In life, a person’s name carries a lot of weight. The weight of the world at times, if you’re an entertainer.

With Chris Brown, a name can translate into many descriptions. Until this year, his name was synonymous with the words “teen heartthrob” and “role model” while being positioned next to other names like Michael Jackson and Usher.

Who would’ve thought the one thing shared most between Jackson and Brown is one word:

Controversy.

And Brown has yet to drop a third album. Rewind to 2005 when the 20 year-old crooner hits the scene in a big way with his first single, “Run It.” The song, whose remix featured Dipset affiliate Juelz Santana, provided the perfect introduction to Brown’s powerful vocals, as well as those synchronized dance routines that have become his trademark.

Reaction to the new sensation was instant as Brown became a fixture on BET’s 106 and Park, not to mention the cause of Jonas Brother level screams among female fans. “Run It’s” stint on the charts was a no-brainer, to say the least. The tune debuted at number on on the Billboard 100 and remained there for five straight weeks, giving Brown his very first charttopper.

And, as expected, the good fortune created the perfect anticipation for more to come with Brown’s self-titled debut album. The project, which hit stores in November 2005, cemented the crooner’s grip on the market as “Yo (Excuse Me Miss)” and “Gimme That” featuring Lil Wayne,” “Say Goodbye” and “Poppin” powered the release to double platinum status.

Talent wasn’t the only factor in Brown’s popularity. The entertainer with the boyish face and nice guy demeanor came across as the boy next door. Someone who genuinely enjoyed what he did and loved nothing more than to bring different elements of dance to his live performances.

From the MTV VMAs to the BET and Grammy Awards, no music show wrap up was complete without some mention of how Chris dazzled the crowd with his creative and entertaining dance routines. In short, a Chris Brown performance resulted in more album sales and tour anticipation for him and more free publicity for any event associated with him.

Brown’s ability to cut a rug even struck a nerve with Justin Timberlake, who expressed what many in the audience thought after seeing his competition perform at the 2007 VMA’s.

“Nobody likes to be reminded that they’re getting older,” the former boy member expressed. “And whatever Chris Brown just did reminded me of how I’m getting older – ’cause damn. It’s just exciting to see.”

The performance was indeed one for conversation as Brown’s set included choreography set to two singles from his sophomore album, Exclusive, “Wall to Wall” and “Kiss Kiss,” as well as an homage to Jackson’s “Billie Jean.”  The event was also noted for the appearance of the woman who would later become Brown’s girlfriend, Rihanna.

The pop diva joined Brown to sing her megahit “Umbrella,” thereby giving fans something more to talk about. Talk soon gave way to actual evidence with rumors of Rihanna and Brown being more than friends starting to ring true. Whether they were photographed at a beach or swimming pool or just enjoying each other’s company, it became clear that Chris had someone around to spend his spare time with and share in his success.

Released in November of 2007, Exclusive sold roughly 294,498 copies to debut at number four on the Billboard 200. Capitalizing off the album’s popularity, the album was re-released on June 3, 2008. The Forever Edition, as it was called, included four new tracks as well as a bonus DVD of unreleased concert and behind the scenes footage. “Kiss Kiss” as well as “Take You Down” and “With You” were certifiable hits from the original version, but the Polow da Don-produced title track from the new edition propelled the project towards worldwide sales of more than a million copies. Add to that the income generated from Wrigley using “Forever” in its Doublemint gum ads and Breezy was definitely coming into his own has a businessman.

Professionally, life couldn’t be better. Television roles on UPN’s One on One and Fox’s The OC only prepared Chris for life on the big screen with his film debut in Stomp the Yard and co-starring with Lauren London in the family drama This Christmas. It was the icing to a cake that couldn’t get any sweeter. All leading to a fond farewell of the years leading into and including 2008.

2009? Well that’s another story.

Things seemed to start out strong with Chris riding his good forturne while becoming music’s newest go-to guy. Collaborations with Bow Wow (2006’s “Shorty Like Mine”) as well as T-Pain and Lil Mama, David Banner and Jordin Sparks (2008’s “Shawty Get Loose,”“Get Like Me” and “No Air” respectively) only heightened Brown’s exposure outside of his normal fan base.

So much so, that the latter hit was nominated for a 2009 Grammy Award for Best Pop collaboration with vocals. Meanwhile, speculation on Brown’s relationship with Rihanna was relegated to talk of whether or not the entertainers would officially come out as a couple as well as the occasional unfaithful rumors.

Then the levees break.

February 8, 2009. Surprising reports surface of an altercation between Chris and an unidentified woman the night before the Grammys.

The crooner, who was expected to perform on music’s biggest night, turns himself in as California authorities look into accusations made by the woman of Brown assaulting her after a heated argument heated inside a vehicle. No charges were filed, but the entertainer is booked on suspicion of making a criminal threat.

Although he is later released on $50,000 bail, Brown’s world was already coming undone. Grammy officials scramble to fill the holes left from him and Rihanna, who was rumored to be the victim at the time, being no-shows to the event.

Artists and fans alike expressed shock at the turn of events. Media outlets swarmed upon the news as they struggled to cover every aspect of the case. Little by little, details leading up to the alleged beating came out. A week after the incident, Chris finally spoke out on what happened via a statement.

"Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired,”  said Brown , who also dispelled false reports of what happened as well as reveal that he is “seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones and I am committed, with God's help, to emerging a better person,"

Brown’s statement came as prosecutors constructed a case against the vocalist, who has become unpopular among those who used to love his music. The issue especially hit home with TMZ.com’s posting of a photo of a battered and bruised Rihanna that was taken shortly after police responded to the assault.

Some time later, Brown and Rihanna reportedly put aside the incident and reportedly reunited. Debate further ensues with the message this sends to young fans of both singers as well as abuse victims. As it stands now, it looks as though Rihanna has had her fill of Brown and dumped him. This coming after seemingly every celebrity has weighed in on the situation and both stars gradually return to the studio to record new music.

Overall, the issue has divided fans, some of whom blame Rihanna for what happened. Others charge it to Brown's history of domestic violence in his family, as mentioned in a past interview with AllHipHop Alternatives. In addition, parents are stuck having to explain why one of their child’s favorite singers is looking at jail time for allegedly beating up a woman.

Whether or not Brown is able to rebound remains to be seen. His relationship with Wrigley has soured in light of the company suspending his Doublemint ads. In addition, the marketing campaign for his upcoming movie with rapper T.I. has all but excluded him from the promotion of the film.

  Follow us on Twitter http://www.Twitter.com/AllHipHopCom