R&B stars Usher and Chris Brown both expressed their extreme sorrow over the sudden death of Michael Jackson. The King of Pop was noted as the inspiration for Usher and Brown, who have both been compared to the late singer.

"This loss has deeply saddened me," Usher said of the man he once shared the stage with. " It is with a heavy heart I composed this statement. May God cover you, Michael. We all lift your name up in prayer. I pray for the entire Jackson family, particularly Michael's mother, children and all his fans that loved him so much. I would not be the artist, performer and philanthropist I am today without the influence of Michael. I have great admiration and respect for him, and I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to meet and perform with such a great entertainer, who in so many ways transcended the culture. He broke barriers, he changed radio formats! With music, he made it possible for people like Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama to impact the mainstream world. His legacy is unparalleled. Michael Jackson will never be forgotten."

Now that singer Chris Brown is putting his legal woes behind him, the 20-year-old is getting back to the business of making music. Brown's latest song 'Not My Fault,' was leaked to the Internet Wednesday.

Although its not clear if the song was recorded before or after his relationship with Rihanna turned physical, the lyrics sound eerily familiar. "I picked up the paper and the headline reads/ It says single brokenhearted in some satin sheets/and I'm like why? We had a hell of a time."

The concept finds Brown claiming no responsibility for his love interest falling head over heels. "You see her mama called me, really steamed/She said my daughter won't eat and she won't sleep/She just cries."

Their day in court finally arrived but it wasn't nearly as interesting as you might think. Pop/R&B diva Rihanna made an appearance in court and was expected to take the stand against ex-boyfriend Chris Brown, but a plea deal put the whole thing to rest rather quickly.

The 30-minute hearing, which was closed off to the media, resulted in Brown pleading guilty to felony assault. The judge slapped him with a 180-day sentence in a labor diversion program plus five years probation for allegedly assaulting Rihanna. He was also ordered to stay away from the singer, born Robyn Fenty, and complete a domestic violence counseling program.

"My understanding is that the deal was put on the table today," Rihanna's attorney Donald Etra explained. "Rihanna was advised of the deal earlier today and she has no objections to the agreement." Etra also stated that although his client was "fully prepared to testify" she did not do so because prior to the hearing Brown plead guilty to the assault charge. Rihanna never actually entered the courtroom but did meet with the judge inside the courthouse.

"The specifics of the stay away order is that Chris cannot come within 50 yards of Rihanna" Etra said. However, the five-year order will be reduced to 10 yards if the two are attending the same event. The judge also informed Rihanna that she is not to contact Chris either, as it will be a violation on his part. Etra went on to say that Rihanna felt that a stay away order was not necessary. The judge decided to keep it in place but will re-consider the terms of the order following Brown's next court date in August.

According to TMZ, Chris Brown could be working on a plea bargain in his assault case as we speak/type. The singer and his attorney are due in court for a preliminary hearing in a few hours, but it appears as though Brown's counsel, Mark Geragos, is currently in talks with the prosecution and the judge.

There's a possibility Brown's case could end before it's actually started if the singer's attorney, the prosecution and judge come to an agreement today. The hearing is set for 1:30 PM PT. Both Brown and Rihanna are scheduled to appear in court today. If convicted he faces up to four years in prison. More to come.

Mary J. Blige is tapping into her youthful side on her recent release 'Stronger,' featuring Chris Brown. Blige and the 20-year-old teamed for the ballad, which appears on the mixtape 'Desert Storm South R&B.'

The song finds Blige's signature brawny vocals assisting Brown's soft whimsy as the two chronicle a sturdy relationship. "They say we weren't thinking/but guess what we made it/and we got 'em wondering how," the pair sing. "I will survive as long as its you by my side/I'm stronger/stronger/stronger," says the chorus. Brown plays background to Blige; simultaneously layering her hook with his own faint rendition. Despite a few cliches in the rhyme scheme Brown's understated presence assists in a solid offering for Blige, who is known for her relationship ballads.

Rihanna and ex-boyfriend Chris Brown had their day in court, but there was no judge in sight. The former love birds both attended Game Four of the NBA Finals Thursday in Orlando.

According to a source close to the Barbadian beauty, Rihanna wanted to be seated near Brown. However, by game time, the two opted for seats on separate sides of the stadium. Rihanna was shown on camera, but Brown was not. The two also spent halftime in separate private lounges. Both have attended previous games in the series separately.

For most of us, the closest we'll get to ever writing a dis track is updating our Facebook status in an effort to air our dirty laundry. But for a superstar R&B artist such as Rihanna, the dis track is an actual reality -- and possibly -- a necessity to move on from her public assault via Chris Brown. It would appear that revenge is a dish best served through lyrics, beats and guest vocals from rapper Trina.

Of course this is all hearsay at this point. According to a report by Star Magazine (via the Angry Ape), someone says that a good old fashion dis track is really happening and, above all, will "really stick it to him."