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Entertainment Weekly reports that Rihanna is being considered to play the Vanity role in the remake of Berry Gordy’s 1985 kung-fu musical The Last Dragon. We’re usually skeptical when our cult faves are subject to reboots, but after rewatching Vanity’s performance of “7th Heaven” from the film in the clip up top, we actually can picture RiRi assuming the role of the VJ-in-distress. That said, we can also envision Chris Brown starring as the film’s naïve, Bruce Lee-worshipping protagonist originally played by Taimak, but the role of a violent hero might not be the best career move for the Graffiti singer right now. (That and his restraining order would make the romantic scenes with Rihanna difficult.)

Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA is listed as executive producer for the film, and while we’d love to see him play the film’s villain Sho’nuff, the Shogun of Harlem — picture a Blaxploitation version of Gene Simmons — Samuel L. Jackson reportedly is the favorite to appear in that role, which seems like it would be cater made for RZA’s Wu-mate Ol’ Dirty Bastard if the rapper was still alive. So yes, we approve of a Last Dragon remake, Hollywood, but promise to keep your hands off of Purple Rain.

Bonus Flashback: Two more clips from Last Dragon, Sho’nuff’s amazing entrance scene and Taimak learns of the power of “The Glow”:

Want a surefire hit single? Here’s a tip: put the word “boy” in the title. Take for instance the new video for Rihanna’s “Rude Boy,” which as Rolling Stone noted bites M.I.A.’s “Boyz.” It doesn’t just work for song titles; look what happened when Katy Perry named her album One of the Boys. In this week’s Flashback, we look back at the greats, from Britney Spears’ “Boys” to Beyoncé’s “Baby Boy.” Watch all the videos, and let us know who wins the Battle of the Boys in the comments.

Rihanna – “Rude Boy”

M.I.A. – “Boyz”

Lady Gaga – “Boys Boys Boys”

Beyoncé – “Baby Boy”

The Who’s greatest hits mash-up this Sunday promises to be another classic Super Bowl halftime show, so to honor the Tommy band, this week’s Flashback jumps back to a pair of stunning Who performances from almost 45 years ago. Up top, watch Daltrey, Townshend, Moon and Entwistle rock out to “Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere” from the 1965 National Jazz & Blues Fest in London. In the spirit of the Super Bowl prop bets, count how many times Townshend windmills his guitar and find out whether or not he smashes his guitar.

After the jump, the Who perform “The Kids are Alright” on Swedish television in 1966:

Michael Jackson isn’t the only artist who will receive a Lifetime Achievement award at this Sunday’s 52nd Annual Grammy Awards: Canadian poet Leonard Cohen will also be honored for his contributions to music at the January 31st awards show. Just last week, Cohen’s “Hallelujah” once again topped the singles chart after it was covered by Justin Timberlake and Matt Morris at the “Hope for Haiti Now” special. To celebrate the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and his work, let’s look back at a pair of vintage Cohen performances: Up top, watch Cohen perform his classic “Suzanne” at the 1970 Isle of Wight festival, and down below, Cohen sings “The Stranger Song” on the Julie Felix Show in 1967.

Check out all of Rolling Stone’s Grammy coverage and be sure to tune in Sunday for our report on this year’s show.

Bonus Flashback: Lou Reed inducts Cohen into the Rock Hall in 2008:

Today marks what would have been INXS frontman Michael Hutchence’s 50th birthday. To pay tribute to the singer, who died in November 1997, his bandmates have released statements remembering his poetic gifts and personal achievements. Watch INXS in their prime with a 1991 performance of “Need You Tonight” from London’s Wembley Stadium, then read on below as the three Farriss brothers, Kirk Pengilly and Gary Beers celebrate Michael’s memory.

Look back at more rockers lost before their time.

Andrew Farriss:
“Whilst INXS was on a world tour in 1986 I sat down on an upright piano and started working on the chords that would eventually become ‘Never Tear Us Apart.’ I thought it had potential and asked Michael what he thought of it. He told me he really liked it so I recorded a blues style demo for him. I gave the demo to Michael and the eventual lyric that he wrote was truly inspired. Straight from the heart. I know how much that lyric meant to him …. it was a personal love lyric very much in the moment for him. It still amazes me how this song and others we wrote have touched so many people around the world. Michael was a brilliant lyricist and I am very fortunate to have written with him and more importantly, shared his friendship.”

Kirk Pengilly:
“As a performer, he was one of the best.
As a humanitarian, he made you feel human.
As a singer, he was blessed with the constitution of an ox and never
faltered.
As a friend, you felt like you were his best.
As a writer, he was an enlightened poet.
I will always remember him. Michael loved and embraced life in every
direction. So here’s to you mate. See you when I see you…”

Tim Farriss:
“INXS were/are a ‘Band Of Brothers’, literally. The original six, ‘Band Of Brothers’ sipping the wine, savouring the food and the fruits of our labour and lives spent together. Climbing the endless mountains, overcoming everything we possibly could.. and we did!! We did IT Michael!”

Jon Farriss:
“There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think of Michael. I feel privileged to have known Michael on so many levels. He was a confidant, a musical partner, a song-writing partner, a touring partner, a business partner, a performing partner, and a party partner, a ‘Howdy Partner’, a band mate, a live in flat mate and as an extension of my family. We are family.”

Garry Beers:
“I first met Michael when he was about 13 years old. He became the lead singer of my first proper band with Andrew called Dr Dolphin. The things that really struck me about Michael back in those days was his compassion and his great sense of humour. I miss Michael, but luckily for me he lives on in my dreams.”