicity! I can’t keep helping these old n*****. It’s a miracle the way I’m bringing the dead alive! I would’ve gladly wrote you something that would make u look less irrelevant!  Listening to “let me show u how ur P works”!!!! THAT S— IS TRASH! If u need help just ask!”

Ouch.

Brian, Brian, Brian. I understand that the industry is changing and that frustrates you, but if you don’t sit down and get your life together and stop selling every bit of your self-respect to get attention, you will not only be just irrelevant, but you’ll go down as the bitter, irrelevant dude who sang the p***y song too. What type of legacy is that? Go back to the drawing board and come back to do quality music when you’ve got your mind right. Until then, there’s a seat in the corner for you. Take it.

Does Brian have a point, or should he just stop?

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In 2006, Carl Stevens came home from work and told his wife of nearly a decade, Kenya, that he’d fallen in love with a co-worker. Although he hadn’t had sex with her, he couldn’t deny his feelings. After a serious discussion about the state of their relationship, Carl suggested that the two consider an open marriage.

Initially Kenya was not  on board with the idea, but after years of consideration, she was actually the first one to have sex outside of their marriage. The couple said the nature of their relationship now has helped them be more open and honest with each other. There is integrity within in their relationship.

Recently they answered the questions many have about their union with Black Voices, including how their parents feel about their lifestyle and what they tell their three children. You can check out their answers here.

What do you think about open marriage? Can it strengthen a bond between couples?

Last week mega-church pastor Joel Osteen and his wife Victoria appeared on CNN’s Piers Morgan Tonight to discuss everything from faith and charity to wealth. Unsurprisingly, his biblically-based views on homosexuality accumulated the most attention. Osteen stated, “…homosexuality is a sin.” He went on to note that homosexuality is one sin among many and he has no desire to “bash” homosexuals. But, that wasn’t enough for Morgan, who obviously felt differently, as he continued to press the issue as if Osteen’s perspective would change. It didn’t.

As our world changes, for better or for worse, fewer and fewer people seem to stand by their core values—whatever they may be. In the case of Osteen, the normalization of homosexuality turned his once socially-norm Christian beliefs into words of controversy. Yet, instead of faltering to the pressures of Morgan, and society at large, he stood his ground with grace. For those who live according to the same doctrine, his actions invoked strength.

Only a small percentage of people have the tenacity to live life in black and white, most prefer to straddle in gray. It takes courage to believe in something wholeheartedly because it also means you disbelieve in something else just as much. There is a level of accountability that comes with such vigor and no one wants to be judged. But, would you rather be judged as a person of substance or half-heartedness? The ever-sparkling gay figure skater Johnny Weir expressed it best when he simply recognized Osteen’s comments as his freedom of speech and beliefs. Regardless of what anyone may say or think, these are several reasons to stand up for your beliefs: