(Photos from left: Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup, Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

By Dan Reagans

So by now you’ve all heard the news that pop princess Rihanna, and ex-boyfriend R&B sensation Chris Brown have reunited on his techno smash remix of “Turn Up The Music”, and her racy smash “Birthday Cake” remix, confirming recent rumors about the ex-power couples reconciliation.

After their tumultuous relationship ended back in 2009 following an infamous domestic violence altercation on Grammy weekend, Rihanna has since released three albums, and continued chart topping success, while Brown struggled a bit, but worked hard to repair his once golden boy image in 2011. Following their recent standout Grammy performances the pair linked for the two features which dropped simultaneously on Monday, sending blogs and music sites into a frenzy.

While this isn’t the first time we’ve heard the two powerhouse stars collaborate musically prior to the fallout, these latest efforts are bit more promising from a creative standpoint. Rih Rih’s smash reflects her “good girl gone bad image”, while Breezy’s hit stays in the PG-13 lane the two do have a more matured chemistry sonically. Although the verdict is still out on which song will become a fan favorite it is good to see the two moving forward professionally.

Though Chris & Rih Rih have obviously grown past their differences privately, the question still remains on whether the public is ready to see the two stars working together? It’s no secret that both fans and celebrities have chosen sides but has a line been crossed when it becomes almost a social taboo for young entertainers to reconcile and work together. While backlash of this musical reunion is expected what message is the controversy sending to the youth? Once enemies always enemies?

Although this is already dominating the headlines, for obvious reason, we’re losing perspective on the music. Maybe the whole thing is bigger than the music, but I’m always reminded of the fact that this is the music business and it’s always about the music. If Chris and Rih are able to build on this small step of working together to heal their personal wounds, a smash single together could go a long way in getting much of their naysayers to bury the personal hatchet and enjoy the union, musically.

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