The ’80s popster, whose chart-topping career (“The Rhythm of the Night” and “Who’s Johnny”) hit the skids after a crack conviction and two years in prison, announced today that he has checked into rehab.
I’m so very disappointed by this news, especially since I just watched his documentary a couple of weeks ago. In the documentary El declared his deliverance from a bout with drugs, even going back to the old neighborhood where he use to get high to film the video for the title CD debut “second chance”.
“I hate to disappoint my fans but it is necessary for me to take the time to work on me so that I may continue to share my music and my story with everyone,” the 49-year-old DeBarge said. “I thank everyone in advance for their prayers and well wishes and hope that you will respect my privacy during this time.”
DeBarge had been scheduled as an opening act for Mary J. Blige and planned to tour extensively on his own in 2011. Those commitments, along with the publicity appearances, have now been canceled.

DAYUM!!!
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God Bless him tho!
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DAYUM!!!
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sad to hear.
But the industry will take your soul if you let it.
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damn is right,
dude was JUST gettin back on his feet!!
has he even sold an album yet?….i wonder what is his drug of choice
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We are all a ‘work in progress,’ let’s pray for him.
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@rezzie, you just said it all….Mad Luv to El.
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That’s why Debarge has my prayers!
“You can do all things through Christ that strengthens you.”
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He must do what must be done to be drug free and back to number one. *Hangs head in sorrow*
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😦 SCREAMING
Noo!
Noo!
Noo!
Jesus take me now!!!!
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SCREAMING
Noo!
Noo!
Noo!
Jesus take me now!!!!
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Damn drama queen!
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It’s better this way @Ebony, he is a genuine musical talent, and I hope he gets the help he needs to feel like a whole and complete person again, thereby an even better entertainer. It’s gon be aight.
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We love you, El! Get well…Holds back tears 😦
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We are praying for you El.
We love you!
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WTF?
What’s this his fan-club sectin n shit.
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What’s this his fan-club sectin n shit.
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YES!
We Feelin the rhythm of the night. Now!
🙂
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We Love El!
And we’re praying for him!
What’s wrong with that?
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What you said@Cameo,
To You, to hell, US right here, LOVE US SOME EL…
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ah baby, i feel you but that was corny!
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i feel you but that was corny!
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That’s ok, as long as he get the point!
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whatever, I said what I said and that ends it!
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I said what I said and that ends it!
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No it don’t!!!! Cause we can continue it
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El we are all praying for you. Please continue to have faith in GOD during this time. We will be waiting for you when you get out.
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I pray he’ll get well!
We need his Music
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I like his song ‘i like it’…I like the way you comb your hair, I like the stylish clothes you wear love him.
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I’ve been thinkin’
’bout you for quite a while
You’re on my mind everyday and every night
My every thought is you, the things you do
Seems so satisfying to me,
I must confess it, girl
Ooh…and I like it
You send chills up my spine every time
I take a look at you
Ooh…and I like it
Girl, you’re blowin’
my mind with the things you say to me
I like the way you comb your hair
And I like those stylish clothes you wear
It’s just the little things you do
That show how much you really care
Like when I’m all alone with you
You know exactly what to do
You put that fire inside of me
And make it more than just a dream
Ooh…and I like it
You send chills up my spine every time
I take a look at you
Ooh…and I like it
Ooh…and I like it
Girl,
let me run this by you just one more time
You’re on my mind every day and every night
My every thought is on you, the things you do
Seems so satisfying to me,
I must confess it, girl
Ooh…and I like it
You send chills up my spine every time
I take a look at you
Ooh…and I like it
Girl, you’re blowin’
my mind with the things you say to me
I like the way you comb your hair
And I like those stylish clothes you wear
It’s just the little things you do
That show how much you really care
Like when I’m all alone with you
You know exactly what to do
‘Cause you put that fire inside of me
And make it more than just a dream
I like it, I like it
I really, really like it
I’m for it, adore
So come let me enjoy it
I like it, I like it
I really, really like it
I’m for it, adore
So come let me enjoy it (I like it)
I like it (I like), I like it (That’s right)
I really (I like), really like it (Uh, uh)
I’m for it (I’m for it), adore (I like)
So come let me enjoy it (Ooh…ooh…ooh…)
Ooh….and I like
Ooh, I like it, ooh…
Ooh….and I like
I’m just tryin’ to satisfy you, girl,
you know I really like it
Say baby,
I like everything little thing you do
The way you comb your hair
And every little thing you do
It shows how much you care
Say baby, every time I take one look one you
I get chills up and down my spine
And I like it, I like it, and I like it,
and I like it, and I like it
Like it, like it, like it, like it, like it,
like it, like it, babe
Ooh….and I like
Woo…ooh…
Ooh….and I like
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Thanks Nicole, now I’m going to play it…you got me rockin up in here. 🙂
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My favorite part of the song is:
It’s just the little things you do
That show how much you really care
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Y’all really love dat lil yella nigga huh? Didn’t my ceo ladies get the memo?
light skin been played out!
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@man, you sound jelous boo.
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Y’all really love dat lil yella nigga huh? Didn’t my ceo ladies get the memo?
light skin been played out!
————————————–
skin color was never mentioned. we talkin bout his music and “OUR LOVE OF IT”
sounds like you have a complex homey.
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@man, you sound jelous boo. -> cosign
skin color was never mentioned. we talkin bout his music and “OUR LOVE OF IT” cosign
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I hope he gets better. He has so much talent. Addiction is an ugly thing.
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Addiction is an ugly thing.
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Yes it is and…very few can work out all their issues on that initial rehab stay.
It often takes a few attempts, and its good if El accepts that he needs more help and willingly re-enters rehab…better than being court ordered and dragged back.
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I wish him well love his new cd!
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Good luck to him.
I hope he kick that habit and get back to the money!
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I hope he kick that habit and get back to the money!
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That’s what’s TEMPTING him, the money. He has the money now to wile out
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That’s what’s TEMPTING him, the money
Seems like you offer an addict fame and $$ and they cannot deal with it. It is too much temptation.
Well I am here waiting for your return El. Prayers are with you.
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I’m glad he realized he needed to check into a rehad facility and not wait to be forced into rehab.
This is a sign of knowing you have to do what you have to do to stay alive. If he goes to rehab 300 times I will be there to support him. As long as he is trying I will stay a faithful fan!
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If he goes to rehab 300 times I will be there to support him. As long as he is trying I will stay a faithful fan!
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Really Now Boo? Ain’t that sweet.
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Wow, I’m wit Tra, I just watched his special2 on Centric the other week.
He was so intent on making a change for his children and family.
All the best to him!
You can do it El.
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God Bless you El. Hang in there
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I think its very promising that he made the decision to go to rehab, despite what it may cost him.
I pray he will still have opportunities waiting for him when he gets out.
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I’m glad he had the strength to check himself into rehab in order to take care of himself first and foremost.
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He has so many God-given blessings. I know he’s going to come thru this.
Love you, El!
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Hey Daisy Mae!!!!
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Im Praying for him.
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Hopefully he can finally get right.
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He keep battling with his demons. I pray he get it together!
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Starr, At least he knows he has an addiction. This is the first step to healing.
Everyone has some form of addiction. It could be fast cars, sex, food etc. Some can control their addiction some can’t.
He will make it.
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Dammit!! But some people can’t shake their demons. Hopefully he can.
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I hope he gets through it!
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Damn…I knew it was too good to be true!
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I knew it was too good to be true!
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I’m happy that he realizes that his life is more important than records and touring.
It takes a strong person to voluntarily check themselves in rather than being forced to. Hang in there El.
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Sounds like he knew to seek help.
Always appreciated the mans talent.
But Dang, where did it all go wrong?
Hang tough El
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I’m so proud of him!
As long as he he is serious about staying on track so he left the music alone to keep his sobriety 1st!
And that’s s good thing and good for him.
That takes real commitment & honesty.
La Lohan can learn a lot from him cause that chic is a hot mess!!!!
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I’m so proud of him!
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Me2, El took responsibility, before it got out of control and went to get some help. This is a terrible disease that he must live with for the rest of his life. I will continue to pray for this brother.
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What El is doing is fantastic!!!!
He didn’t have to do it. He could have gone on the road and drugged it up, but he wanted to get himself together first. For that he should be applauded.
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I wish El and his famly all the best ..
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We wish El all the best and will always love him. Hate to say it but I knew this would happen, it was all too much at once because he’s been on that stuff for his whole life. That will be a difficult journey. Keep working on yourself El. Do you and come back when you feel you’re ready. God Bless.
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it was all too much at once
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I think it was too. but i’m just glad he recognized what time it was and went for help b4 a bigger fall.
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If this nicca is headed to rehab, then clearly he’s not ready. Go back and sit yo azz down till you put the pipe down for good., then ‘come yo azz back’ talkin bout second chance GTFOH. No pity.
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@Slick.,
After 25 Years of using Cocaine and domestic violence and other substance abuse. Im glad he is aware that he still has a problem and is seeking help.
Some people dont even try., so stop being insensitive SLICK!!!
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He was right to go back to rehab and i applaud him for taking responsibility like a real man and take care of himself.
And his song “Second Chance” is on heavy rotation on my iPod.
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Once a junkie always a junkie
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Slick,
God gives us as many chances as we need whether it’s crack in the hood or cocaine in the suburbs!
El is doing what best for him!
May God send His angels to surround him as he gets clean and stay clean!
We are ALL struggling with something whether we can admit it or not!
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Wow @Slick, you have some nerve, when what he did by going to rehab is considered courageous! I mean let’s give him credit for that, especially since noboby’s PERFECT dude.
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No pity
_____________
wow, hope you never need a 2nd chance SLICK!
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wow, hope you never need a 2nd chance SLICK!
——-
Oh he will, clearly the way he talk, we all know he’s FUCKED up many times b4 and NEEDED SOMEBODY to give his azz a 2nd chance!
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LMAO @ STARR, so true…
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My damn opinion, I said it, meant it and that settles it. Ya’ll sistahs don’t rule shit here.
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My damn opinion
—————
Yes it’s your opinion but we don’t respect it.
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Yes it’s your opinion but we don’t respect it.
the #2 FUCKING BAD! Cause I damn sure aint changing what the fuck I said!
Now what?
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the #2 FUCKING BAD! Cause I damn sure aint changing what the fuck I said!
Now what?
==========================
No now what Slick? you’re just being cruel and insensitive on the subject that’s all.
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you’re just being cruel and insensitive on the subject that’s all.
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well then i’m just a ‘cruel and insensitive’ monfucker on this subject then. I ain’t angelhair GODDAMNIT!
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LOL @ Slick…wow…no words.
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Hell nigga you don’t need me, you holdin shit down by yo damn self! lol
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stop aggitating @ace.
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I’m not agitating, i come ‘in love’ but sometimes ya’ll ceo bullies ‘do tryda’ change a brothas mind and opinion up in diss bish.
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@SLICK: YOU AINT SHYT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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*Grabs popcorn and a pepsi, runs in this comment section to see whatz up*
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We gotta keep him lifted and show our support!!! Recovery is not an easy process by no means!!!
We must remember that relaspe is a part of recovery.
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MAHIGANY: DRUG RECOVERY IS A LIFETIME PROCESS. IT’S BETTER TO RETURN TO REHAB AND GET HELP THAN TO RELAPSE.
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El is a wonderful performer. Maybe this is too much too soon. A human being needs some down time. I think it is good he is going to rehab. There is nothing wrong with working on oneself. Lets continue to lift up El and pray for him.
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I agree @Adriane,
I’m KRAzy about him and hopes to see that good looking thang on Celebrity Rehab…
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I LOVE ME SOME EL… IM PRAYING HE GETS BETTER AND OVERCOME THIS.
I HEARD 50 TALKED HIM INTO GOING TOO.
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Me2! 🙂
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Aw…I hope he gets better and BEAT THOSE demons., once and for all.
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I wish him God’s speed!
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I wish him the best! On na real.
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Peace and more power to him!
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Oh this is so unfortunate.
Like everyone here I’m sure. I wish him the best!
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I pray he’ll be better, come out and do better!
May he seek God for strength.
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Damn, El. Hope you can finally shake that devil off for good. Prayers of healing and serenity to you.
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Next Album Title:
Third Chance..
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LMAO, you ain’t right fa that B!
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LMAO…but that’s not nice 🙂
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Oh wow, i’m sorry to hear this, i pray for his sobriety on every level.
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