Coffee Talk: Chris Brown Praised by Judge

Here’s what we’re babbling about over coffee this morning:

• A judge has given Chris Brown a stellar probation review. Brown has completed 73 of his 180 days of community service and is near to completing his domestic violence counseling classes. A judge said, “I want to commend you for taking responsibility and for actually working diligently…” Go Chris! Good to see him doing better these days. [Huffington Post]

• Common is the latest rapper turned author. The Chicago emcee announced that he’s working on a memoir called “One Day It’ll Make Sense” that will focus on his career and personal life. The book will also feature an entry from Kanye West. AOL is reporting that Queen Latifah will play a role in the text, but it’s unclear how. With all these artists releasing books, it’s time to wonder who’ll be next? Who would you like to see release a memoir or tell-all book? [The Boom Box]

• Rihanna revealed that she’s turned down Playboy’s offer to pose nude for the cover. “If I’m gonna take off my clothes it has to be in a classy way and my will, not a check. I wouldn’t take any money to do that.” [Pop Eater]

• Though Willow Smith is a pop-star, she still checks in with mom Jada Pinkett Smith before she does anything. She tells People, “I can’t do whatever I want… Mommy has to say it’s okay.” It’s good to know Willow is grounded and connected to her family. Will and Jada are doing a beautiful job raising their family. [People]

• T.I. has released a letter from prison. “I’m certainly sick and mother f**king tired of going to jail, juve, prison, the pen, correctional facilities or whatever else you want to call it,” he wrote. It looks like T.I. regrets a lot of mistakes from his past and is ready to grow up.[Vibe]

• Oprah is reportedly thinking about purchasing a $68 million home in Alpine, New Jersey. The house is said to be 30,000-square-feet and has 19 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms. How would you feel if Oprah moved in your neighborhood? [Perez Hilton]

• Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony are releasing a clothing line for Kohl’s! Exciting, right? J.Lo’s collection will include dresses, handbags, jewelry, shoes, etc., and Anthony’s side of the business will provide neckwear, suits, sport coats, athletic wear and shoes for men. [Extra]

• Billboard has released its list of top 50 R&B/Hip-Hop artists of the past 25 years. Among notable entires are Maxwell at 44, TLC at 25, Beyonce at 15, Alicia Keys at 10, Mary J. Blige at number two and R. Kelly at the coveted number one spot. Who would you want to be ranked number one on your own list? [Billboard]