*Barbados-born pop star Rihanna was named the top entertainer at the Barbados Music Awards for the second year in a row. The 18-year-old, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty, also picked up awards for best album ("A Girl Like Me") and best song ("Unfaithful"). "I am always delighted to win awards, but it's especially great to win awards at home," she said. "I'm actually working on my third album, so you will be seeing and hearing a lot from me in the upcoming months."
*Music producer Christopher Stokes has a high-end clothing line set to launch next month. Titled Christopher Brian Apparel, the contemporary streetwear features eyewear, as well as handbags and shoes designed by tabloid starlet Kim Kardashian. "I created the line, after years of perfecting an intricate eye for style through studying design and browsing countless lines worldwide," says Stokes. "Christopher Brian Apparel is 'the brand for the million dollar man,' with only the use of the finest quality of wool, cashmere, and lamb skin leather. The line is fresh yet timeless, and will truly please customers in search of an exclusive fit and a comparable price tag to that of other high end fashion houses."
*Producer Jonathan "J.R." Rotem says he is in the studio working on the long awaited "Detox" album from Dr. Dre and the anticipated return of 50 Cent. "Dr. Dre's a perfectionist, and if it's not up to his standards, which are pretty much the highest in the game, then he's not releasing it," Rotem tells Billboard of chances "Detox" will finally be released this year.
Rotem says of 50's album, due in the spring: "He's focused on making an album to save hip-hop, and I think a lot of people feel that way. 50 is an incredible force, who doesn't need to put out an album for money or respect.
He's got both so we're trying to make a new sound." Fresh off inking a joint-venture label deal with Epic for his Beluga Heights imprint, Rotem is also currently working with Rihanna, Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez.