Report: Kanye West to join Rihanna for All-Star halftime show

Last week, we brought you the news that Rihanna and others will perform at All-Star weekend, with the wonderful Miss Fenty headlining at the ASG's halftime show. I praised the move, in large part because she's not a corporately safe (read: dull) performer like, say, the Black Eyed Peas at the Super Bowl.

Except it turns out that Rihanna may be joined by a much bigger name, one who would rightfully make the halftime show an event while also potentially acting out in a way that would make the performance a real news story. I speak, naturally, of Kanye West, America's favorite enfant terrible and creator of the widely acknowledged best album of 2010, "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy." Here's the report from Jack Dickey at Deadspin:

He had 2010's best album, best album cover, and best tweets. And now, in the midst of a relatively silent period for Ye, an in-the-know tipster tells us he'll make a surprise appearance during Rihanna's halftime show at the NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles on Sunday.

And, yes, Rihanna will know about this surprise appearance beforehand. We think.

You may have heard that Kanye is part of Kobe Bryant's new Nike "movie" (i.e. longform advertisement) directed by "Spy Kids" auteur Robert Rodriguez, so it makes some sense that he'd be involved in a big NBA event. It's also worth noting that, if true, Rihanna and Kanye will almost certainly perform the earthshaking "All of the Lights," quite possibly my favorite track of 2010.

Then again, this report could be bunk, and not just because it comes from a very vaguely described "in-the-know tipster." West has a huge name brand and a flair for live performances, to the point where you use his presence as a marketing tool and not as a special surprise. If the league knows that he'll perform with Rihanna and doesn't publicize it, then that's a big mistake. Maybe you get more viewers who like what they see in the game and eventually return for the playoffs. The world may never know.

I mean, yo Rihanna, I'm really happy for you, I'mma let you perform. But Kanye had one of the best albums of all time! Of all time!

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