Posts Tagged ‘El DeBarge’

Mark DeBarge

Mark DeBarge (from DeBarge) was arrested for drug possession this week in a Hollywood hotel … TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us, Mark was in his hotel room with some woman early Wednesday morning — when the woman’s parole officer stopped by for a routine check-up.

We’re (TMZ) told the officer searched the room and discovered narcotics — it’s unclear exactly what.

Once the drugs were found, we’re told Mark and his female companion were placed under arrest. Mark was booked for narcotics possession and has since been released.

TMZ has the story HERE.

The Mo’Kelly Report is a syndicated politics and entertainment journal. Catch The Mo’Kelly Show from 6-8pm PDT Saturday evenings on KFI AM640 Los Angeles. Visit http://mrmokelly.com for the latest from Mr. Mo’Kelly. Contact him at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

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Sounds like somebody called in a favor…this is a technicality, not an exoneration or vindication.

———————

The former frontman of family singing group DeBarge will not be charged in connection with his arrest Monday on suspicion of drug possession with intent to sell.

So, how did the “Rhythm of the Night” crooner end up in the clear?

Simply, there was insufficient evidence to file charges against either DeBarge or another man busted at the scene, according to the LAPD.

_____________

Story HERE.

The Mo’Kelly Report is a syndicated politics and entertainment journal. Visit http://mrmokelly.com for the latest from Mr. Mo’Kelly. Contact him at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

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Mo’Kelly has no comment.

_____

“Rhythm of the Night” singer El DeBarge was arrested for drug possession in L.A. yesterday … and cops believe El may have been trying to deal the junk.

El was popped around 2 PM in Encino, CA … after LAPD officers observed him participating in what appeared to be a drug deal with another man near the 101 Freeway.

DeBarge was arrested for possession of narcotics with intent to sell. It’s the 3rd time El has been arrested for drug possession since 2001.

He was hauled to a nearby jail where he was booked and released on $30k bail.  El is due back in court next month.

Fun Fact — El’s brother James is currently serving time behind bars after being arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and drug charges. 

_________

Story HERE.  And HERE.

RELATED: Dear El DeBarge Fans, It’s – Full-Time Sobriety or Death

The Mo’Kelly Report is a syndicated politics and entertainment journal. Visit http://mrmokelly.com for the latest from Mr. Mo’Kelly. Contact him at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

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A number of people emailed Mo’Kelly and SPECIFICALLY asked for me to re-post the following editorial regarding El DeBarge, given how perfectly it fits within the discussion of Whitney Houston’s passing.  In fact, mentally remove the words “El DeBarge” and insert “Whitney Houston.”  It’s all-the-way accurate and uncanny in its import.  In video below, Whitney and El share a tearful reunion…hours before her death.

_______________________

Keep the hate mail coming. I don’t care what you think about me. I really, really
don’t. It is not my job to be a fan in my work, only to tell the truth. There are larger, more important issues to address. If you are a “fan” of El DeBarge, then you need to hear this, because it’s time to get down to brass tacks.  This is for the ones more concerned with the singer making a comeback and less with a full recovery.

There is an order to be followed. Recovery first and foremost, with a recording career coming in a distant second.

It does not matter what any reader may think of me, my supposed motivations or even the history between El DeBarge and myself over the years. There is nothing I can say, will say or have said that will ever be the ultimate decider in whether DeBarge maintains sobriety or makes a full comeback.

Nothing.

Any anger with me along those lines is clearly misplaced. I don’t have that much power. I appreciate the credit but it is undeserved. Nevertheless, the following must be said.

When I sat down with El’s people in September of 2010, they articulated the need to surround him 24/7 in terms of prayer and personnel to help El stay on the path of sobriety.

24/7. Meaning...ALL of the time. Meaning…his sobriety ALL of the time was key. El said that he’s battled the demon of crack for more than 25 years, the hedge was required.

If you don’t know or understand the realities of crack addiction or health implications of long-time cocaine/drug use, then let me assist. Any user of such longevity will tell you that the demons will ALWAYS remain.

ALWAYS. One can be sober and off the substance but it is a day-to-day fight for the rest of one’s life.  After age 50, substance abuse increases the likelihood of sudden death at an exponential rate.

This is not about resuscitating anybody’s career, it’s about saving someone’s life.

El DeBarge can’t be sober “some of the time.”

El DeBarge can’t be sober for “most of his performances.”

El DeBarge must be sober ALL OF THE TIME, or he is coming home in a box…nice performances or not.

The music business (of which I am a veteran) affords too many obstacles, too many enablers and too many avenues which threaten sobriety.

If by his management’s admission, El DeBarge required round-the-clock assistance and still he is not sober ALL OF THE TIME, then it is time to discuss whether his sobriety and singing career can co-exist any longer. Otherwise, El DeBarge is coming home (sooner not later) in a box…nice performances or not.

Rick James

The question for you fans is simple. Do you want an alive El DeBarge or do you want him to go the route of Rick James, found dead at the age of 56. His autopsy yielded the following…

“The coroner’s office officially ruled James’ Aug. 6 death “accidental,” but also noted that no fewer than nine drugs were found in his system, including methamphetamine and cocaine.

As E! Online exclusively reported Aug. 7, James was spotted just days prior to his death at a Hollywood party using cocaine, and many of his friends privately were concerned that the former “Superfreak” was back to his partying ways before his untimely death.

James and his family had maintained that the R&B/funk star successfully kicked his cocaine habit and was sober after years spent battling a crack addiction.”

Story HERE.

Somehow, I’m not sure if Rick James’ final performances (great or not) are of any solace or consequence.  Rick is dead.  Do note the obvious parallels of the final sentence.

“James and his family had maintained that the R&B/funk star successfully kicked his cocaine habit and was sober after years spent battling a crack addiction.”

Substitute “James” for “DeBarge” and you’ve quite possibly found a looking-glass into the future. Despite what mother Etterlene DeBarge will tell you, the videos I’ve posted are clear. El DeBarge is under the influence.  Firsthand accounts of the performance agree, he was under the influence.  Maybe it’s just a mother’s job to see the best in her child, but the man was under the influence and would have failed any field sobriety test. He couldn’t even successfully navigate an interview, much less an automobile.

No number of “great” performances, Essence Festival or otherwise changes this fact. Either El DeBarge can remain sober all of the time or you can  await the celebrity-laden funeral and email the funeral program to all of your friends as you did with Michael Jackson.

Historically there has been this strange connection between substance abuse, comebacks and death.

Elvis Presley died from an overdose while crawling away from his toilet and miles away from his dignity…yet in the midst of a musical comeback.

Michael Jackson, cardiac arrest from the combination of injected prescription drugs and a history of abuse. And oh yeah, he too was readying for a comeback.

El DeBarge has already undergone two rehab stints in the past two years. Appearing seemingly under the influence is not a red flag? Are you crazy?  He JUST left rehab!

El DeBarge is coming home in a box and very soon if his addiction is not fully addressed. If maintaining sobriety means the end of his historic music career, so be it. I’d rather he live to the age of 80 substance-free, than die at 56 like Rick James who was still performing and partying.

David Ruffin

Or maybe El DeBarge fans would rather he die at age 50 of an overdose as did former Temptation lead singer David Ruffin.  Or like Michael Jackson who also died at age 50.

Just FYI, DeBarge celebrated his 50th birthday last month.

Has it sunk in yet?

Maybe it’s just me. Maybe I’m the only one who cares more about his health than his hits and chart position. I just might be, because I’m the only one talking about this in terms unrelated to his vocal prowess or musical legacy.  Members of his family are complaining about not being on stage with him and gauging by the silliness of his fans, it’s ok if he’s inebriated on stage every once in awhile, no big deal.

How much clearer must I be?

You, the fans are more concerned with unflattering videos being posted on a blog and less concerned with the dreadful reality in which they confirm.  This man is on the path to death.

As a “recovering” crack addict, you can’t be sober “some of the time.” You can’t be sober “most of the time.” You must be sober ALL of the time. Even alcohol inebriation through decreased inhibition risks crack demons having their way.

Charlie Wilson

Check out what recovering addict Charlie Wilson (formerly of the Gap Band) had to say in response to El re-entering rehab this past February (and canceling his tour).

“Wilson says DeBarge needs to take a break when he gets out of rehab. He says the demands of the industry can put you under a lot of pressure. That’s the last thing a recovering addict needs — even after years of being sober.

‘I was still working on myself,” he says. “You have to work on yourself first. That’s more important than relationships, and it’s more important than your career. Your life has to matter more than sitting on the cover of a magazine.”

I am working on myself every single day. I am just one drink from catastrophe,” he says. “One hit away from losing everything I have.“

Story HERE.

So don’t take my word for it, take Charlie’s. ONE drink, ONE hit. Recovering addicts MUST be sober ALL of the TIME. The music industry is not a place in which to teeter. If Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin were still here, they would explain how the mixture of alcohol and any narcotic is deadly.

But alas…THEY’RE DEAD.

Whitney Houston was a crackhead for a decade before she hit rehab and everyone knew it. But as long as she was churning out hits, her public fans and private enablers were indifferent. Now that her career is over, her “fans” seemingly couldn’t care less and have moved on…

Nevertheless…she’s alive.

At best, DeBarge will suffer a “Whitney Houston fate” if he continues on this path. At worst, he’s Rick James, Michael Jackson, David Ruffin or Jimi Hendrix. The body can only take so much.

Take your pick fans, which will it be?  Whitney Houston or Rick James? Open or closed casket? Old age or autopsy?

I am working on myself every single day. I am just one drink from catastrophe,” he says. “One hit away from losing everything I have.”

- Charlie Wilson

If you want to pray for El DeBarge to make a comeback, you’re better off not praying at all on his behalf. A comeback without a full recovery only ensures an untimely death. El had used crack for more than 25 years (his own admission) and surely will not survive 25 more if he continues.

Appearing seemingly under the influence four months after a second rehab stint is far more significant than any other recent performance in which he did not.

Ask yourself fans, what are you really wishing for El DeBarge…and in what order? If it has anything to do with his career, you are only hastening his death.

So who really is the hater?  I want him to live.  I will love his music regardless of whether he ever picks up another microphone.  His musical legacy is safe.

For El DeBarge the man, it must be full-time sobriety, or it will be death.  Somebody has to “love” him enough to make it plain.  It clearly is not his family or his fans as their agendas and motivations are quite questionable.  It might as well be me and you can be mad all you like.  I want him to live and will in no way be party to the enablers.

Now go play that on your iTunes.

The Mo’Kelly Report is a syndicated politics and entertainment journal. Visit http://mrmokelly.com for the latest from Mr. Mo’Kelly. Contact him at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

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This wouldn’t be The Mo’Kelly Report if Mo’Kelly didn’t at least mention the DeBarge family appearance on Dr. Drew’s Lifechangers.

Mo’Kelly is not going to say ANYTHING.  The videos will stand on their own.  Don’t hate Mo’Kelly, nobody told the DeBarge family to go on the Dr. Drew show under the influence. (Randy admits being high while on the show)

Mo’Kelly is just posting the videos which are available on your local neighborhood youtube.  Don’t hate Mo’Kelly because youtube lets him embed videos.

The Mo’Kelly Report is an entertainment journal with a political slant; published at The Huffington Post and EURWEB.com. For the most recent posts of Mr. Mo’Kelly, visit http://mrmokelly.com.  Mr. Mo’Kelly can be reached at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

Free Subscription to The Mo’Kelly Report HERE

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Keep the hate mail coming. I don’t care what you think about me. I really, really
don’t. It is not my job to be a fan in my work, only to tell the truth. There are larger, more important issues to address. If you are a “fan” of El DeBarge, then you need to hear this, because it’s time to get down to brass tacks.  This is for the ones more concerned with the singer making a comeback and less with a full recovery.

There is an order to be followed. Recovery first and foremost, with a recording career coming in a distant second.

It does not matter what any reader may think of me, my supposed motivations or even the history between El DeBarge and myself over the years. There is nothing I can say, will say or have said that will ever be the ultimate decider in whether DeBarge maintains sobriety or makes a full comeback.

Nothing.

Any anger with me along those lines is clearly misplaced. I don’t have that much power. I appreciate the credit but it is undeserved. Nevertheless, the following must be said.

When I sat down with El’s people in September of 2010, they articulated the need to surround him 24/7 in terms of prayer and personnel to help El stay on the path of sobriety.

24/7. Meaning...ALL of the time. Meaning…his sobriety ALL of the time was key. El said that he’s battled the demon of crack for more than 25 years, the hedge was required.

If you don’t know or understand the realities of crack addiction or health implications of long-time cocaine/drug use, then let me assist. Any user of such longevity will tell you that the demons will ALWAYS remain.

ALWAYS. One can be sober and off the substance but it is a day-to-day fight for the rest of one’s life.  After age 50, substance abuse increases the likelihood of sudden death at an exponential rate.

This is not about resuscitating anybody’s career, it’s about saving someone’s life.

El DeBarge can’t be sober “some of the time.”

El DeBarge can’t be sober for “most of his performances.”

El DeBarge must be sober ALL OF THE TIME, or he is coming home in a box…nice performances or not.

The music business (of which I am a veteran) affords too many obstacles, too many enablers and too many avenues which threaten sobriety.

If by his management’s admission, El DeBarge required round-the-clock assistance and still he is not sober ALL OF THE TIME, then it is time to discuss whether his sobriety and singing career can co-exist any longer. Otherwise, El DeBarge is coming home (sooner not later) in a box…nice performances or not.

Rick James

The question for you fans is simple. Do you want an alive El DeBarge or do you want him to go the route of Rick James, found dead at the age of 56. His autopsy yielded the following…

“The coroner’s office officially ruled James’ Aug. 6 death “accidental,” but also noted that no fewer than nine drugs were found in his system, including methamphetamine and cocaine.

As E! Online exclusively reported Aug. 7, James was spotted just days prior to his death at a Hollywood party using cocaine, and many of his friends privately were concerned that the former “Superfreak” was back to his partying ways before his untimely death.

James and his family had maintained that the R&B/funk star successfully kicked his cocaine habit and was sober after years spent battling a crack addiction.”

Story HERE.

Somehow, I’m not sure if Rick James’ final performances (great or not) are of any solace or consequence.  Rick is dead.  Do note the obvious parallels of the final sentence.

“James and his family had maintained that the R&B/funk star successfully kicked his cocaine habit and was sober after years spent battling a crack addiction.”

Substitute “James” for “DeBarge” and you’ve quite possibly found a looking-glass into the future. Despite what mother Etterlene DeBarge will tell you, the videos I’ve posted are clear. El DeBarge is under the influence.  Firsthand accounts of the performance agree, he was under the influence.  Maybe it’s just a mother’s job to see the best in her child, but the man was under the influence and would have failed any field sobriety test. He couldn’t even successfully navigate an interview, much less an automobile.

No number of “great” performances, Essence Festival or otherwise changes this fact. Either El DeBarge can remain sober all of the time or you can  await the celebrity-laden funeral and email the funeral program to all of your friends as you did with Michael Jackson.

Historically there has been this strange connection between substance abuse, comebacks and death.

Elvis Presley died from an overdose while crawling away from his toilet and miles away from his dignity…yet in the midst of a musical comeback.

Michael Jackson, cardiac arrest from the combination of injected prescription drugs and a history of abuse. And oh yeah, he too was readying for a comeback.

El DeBarge has already undergone two rehab stints in the past two years. Appearing seemingly under the influence is not a red flag? Are you crazy?  He JUST left rehab!

El DeBarge is coming home in a box and very soon if his addiction is not fully addressed. If maintaining sobriety means the end of his historic music career, so be it. I’d rather he live to the age of 80 substance-free, than die at 56 like Rick James who was still performing and partying.

David Ruffin

Or maybe El DeBarge fans would rather he die at age 50 of an overdose as did former Temptation lead singer David Ruffin.  Or like Michael Jackson who also died at age 50.

Just FYI, DeBarge celebrated his 50th birthday last month.

Has it sunk in yet?

Maybe it’s just me. Maybe I’m the only one who cares more about his health than his hits and chart position. I just might be, because I’m the only one talking about this in terms unrelated to his vocal prowess or musical legacy.  Members of his family are complaining about not being on stage with him and gauging by the silliness of his fans, it’s ok if he’s inebriated on stage every once in awhile, no big deal.

How much clearer must I be?

You, the fans are more concerned with unflattering videos being posted on a blog and less concerned with the dreadful reality in which they confirm.  This man is on the path to death.

As a “recovering” crack addict, you can’t be sober “some of the time.” You can’t be sober “most of the time.” You must be sober ALL of the time. Even alcohol inebriation through decreased inhibition risks crack demons having their way.

Charlie Wilson

Check out what recovering addict Charlie Wilson (formerly of the Gap Band) had to say in response to El re-entering rehab this past February (and canceling his tour).

“Wilson says DeBarge needs to take a break when he gets out of rehab. He says the demands of the industry can put you under a lot of pressure. That’s the last thing a recovering addict needs — even after years of being sober.

‘I was still working on myself,” he says. “You have to work on yourself first. That’s more important than relationships, and it’s more important than your career. Your life has to matter more than sitting on the cover of a magazine.”

I am working on myself every single day. I am just one drink from catastrophe,” he says. “One hit away from losing everything I have.“

Story HERE.

So don’t take my word for it, take Charlie’s. ONE drink, ONE hit. Recovering addicts MUST be sober ALL of the TIME. The music industry is not a place in which to teeter. If Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin were still here, they would explain how the mixture of alcohol and any narcotic is deadly.

But alas…THEY’RE DEAD.

Whitney Houston was a crackhead for a decade before she hit rehab and everyone knew it. But as long as she was churning out hits, her public fans and private enablers were indifferent. Now that her career is over, her “fans” seemingly couldn’t care less and have moved on…

Nevertheless…she’s alive.

At best, DeBarge will suffer a “Whitney Houston fate” if he continues on this path. At worst, he’s Rick James, Michael Jackson, David Ruffin or Jimi Hendrix. The body can only take so much.

Take your pick fans, which will it be?  Whitney Houston or Rick James? Open or closed casket? Old age or autopsy?

I am working on myself every single day. I am just one drink from catastrophe,” he says. “One hit away from losing everything I have.”

- Charlie Wilson

If you want to pray for El DeBarge to make a comeback, you’re better off not praying at all on his behalf. A comeback without a full recovery only ensures an untimely death. El had used crack for more than 25 years (his own admission) and surely will not survive 25 more if he continues.

Appearing seemingly under the influence four months after a second rehab stint is far more significant than any other recent performance in which he did not.

Ask yourself fans, what are you really wishing for El DeBarge…and in what order? If it has anything to do with his career, you are only hastening his death.

So who really is the hater?  I want him to live.  I will love his music regardless of whether he ever picks up another microphone.  His musical legacy is safe.

For El DeBarge the man, it must be full-time sobriety, or it will be death.  Somebody has to “love” him enough to make it plain.  It clearly is not his family or his fans as their agendas and motivations are quite questionable.  It might as well be me and you can be mad all you like.  I want him to live and will in no way be party to the enablers.

Now go play that on your iTunes.

The Mo’Kelly Report is an entertainment journal with a political slant; published at The Huffington Post and EURWEB.com. For the most recent posts of Mr. Mo’Kelly, visit http://mrmokelly.com.  Mr. Mo’Kelly can be reached at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

Free Subscription to The Mo’Kelly Report HERE

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Mo’Kelly is only reporting this…take it however you like.  In the hours after the somewhat controversial performance of El DeBarge at the Urban Legends concert in Ontario, California at the end of June; speculation abounded as to whether sobriety, a rogue promoter or manager was the real issue which needed to be discussed.

(See performance HERE.)

Allegedly El was set to perform and then the family was to “surprise” him; joining him on stage.  Evidently somebody didn’t want that to happen.  Whether it was a substance issue, a promoter issue or a manager issue…it’s not yet resolved.

Preceding a long thread on Etterlene DeBarge’s (mom) facebook page, her status had this to say…

But Bunny (Sis) had THIS to say in rebuttal about the night.

R-Roh?!

I guess somebody is not pleased that only “one” DeBarge “deserves a second chance.”

Mo’Kelly is just reporting the news.  It has not been taken out of context in any manner.  Read it for yourself (before they lock down their Facebook pages)

HERE.

Related: Letter to El DeBarge Fans

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The Mo’Kelly Report is an entertainment journal with a political slant; published at The Huffington Post and EURWEB.com. For the most recent posts of Mr. Mo’Kelly, visit http://mrmokelly.com.  Mr. Mo’Kelly can be reached at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

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This life affords us only so many chances.  Entertainment, even fewer…

Mo'Kelly and El at the "Peace Summit" 2010

El DeBarge was, well… unusual. He was unable to complete a song, he slurred his speech, moved a little erratically and seemed to be, for lack of a better term, under the influence? Amidst the shaky video phone footage of the night’s events scattered on the web, it is evident something was wrong when El’s set came up, but it was unclear exactly what.

According to concertgoers, setting up for El’s time slot took longer than any of the other acts. When he finally did come on the stage, he sat down at the piano, and after repeatedly asking how much time he had, it seemed as though his mic had been turned off. After a few moments of back and forth between his assumed manager and what looked like security, the lights were turned off on the stage, and El was escorted away… exit stage left. All events occurred amidst loud booing from the crowd.

A YouTube video posted on the production companies facebook page shows El being interviewed by a man named Royal T after the incident, and he is miles away from the usual humble, well-spoken, smiling and timid person in the majority of his interviews. He talks over the interviewer, is far less than articulate, and uses street slang explain the incident, “I was out there, I was on the stage”, he says, ”I-I-I don’t know, I guess somebody was just drinkin’ some hater-ade, you know what I’m sayin, man”. Etterlene DeBarge, El’s mother, released a statement explaining that the reason El was unable to perform was because the concerts promoters did not plan on paying him. There were even rumors that he was simply exhausted. While we’ll probably never know the truth, thousands of paying ticket holders were upset with the situation surrounding DeBarge, and furthermore with the quality, or lack thereof, of the concert as a whole.

Full Story HERE

Related: Letter to El DeBarge Fans

The Mo’Kelly Report is an entertainment journal with a political slant; published at The Huffington Post and EURWEB.com. For the most recent posts of Mr. Mo’Kelly, visit http://mrmokelly.com.  Mr. Mo’Kelly can be reached at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

Free Subscription to The Mo’Kelly Report HERE

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