Chris Brown Biography
From LoveToKnow Music
The Chris Brown biography shows how his dedication to performing brought him to the forefront of popular music. After his first hit in 2005, he has consistently topped the charts as a solo artist and with collaborations with other recording artists. Brown has also gained a name for himself as an actor, starring in several major movies. He cites Michael Jackson and Usher as influences, which can be seen in his signature dance moves.
Chris Brown Biography: The Early Life
Chris Brown was born on May 5, 1989 in Tappahannock, Virginia. He began dancing at the age of two, and later sung in his church choir. As he became a teenager, he initially wanted to become a rapper. His mother heard his singing voice and encouraged him to become vocalist.
Starting at the age of 13, Brown and his mother started looking for a record deal for the young talent. He was initially discovered by Tina Davis, a senior A&R executive at Def Jam Records. She was very close to signing Brown and then was let go from her job. Immediately after being fired, she became Brown’s manager and got him a recording contract with Jive Records within a week.
The production on his first album began in early 2005, when Brown was just 15. He was able to work with some of hip hop’s greatest talents including Dre & Vidal, The Underdogs and Jermaine Dupri.
Chris Brown – the First Album
Brown’s first album, titled “Chris Brown”, debuted in November 2005. It went as high as number 2 on the Billboard 200 and sold more than 2.1 million copies. It was fueled by his first single “Run It” and followed by a second top 10 hit “Yo (Excuse Me Miss).” “Gimme That” and “Say Goodbye” rounded out the releases from the album.
“Chris Brown” was certified platinum. Brown co-headlined a tour throughout the fall of 2006 with Ne-Yo and also opened for Beyonce Knowles during her Australian tour in the same year.
Acting Experience
During 2006 and 2007, Brown made his foray into television with small appearances on “One on One”,“The Brandon T. Jackson Show” and “The O.C.” He made his film debut in Stomp the Yard, which premiered in January 2007. Later that fall, he also appeared in “This Christmas.”
In addition to his scripted work, he also starred in a special episode of MTV’s “My Super Sweet 16” titled “Chris Brown: My Super 18.” The show focused on the star celebrating his 18th birthday in New York City.
Exclusive – The Second Album
Brown’s second album was released in November 2007. It sold 1.9 million copies in the United States, with hits like “Wall to Wall”, “Kiss Kiss” and “With You” fueling the sales. The album was re-released in June 2008 as “Exclusive: the Forever Edition.” The new album included the previously unreleased song “Forever” which rose to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. In addition to touring for the “Forever” album, Brown also appeared as a guest star in many songs during 2008. He appears on “Make the World Go Round” by Nas, “What them Girls Like” by Ludacris and “Freeze” by T-Pain. Brown finished off the year by being named Billboard’s Top Artist of 2008.
Arrest and Criminal Charges
In February of 2009, Brown turned himself in to the Los Angeles Police Department and was booked for making criminal threats. He was also under investigation for domestic violence charges. During an incident on February 8th, Brown allegedly battered his girlfriend Rihanna (a singer and entertainer). After his arrest, he lost many commercial endorsements, had his music pulled from radio stations and withdrew from public appearances. Brown was charged in early March for felony assault and making criminal threats. He and Rihanna have since reconciled and may be recording a duet together for his upcoming album. Brown will be arraigned on April 6, 2009.
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