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Ciara Defends Including Chris Brown Duet On New Album

5/4/09, 3:55 pm EST

Photo: Shearer/WireImage

While many artists and radio stations are turning their backs on Chris Brown, who is facing two felony charges related to his alleged assault on Rihanna, Ciara is sticking by the embattled singer, including their duet “Turntables” on her new album Fantasy Ride, which is out tomorrow May 5th. Speaking to MTV News, Ciara defended her decision to keep Brown’s vocals on the Danja-produced track after much deliberation.

“Honestly, with that record, it’s just more about the music for me,” Ciara told MTV News. “I wanted to focus on the music and leave it at that, because it’s a record that I’ve had for a while, I love the way it sounds and it’s one of my most favorite records on the album. And if I alter it, it’s not gonna sound the same.” Ciara had wrestled with the option of removing Brown’s vocals from the track, but after huddling with her management, she opted to keep Brown’s contribution intact, giving the beleaguered singer a role on a potential hit after it looked like Brown’s career might be over. (For more on Ciara’s album, see our in the studio interview.)

“I could try to do it a different way and I even had moments where I played with it a little bit, but it didn’t feel right. So it’s all about what feels good to me, so that’s why I kept it,” Ciara said of including the synth-heavy track on Fantasy Ride. Ciara also told MTV that the song has single potential, and a video might be in the plans as well. Ciara chose her words carefully while speaking to MTV, defending the track but not defending her duet partner, explaining the song’s inclusion is for artistic integrity’s sake while not mentioning why exactly there’s a whole Brown embargo right now to begin with. Brown has pleaded not guilty to two felony charges stemming from the Rihanna incident.

The move is a risky one by Ciara, as most radio stations have completely eradicated Brown from their playlists, and even Hollywood seemed to be turning their back on the embattled singer after it was revealed Brown would be removed from the promotion materials of one of his two upcoming films. Less-controversial guests that appear on Fantasy Ride include Justin Timberlake on the current single “Love Sex Magic,” plus The-Dream, Missy Elliott, Ludacris and Young Jeezy.

Related Stories:

Chris Brown’s Fall: Can the R&B Star’s Career Survive Rihanna Arrest?
Chris Brown Erased From “Bone Deep” Promotion, Voluntarily Goes To Anger Management
Chris Brown Pleads Not Guilty To Two Felony Counts At Arraignment


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Comments

Iluvmusic | 5/4/2009, 5:27 pm EST

I will definately be buying Ciara’s album not only because I love Chris Brown, but because Never Eva with Young Jeezy is HOT. I like that she is staying out of his personal life and focusing on the music. Turntables is HOT can’t wait to see the video!

brandinfla | 5/4/2009, 5:28 pm EST

There’s two sides to every story. Before being judgemental let’s hear the other side. Great music is great music!

Kenny | 5/4/2009, 6:06 pm EST

Ciara has no personal style. Without dancing and lack of beauty, she would be nothing.
-Sorry C-Error Fans

chrisbreezygrl | 5/4/2009, 6:08 pm EST

the media need to get off his jock..this is dying down now..there is only a few people who really care. i just dnt get how she come out in a bathing suit a day later after supposedly he messed her up “really” bad. i mean c’mon is u got beat really dnt u think u would try to hide until u healed..i dnt believe he choked or bit her there was no marks! u cant believe everything u see or hear! im like plz stop expecting them(as in celebrities) to be so perfect we all human!

chrisbreezygrl | 5/4/2009, 6:09 pm EST

the media need to get off his jock..this is dying down now..there is only a few people who really care. i just dnt get how she come out in a bathing suit a day later after supposedly he messed her up “really” bad. i mean c’mon is u got beat really dnt u think u would try to hide until u healed..i dnt believe he choked or bit her there was no marks! u cant believe everything u see or hear! im like plz stop expecting them(as in celebrities) to be so perfect we all human!

chrisbrownthaclown | 5/4/2009, 6:21 pm EST

This guy needs to be in prison.

chrisbrownfanalltheway | 5/4/2009, 6:57 pm EST

Turntables is the hottest track on the album and it could be a number 1 hit if she releases it.
I’m glad Ciara is smart enough to be able to seperate the artist from the man with a personal life.
Chris Brown is one of the most talented artists in the pop or urban charts and people need to remember he is a human being.

Chan | 5/4/2009, 7:09 pm EST

To chrisbrownthaclown and all you other Chris Brown haters, when are you going to leave it alone. If he needs to be in jail, alot of other celebs needs to be in jail right along with him. What is going on in his personal dealings, is nobody’s business. Chris Brown is a very talented young man, and Ciara sees that. Get off his dick, and leave him alone.

Anonymous | 5/4/2009, 9:09 pm EST

Rhinna is sneaky peoples dont be fooled .I luv u chris brown

Pat | 5/4/2009, 9:14 pm EST

Chris brown you havenot did wrong she got what she deserve.

monica | 5/4/2009, 9:51 pm EST

Does Rihanna have a friend that looks like Chris Brown? I read an article online about the Chris Brown lookalike on the internet news. Rihanna knows him his name is Reggie something.The article showed him and Rihanna hanging out together. I don,t know if the article is rumor or not.

zahiraa | 5/4/2009, 10:51 pm EST

all you haters go fuk urselves if u lost faith in him then u aint true fans ur jus followers and use need to get a life. chris brown is a role model nd hes still young people make mistakes so get over it and move on in life ..
mwaaaa i love u Chris Brown now and foreverrrr :)

zahiraa brown :P | 5/4/2009, 10:53 pm EST

i love chrissss breeezy (L)

chrisbrownSUPPORT | 5/4/2009, 11:38 pm EST

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOOVVEEE CHRIS BROWN!!!
and by the looks of it, nobody really cares what he done did, he’s hot, and rihanna’s not, so you know what, she deserved it!!
i think rihanna should be the one going to jail anyways juust for being a hoe! shes ugly anyways. glad she got beat. too bad she didnt get killed :(

chrisbrownSUPPORT | 5/4/2009, 11:39 pm EST

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOOVVEEE CHRIS BROWN!!!
and by the looks of it, nobody really cares what he done did, he’s hot, and rihanna’s not, so you know what, she deserved it!!
i think rihanna should be the one going to jail anyways juust for being a hoe! shes ugly anyways. glad she got beat. too bad she didnt get killed :(

chrisbrownSUPPORT | 5/4/2009, 11:39 pm EST

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOOVVEEE CHRIS BROWN!!!
and by the looks of it, nobody really cares what he done did, he’s hot, and rihanna’s not, so you know what, she deserved it!!
i think rihanna should be the one going to jail anyways juust for being a hoe! shes ugly anyways. glad she got beat. too bad she didnt get killed :(

chrisbrownSUPPORT | 5/4/2009, 11:39 pm EST

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOOVVEEE CHRIS BROWN!!!
and by the looks of it, nobody really cares what he done did, he’s hot, and rihanna’s not, so you know what, she deserved it!!
i think rihanna should be the one going to jail anyways juust for being a hoe! shes ugly anyways. glad she got beat. too bad she didnt get killed :(

chrisbrownSUPPORT | 5/4/2009, 11:39 pm EST

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOOVVEEE CHRIS BROWN!!!
and by the looks of it, nobody really cares what he done did, he’s hot, and rihanna’s not, so you know what, she deserved it!!
i think rihanna should be the one going to jail anyways juust for being a hoe! shes ugly anyways. glad she got beat. too bad she didnt get killed :(

CiaraServant | 5/4/2009, 11:49 pm EST

Ciara MATTERS!!!

Chris MATTERS!!!

The haters DONT!!! Thats tha end of that!!!

Colin | 5/5/2009, 12:18 am EST

Bottom Line: The song can wait. If she’s a real artist, she has enough material and talent to put out a good album and exclude the song if it demands Chris Brown’s vocals. I don’t know anything about Ciara personally, but this sounds more like a decision influenced – albeit subconsciously – by money. The song would “sound better” and would be a “hit” sounds much more money-oriented and ratings-oriented than ethics-based. I feel that, at her stage in her career, Ciara has enough moderate stability that she should be making these decisions looking toward the long-term. Put off the song if you have a problem with the ethics and actions of the collaborator. Woman up and take ownership for the content of the album.

Colin | 5/5/2009, 12:18 am EST

Bottom Line: The song can wait. If she’s a real artist, she has enough material and talent to put out a good album and exclude the song if it demands Chris Brown’s vocals. I don’t know anything about Ciara personally, but this sounds more like a decision influenced – albeit subconsciously – by money. The song would “sound better” and would be a “hit” sounds much more money-oriented and ratings-oriented than ethics-based. I feel that, at her stage in her career, Ciara has enough moderate stability that she should be making these decisions looking toward the long-term. Put off the song if you have a problem with the ethics and actions of the collaborator. Woman up and take ownership for the content of the album.

Colin | 5/5/2009, 12:25 am EST

And chrisbreezygrl, I feel as though you assume that people only feel Chris Brown should be punished because he is a celebrity. While some people may feel that way, I for one do not. Any man or any woman who physically assaults another in that manner should receive sufficient punishment, and we can debate what “sufficient” is, but a few articles in some magazines is NOT punishment – that’s publicity. If I were to beat you, would you want me to be left alone and do a duet with a popular singer and make a lot of money right afterward? I hope not.

Lissa | 5/5/2009, 5:59 am EST

So much for being innocent until proven guilty! We may never know the truth regarding that night as both parties do not want it to be known. It Chris was a real women beater Rihanna would have been damaged alot more with broken noses etc. as Chris Brown isn’t weak by all means. Also the bruises on her face are on the side of the door not facing the drivers seat. No he shouldn’t have hit her but I don’t think Rihanna was just sitting there taking it as she is no wall flower. As for Ciara I applaud you for standing you ground if anyone should know what he is like it’s you. Chris Brown if you read this Hapy Birthday darling there is good times ahead. xoxo

UUTY | 5/5/2009, 8:22 am EST

SHE GAVE YOU HIV

Sweeney Todd's Soul | 5/5/2009, 11:50 am EST

@ Colin:
If she were doing it for the money, she’d actually remove the track. She knows it’s not a good time to collaborate with Chris Brown. And as far as Chris “making money” after beating up a girl, it didn’t stop Axl Rose from staying on top with GNR after abusing Erin Everly a.k.a. his muse for Sweet Child O’ Mine nor did it stop him from repeating the same pattern of abuse to Stephanie Seymour, the girl he marries in the November Rain video. The reason he fell out of popularity wasn’t because he was discovered to be an abusive jerk, it was because he drove away all of the original band members that people knew and loved and he took 17 years to record and release an album called Chinese Democracy, which of course at some point lost its relevancy. So I find it quite funny when people like you try to act all high and mighty as if Chris is the first man to beat up his girlfriend and act like he should spend the rest of his life in exile, when bigger stars then him have done worse things and have continued to be admired. Where were you when People magazine came out with cover of Axl’s exes and the headline “Battered Beauties” in 1994? That dude never went to jail, nor did he face any sort of uproar over his poor treatment of women. I’m not defending Chris’ actions, but if Rihanna saw it fit to forgive him, and we all make mistakes, even really awful ones, we shouldn’t be throwing rocks at him for life. Besides, it’s not like he’s being cocky about it, you have to remember he grew up witnessing his mom getting beat up, what Chris needs is some serious psychological counseling, not jail time, cause it’s the only way he’ll break the pattern of abuse. And it’s not just me saying that, even battered women’s organizations say that.

beonkah | 5/5/2009, 1:39 pm EST

i love chris brown and Rihanna what he did is wrong but she did not get what she deserved and whoever said that is so Damn dumb noone deserves any kind of abuse physical or emotional, female or male its just not ok.Yes its stupid for everyone to stop playin his music cause that’s not gonna make people stop listening to him to many people love him. Rihanna forgave him so lets just leave it alone . As far as Ciara its her album if she wants him on their its her choice regardless of the reason, his career is far from over.

beonkah | 5/5/2009, 1:39 pm EST

i love chris brown and Rihanna what he did is wrong but she did not get what she deserved and whoever said that is so Damn dumb noone deserves any kind of abuse physical or emotional, female or male its just not ok.Yes its stupid for everyone to stop playin his music cause that’s not gonna make people stop listening to him to many people love him. Rihanna forgave him so lets just leave it alone . As far as Ciara its her album if she wants him on their its her choice regardless of the reason, his career is far from over.

beonkah | 5/5/2009, 1:39 pm EST

i love chris brown and Rihanna what he did is wrong but she did not get what she deserved and whoever said that is so Damn dumb noone deserves any kind of abuse physical or emotional, female or male its just not ok.Yes its stupid for everyone to stop playin his music cause that’s not gonna make people stop listening to him to many people love him. Rihanna forgave him so lets just leave it alone . As far as Ciara its her album if she wants him on their its her choice regardless of the reason, his career is far from over.

okayalready | 5/5/2009, 1:53 pm EST

C Brown is a young man who made a mistake. I am so tired of this Foolishness! It is not like he murdered anyone. What about all of the adult males: Emenem, Charlie Sheen, Mickey Rourke (got an Oscar and he beat his wife actress Carrie Otis for 2 and half years), Tommy Lee (Motley Crew), I could go on and on about the white male singers, actors, producers and athletes that had altercations with the women in their lives, that this controlled very biased media has yet to abuse like they are doing this young man. It was ONE MISTAKE my God move on and let these two young people (particularly Chris Brown) breath!!!!!!

okayalready | 5/5/2009, 2:14 pm EST

And another thing, I agree with many of Sweeney Todd’s Soul’s comments! I wanted to add a little more information about children of abuse. More then likely the fool, who as assaulting Chris mother, was beating on Chris as well (He is not his kid and jumps into the fray to help his mom…you know the scenario). I think that this kid deserves support and respect. I have worked as a volunteer with children involved in these domestic tragedies, and I commend him for having the courage to step out and do something positive with his life. Many of these kids fall into all sorts of tragic situation (drug addition, gang activity, prison). In other words, ALRIGHT, OKAYALREADY, GEE we get it he made a mistake we all do, move the hell on already!

AW | 5/5/2009, 3:56 pm EST

When I originally saw the track listing for the CD on the itunes pre-order I thought “Oh no, what is Ciara doing–she needs to take that song off her CD!!” But then I listened to the song and she is right–it is one of the two or three best cuts on the album and her CD would not be nearly as good without it. Obviously they recorded it before the incident with Rihanna, and maybe she could have re-recorded it(with Justin? Since they were already working together?), but that seems silly given Ciara is certainly not defending Chris by keeping the song.

I think it would be unwise, certainly as a career move for Ciara, to release the song as a single. But I have decided I’m glasd she kept it, although it would have been just as good without Brown’s vocals completely.

mz.breezii | 5/14/2009, 1:04 pm EST

chris brown it is ok k! i would have done what u did i luv u so call me k

Missstrings43 | 5/25/2009, 9:02 am EST

I love Chris Brown as an actor and a singer and i refused to lose faith in him. Thank you Ciara for bringing him back. You got a new fan! I always loved watching her perform but never bought any of her music until today. GO GOTTEM” Ciara and Chris! Your fans love you Chris!

dipnhoney | 5/28/2009, 9:34 pm EST

I have to say this I think Chris Brown should get another change I have been in a abusive relationship before and I gave the person a chance after chance but after the 4 time I knew he wasn’t going to change. So if you give the person another chance and they don’t change then it’s time to let them go. Aleast he is willing to get help and admit he was wrong more than what I can say for the absuive guy that I had dated in the pass. The only reason why they giving Chris Brown a hard time is because he is black man but if we all stick together and buy his CD I promise on everything I love I bet you they would put him back on and you would see more of him. Also we as black people I don’t think we understand how much control we have over the certain things. That’s why they killed martin luther king because when he did the boycott us black people suck together and guess what we can sit any where on the bus now. If we as black people do half of what they did back then and do it now we would have a lot more. But we think so little now we don’t have as much faith as we did back then as we do now and it seem all black men care about is big ass golds in there mouth diamonds on the neck and a big ass car living in there mothers basement or renting a apartment instead of saving there money. Sorry got a little side track let go back to what we was talking about.We all tell someone to go buy Chris Brown CD and another person tell another person so we can bring this young man back. It’s all about team work I am going to buy his CD tonight please let show people that we can make a change and stop letting the media think they know everything and that his career is over and that he nothing and he never going to be nothing.

I love yall

PS this not about a black thing it’s about loving everyone no matter what there race is and loving them for who they are.

Awesome | 7/26/2009, 1:36 am EST

Rihanna invaded his privacy so she deserved a wacking. Love u chris brown!

candie | 9/28/2009, 10:44 am EST

she was stupid 4 letting him hit her if it was me i would have whooped his butt all the way 2 his mama house.

candie | 10/16/2009, 2:26 pm EST

it was fault c she touched his stuff

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