Paging Dr. Drew!
Clearly the next two personalities to join the VH1 reality series 'Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew' should be R&B singers K-Ci & JoJo.
The brother duo, one half of the R&B outfit Jodeci, alarmed fans who came to see their show this past weekend at The Enmore Theatre Sydney in Newtown, Australia.
According to concertgoers, the singers appeared to be intoxicated from the moment they hit the stage.
JoJo, 37, in particular forgot many of the words to some of their biggest hits and slurred through others while K-Ci, 38, attempted to carry the show.
After about 40 minutes into the American Music Award winners' show, JoJo sat down on the stage and sang his songs from there.
He abruptly left the stage for about five minutes during the show, returning for their last song, 'All My Life,' about a minute after the song had begun.
Waving his arms, stumbling around and singing arbitrary extended notes, JoJo looked delirious as wobbled about onstage.
After about a minute or so onstage, JoJo collapsed, dropped his microphone and the crowd gasp.
K-Ci continued to sing the song and their bodyguard went to pick up the microphone, not even checking to make sure JoJo was okay.
After 30 seconds of laying lifeless on the stage, JoJo attempted to rise again and K-Ci told the crowd that his brother was "tired after their 24-hour flight" and that "JoJo had gotten dizzy."
K-Ci and the bodyguard finally picked JoJo up, attempted to carry him off the stage, before turning back to take a bow.
The Charlotte, North Carolina-bred siblings then hugged and as JoJo stumbles within the hug, the bodyguard grabs him and helps him off the stage and K-Ci waved goodbye to the crowd.
The visual is disheartening and not far from what I saw with my own eyes and wrote about in this space a little more than a year ago.
Sharing the bill on the June 30, 2007 concert with New Edition, SWV, Jagged Edge, Carl Thomas a 
nd Donnell Jones, K-Ci & JoJo performed in
When the group arrived at the venue that evening for the show, JoJo fell out of the car and onto the ground when an attendant opened his car door.
Two people had to carry him upstairs to their dressing room where he stayed until the group hit the stage mid-show.
The actual performance was difficult to watch.
Seeing the frail K-Ci get half naked and gyrate was nothing compared to hearing what is left of JoJo's voice and seeing the condition he was in.
Even then JoJo was incoherent most of their set, slurring through songs, sounding as is he was having a stroke onstage and not nearly hitting most of the notes the arrangements called for.
After their performance, the two were taking photos at a photo booth with fans (with an asking price of $25) and JoJo collapsed and busted his head open in two places.
Later in his dressing room, a bloodied JoJo had to be treated by local medical attendants and required stitches.
I made a plea then on the 'Tom Joyner Morning Show' that anyone who loves or cares about these guys should get them into a rehabilitation facility.
Apparently that plea fell on death ears!
It's more than a year later and their situation seems to be the same!
I can't understand for the life of my how anyone can justify booking them, traveling with them and enabling them to self-destruct before our very eyes!
*****
VIDEO: Watch the video of K-Ci & JoJo performing 'All My Life' in Australia.
Black Music Notes June 26
6/26/08: Jill Scott
Jill Scott's latest album 'The Real Thing' is coming to a television screen near you. And it's going to be a sight for your eyes and a pleasure to your ears. On June 29, TV One will premiere an original music concert special featuring the neo-soul high priestess in all of her glory. Titled 'Jill Scott: The Real Thing Tour (Live in Philly),' the one-hour special features the two-time Grammy Award winning wunderkind performing a mix of her classic hits such as 'A Long Walk' and 'The Way,' juxtaposed with material from her newer projects, including the inspirational anthem 'Golden' and the tell-it-like-it-is, take-no-prisoners 'Hate On Me.' The special (Scott's very first) was filmed in March 2008 at the Liacouris Center in Philadelphia. Encore airings of the show are scheduled to air on July 3, July 5, and July 11.
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6/26/08: D'Angelo
Despite going through legal woes over the past few years, neo-soul originator D'Angelo is back in the studio working on a new album. According to 'Billboard,' the singer is expected to release his new as-yet-untitled album next year on J Records. The company bought out his contract in 2005 from Virgin Records (who released his first two albums). Fans can expect the man legally known as Michael D'Angelo Archer to hook up with Raphael Saadiq once again, the two previously worked together on Saadiq's 2002 hit 'Be Here.' Although the album is still in its early stages, the 'Brown Sugar' crooner has plans to also land John Mayer on the opus, with a single to hit the airwaves by the end of the year. Until that time comes, fans can catch some of D'Angelo in his former glory with the recently released compilation, 'The Best So Far,' featuring hits, rarities and previously unreleased videos.
Image Direct
6/26/08: Gerald Albright
This week, one of the most sought after saxophonists in contemporary jazz, Gerald Albright, will release his eleventh solo project titled, 'Sax for Stax.' The set features eight covers from the Stax Records catalog , in addition to three originals written by Albright. The multi-talented sax player reached out to vocalists Will Downing, Ledisi, and Philip Bailey to help recapture classic music such as Issac Hayes' top five hit 'Never Can Say Goodbye' and the Staple Singers' hit 'Respect Yourself.' "I went through two box sets with over 20 CDs to pick songs that felt good and would work well melodically for the saxophone," Albright said.
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6/26/08: Swizz Beatz
Just last year super-producer Swizz Beatz was hospitalized for exhaustion, and by the looks of it hasn't slowed him down a bit. The hip-hop hit-maker has been in the studio crafting hits for Jay-Z, G-Unit, Ludacris, T.I. , Alicia Keys, and surprisingly the icon himself Michael Jackson. The Bronx native (legally known as Kasseem Dean) recently revealed his plans to not only produce some music for the King of Pop, but produce his tour as well. "I'm probably gonna be producing his tour and everything," he explained to 'MTV.' "I'm designing planes for Gulf Stream and everything. They called me. I'm around different people. I'm around billionaires. I'm around people like that." This October Swizz Beatz plans to release his new studio opus entitled, 'Life After the Party.'
Film Magic
6/26/08: Erykah Badu
This fall, Erykah Badu is planning on bringing some of her voodoo experiences on the road the neo-soul diva was recently added to the tenth annual "Voodoo Experience Festival," held October 24-26 in New Orleans. In addition to Badu, Wyclef Jean, Joss Stone, and Lupe Fiasco are among the other acts on board to join alternative rock headliners R.E.M. , Nine Inch Nails and Stone Temple Pilots. Tickets are priced at $115, while a three-day VIP pass will available for a whopping $450.
AP
6/26/08: Ludacris
Trying to maintain a successful career in the music industry as well as Hollywood can be a bit strenuous for some rappers. But not Ludacris! Luda (as he is also known as) not only has his new album, 'Theater of the Mind' slated to hit stores in September, he's also in the process of filming a few movies. On Halloween, the actor/rapper will be appearing in Guy Ritchie's new film 'RocknRolla.' He also recently finished shooting 'Max Payne,' a crime thriller fronted by Mark Wahlberg. When asked which profession he likes most, he simply replied: "Music is still my number-one love. I just balance a lot of different things now." Hollywood is still calling him, though. To date, Ludacris has starred in the Academy Award winning movie 'Crash,' the John Singleton-produced 'Hustle & Flow' and 'Fred Clause,' alongside Vince Vaughan.
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6/26/08: Ne-Yo/Keyshia Cole
The 2008 Reggae Sumfest is guaranteed to kick off with a bang! On July 18, new-school R&B superstars Ne-Yo and Keyshia Cole are tapped to headline this year's international night at the Montego Bay festival, which takes place from July 13-19. Reggae Sumfest will also showcase the best of the best in Dancehall and Reggae music including Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, and Lady Saw, among many others.
Film Magic
6/26/08: Will.I.Am
Crafting hit music for The Black Eyed Peas and Justin Timberlake can only inspire an artist/producer such as Will.I.Am (born William James Adams Jr.)to go beyond the music industry. Fans can expect to see the Black Eyed Peas front-man in the forthcoming X-Men movie, 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine,' playing a role opposite of Hugh Jackman. Will.I.Am recently revealed to 'MTV News' that the character he'll be playing is a teleporter by the name of John Wraith. In addition to 'X-Men,' the producer also landed a role in the 'Madagascar' sequel. "With 'Madagascar 2,' I think there has to be an angel or something or my grandma's prayers guiding that," he says. "It's pretty, pretty dope. And I'm grateful and happy about it all." 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' is expected to hit theaters in May 2009.
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6/26/08: Mashonda
After releasing her debut album 'January Joy' internationally, Mashonda returns with two new singles 'All or Nothing' and 'No Panties' from her forthcoming untitled album. The Harlem reared singer describes her first single 'No Panties' as being "all about giving your man whatever he desires; no limits." In addition to her new music hitting the radio airwaves, the ex Mrs. Swizz Beatz (real name: Mashonda Tifrere-Dean) is the creative director and model for an upcoming coffee table book entitled, 'Alter Ego Revealed.' Mashonda's new album is set to drop in early next year.
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6/26/08: Lauryn Hill/Kanye West
'Entertainment Weekly' magazine recently unveiled its 'New Classics' list in which they ranked the best in music, movies, TV shows, and books from over the past 25 years. Lauryn Hill's mega-selling solo debut 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill' landed at number two slot behind Prince's timeless classic 'Purple Rain,' which held down the top spot. Other artist that made the list included Kanye West (No. 4), Jay-Z (No. 7), Outkast (No. 12), Beyonce (No. 19), Mariah Carey (No. 21), Nas (No. 28), and The Notorious B.I.G (No. 40), among many others.
Getty Images/Film Magic
Comments: (48)
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By: Everyday People on 8/25/2008 6:37PM
They appeared on TV One about a year ago, and what I saw was a crying shame. JoJo who looked like a recovering stroke victim, struggled through a few bars then left the stage. KiCi looked like he was just let out of rehab center. I was like "What in Thee Hell." Someone who loves JoJo should get a court order to involuntary commit him somewhere before he self destructs. Can you imagine what his liver looks like. I hate to say this, but don't be surprised if we hear about his passing. That brother is just that sick!!
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By: Everyday People on 8/25/2008 6:45PM
The last time I seen them, they were on TV One. What I saw was heart breaking. JoJo looked like he was a recovering stroke patient, and KiCi looked as if he was let out of rehab moments before he came on stage. I was like "What the Hell!" They really looked bad.
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By: Cookie on 8/25/2008 6:50PM
I pray for them....no way was that part of the act.....
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By: Everyday People on 8/25/2008 8:21PM
I didn't finish what I wanted to say, cause I was @ work.
I can't help but think about who really love these guys. Their family could have them involuntarily committed into a rehab facility. All they have to do is show a judge that video. Somebody has to be the bad guy to KiCi and JoJo in order to save their lives. I am surprised JoJo is still among the living. SOMEBODY, HELP THEM!
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By: Tracy on 8/25/2008 8:54PM
That was an embarrassment, they should retire now!!!! They are making Bobby Brown look dammmmmm good.
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By: Shallotte on 9/15/2008 10:00AM
I heared they did the same thing the last time they came to South Africa. You know, I was laughing at some of the things I was reading here, but really this is sad.
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By: Nathan on 8/26/2008 3:33PM
Just sad. They really hit rock bottom.
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By: Tammjj on 8/26/2008 4:59PM
The same thing happened in Austin Texas, November 2007. They were the opening act for Maze, yes Maze. If it wasn't for Maze I would have demanded my money back.
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By: Mpinga on 8/26/2008 5:20PM
I wonder if JoJo really did have a stroke or has some other medical problem, is it possible that it isn't a drinking problem at all?
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By: Bianca on 8/26/2008 8:47PM
My god, they've really gone down hill! Damn shame too because they're so talented. Yeah somebody needs to step in and make them get the help BOTH of them really need. They either need Celebrity Rehab or Intervention. They need some serious help before we hear about both of their passings. Life's way too short for all of this. I know this is a real disappointment to all of their fans & I've been a fan of theirs ever since they were still a part of Jodeci. May God be with them and their families and may all of them get the help they need because whatever they're doing to themselves is also affecting everyone around them from their family to their dearest friends.
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