The Break-up: Artist/Manager Edition

Artists and managers have always relied on each other for mutual success. But as with any relationship, managing an entertainment career is a delicate balance of give and take. As Diddy reportedly found out this week with news that Nicki Minaj was dumping him as her manager, terminated management contracts are all too common once a star (or a star's spouse) starts to glimpse greener grass elsewhere. We took a look back at some of the most high profile artist/manager break-ups in recent memory and asked whether the splits made dollars and/or sense.

Alicia KeysManager: Jeff RobinsonBreak-up Year: 2010 - Alicia gave longtime manager Jeff Robinson his walking papers in 2010 after years of being charged a 25 percent commission or higher. Fiance Swizz Beatz reportedly encouraged Keys to take more control of her own career.  Verdict: Alicia may have needed the hard-charging Robinson in her Songs in A Minor days, but the "Superwoman" has long been capable of standing on her own two.(Photo: Walik Goshorn/Retna)
UsherManager:  Jonetta Patton (mother)Break-up Year: 2007  - Reportedly pressured by then fiancé Tameka Foster, Usher fired his mom and longtime manager, Jonetta Patton, in 2007. The R&B star rehired mama after separating from Foster in 2008, but then reportedly gave her the boot again a year later once he settled down with a new lady, Grace Miguel, who took on co-managing duties. Apparently Usher only has room for one woman in his life at a time.  Verdict: If the middling Raymond vs. Raymond is any indication, Usher needs some stability in his life.  (Photo: Devan/INFGoff.com)
Pebbles – TLC  - The former R&B singer (and L.A. Reid's ex-wife) not only discovered TLC but managed the iconic trio as well. That is until T-Boz, Chilli and Left Eye felt she was ripping them off and parted ways with her management company, Pebbitone.   (Photos from Left: Mike Segar /Landov/Reuters/Hal Horowitz/PictureGroup)Janet JacksonManager: Joe JacksonBreak-up Year: 1985 - After two forgettable albums at the start of her solo career, Janet broke out from under the controlling influence of her father, Joe Jackson, in a move that clearly declared her independence both as a musician and young woman. The liberation was fuel for her 1986 breakout album, Control, which was one of the most successful albums of the decade.  Verdict: Taking control was the best decision she ever made. (Photo: Chris Weeks/Liaison/Getty Images)

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Alicia KeysManager: Jeff RobinsonBreak-up Year: 2010 - Alicia gave longtime manager Jeff Robinson his walking papers in 2010 after years of being charged a 25 percent commission or higher. Fiance Swizz Beatz reportedly encouraged Keys to take more control of her own career. Verdict: Alicia may have needed the hard-charging Robinson in her Songs in A Minor days, but the "Superwoman" has long been capable of standing on her own two.(Photo: Walik Goshorn/Retna)

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