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The Chris Brown Chronicles: Bouncing Back 
Published Thursday, March 26, 2009 9:00 AM
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    By Chris Richburg

    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.




    Run It - Chris Brown ft. Juelz Santana

     

    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.




    No Air - Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown

     

    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.

     

    Nevertheless, history has proven that artists are able to win back fans once they deliver a solid hit to make all the negativity a memory. No matter what, the name of Chris Brown will be something for people to love, hate or just talk about.



    **To get the latest AllHipHop Alternatives Features, follow us on Twitter @ www.twitter.com/AHHalternatives**

    Comments

     

    Juice Black said:

    He'll be back..
    March 26, 2009 9:13 AM
     

    theillseed said:

    the "urban" public is pretty infamous for being forgiving. we'll see. this was good perspective.
    March 26, 2009 9:17 AM
     

    The Chris Brown Chronicles: Bouncing Back - AllHipHop | icVideos said:

    March 26, 2009 9:26 AM
     

    TheFabMD2DC said:

    I'LL say this if terrance howard, sean penn, and tyrese can be forgiven why can't Chris??? because he got into a fight with another celeb.
    March 26, 2009 9:35 AM
     

    Black Caesar said:

    This was a good article. I enjoyed the perspective. I just hope both him and Rihanna can bounce back...
    March 26, 2009 9:39 AM
     

    DarthDot said:

    That picture of Rihanna beaten up is funny as hell. She look dead as shit
    March 26, 2009 10:13 AM
     

    stevenyayo said:

    Im telling you all he has to do is plead guilty and get probation and anger management or whatever and then take up that MMA fight with Din Thomas or even better fight Gina Carano (the best female MMA fighter), google her, and he will get his ass kicked but to make it better do the fight for charity and let all the proceeds go to a domestic violence abuse foundation and people will probably forgive him. I actually mean let him train for it with legitimate trainers. Dont just let him go in there and get his ass kicked. I know they wouldnt ever do the Gina Carano fight since she is a female but she trains with guys and she would kick his ass and maybe it would be better to see him get beat up by a girl.
    March 26, 2009 10:27 AM
     

    poe said:

    u fucked up Piss, I mean Chris.
    March 26, 2009 10:28 AM
     

    HOT97 said:

    I still dont understand what the hell he is bouncing back from. Brown has been free this entire time. The only thing that has changed is that people are talking more and more...

    Its life you know..Get over it everyone make mistakes and everyone do there time..Whats the problem?
    March 26, 2009 10:32 AM
     

    BWOAH said:

    he'll be back
    March 26, 2009 10:34 AM
     

    wizwey21215 said:

    the urban public are not the only ones that like chris brown
    March 26, 2009 10:35 AM
     

    D-block 4life said:

    Chris brizzy should be cool. Hitting a woman is not cool, but that's why I just chop them in the throat LOL naww but 4real
    Only thing diff'ernt about the chris & rihanna abuse! Is it's around for millions 2 C. Mistakes happen now let's hope both can continue there career. Good article, but I need some more music
    March 26, 2009 11:29 AM
     

    G9L said:

    I would say fucc singin 4 awhile(like the rest of the year)cuz that way u could slowly gain your female fan base bacc & all dat.U kno....pull some Cam'Ron type shit lol.

    In the mean time start gaining control of your situation & overcoming it.4give yourself & every1 else will follow eventually.I heard he was in enrolling in college in Virginia or somethin.That'll b a good look 4 em  
    March 26, 2009 11:46 AM
     

    stevenyayo said:

    I think it has more to do with the actually promotion companies and endorsements he has to bounce back from. His fan base may lose some but he might not get booked at some shows cuz people will backlash and protest or companies might not wanna be seen as promoting a domestic abuser. He has already lost a lot of money in endorsements and stuff.
    March 26, 2009 11:52 AM
     

    WhitneynStevie said:

    Chris made a MAJOR mistake. This should be an example that every decision we make in our lives can effect it forever.  There is no excuse for the actions yet I feel like everyone deserves a second chance. Now if 5 years from now he's on the news because he pimped slapped another female thats when we write him off. Not to mention he is 19 years old in an obviously turbulant, dysfunctional relationship. I think people accept it when all these, lesser talented, white Hollywood stars get DUI's and break the law but when a young Black male does it he's horrible. Like why isnt doctor Phil tryna talk to him to help him. The people who really need help arent the victims but the perpetrator .
    March 26, 2009 12:15 PM
     

    HOT97 said:

     
    stevenyayo said:
    I think it has more to do with the actually promotion companies and endorsements he has to bounce back from. His fan base may lose some but he might not get booked at some shows cuz people will backlash and protest or companies might not wanna be seen as promoting a domestic abuser. He has already lost a lot of money in endorsements and stuff.
    March 26, 2009 11:52 AM


    HOT97 SAYS:I agree but i think that because after the situation happened there was just more and more and more to it..If he  just took a break from the minute it all started then maybe we all would have time to forget it..

    But we cant because this story has been twisted in so many directions from him having HERPES, to them being Married, to both of them getting 10 million dollar deal, to Brown abusing her again, to Brown moving on, to Rihanna testifying..I mean this is just crazy...Riahanna did the right thing bye giving us a break..Brown should do the same..Yes he lost and is still osing deal and what not, but its not like he didnt see that coming..And im sure they are both far from broke so just take a break, does it always have to be about money?
    March 26, 2009 12:25 PM
     

    Topics about Dance » Alternatives : The Chris Brown Chronicles: Bouncing Back said:

    March 26, 2009 12:33 PM
     

    BigJake© said:

    I just dont understand this culture, this generation or previous generations.  People were still rocking with Ike Turner (until they saw "what's love got to do with it") but even when it surfaced that he was whacking Tina around, he was still getting gigs and doing shows and making dough.  Now here we are in 2009, a kid, yes I know he's 20 or 21 but that's still pretty damn young, who happens to be famous and make great music, beats the SHIT out of his girlfriend who also happens to be a singer and is CAUGHT RED HANDED.  We didn't need a movie, we knew about the shit immediately...and people still embracing him and showing him love? Has your mother ever been beaten severely? Did you turn around and immediately forgive the man that did it? "Oh that's okay that you beat the shit out of mom, now dance for me and make it all better!" ...Doubtful, now I know that Rihanna and Our moms are two different people and those are different circumstances.  But a person who commits severe domestic abuse should be punished heavily, but THIS  guy is getting pity...people feel sorry for him.....why? he won the fight....who cares about his career, he obviously didn't when he decided to become TJ Combo (look him up)....-steps off soapbox, smashes it, lights it on fire-
    Good Day
    March 26, 2009 1:12 PM
     

    TheFabMD2DC said:

    As far I'm concerned Chris Brown is a friend, son, brother, cousin, and boyfriend to certain people. Ike didn't have that cause people knew how f'ed up he was. If Chris didn't have this squeeky clean boy next door image it would be a lot worse. Rihanna isn't innocent in this either we still haven't heard the story out of their mouths so I wont judge him until I know exactly what happened.
    March 26, 2009 3:25 PM
     

    freshhiphopfan said:

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    March 26, 2009 3:47 PM
     

    HOT97 said:

    BigJake© said:
    I just dont understand this culture, this generation or previous generations.  People were still rocking with Ike Turner (until they saw "what's love got to do with it") but even when it surfaced that he was whacking Tina around, he was still getting gigs and doing shows and making dough.  Now here we are in 2009, a kid, yes I know he's 20 or 21 but that's still pretty damn young, who happens to be famous and make great music, beats the SHIT out of his girlfriend who also happens to be a singer and is CAUGHT RED HANDED.  We didn't need a movie, we knew about the shit immediately...and people still embracing him and showing him love? Has your mother ever been beaten severely? Did you turn around and immediately forgive the man that did it? "Oh that's okay that you beat the shit out of mom, now dance for me and make it all better!" ...Doubtful, now I know that Rihanna and Our moms are two different people and those are different circumstances.  But a person who commits severe domestic abuse should be punished heavily, but THIS  guy is getting pity...people feel sorry for him.....why? he won the fight....who cares about his career, he obviously didn't when he decided to become TJ Combo (look him up)....-steps off soapbox, smashes it, lights it on fire-
    Good Day


    HOT97 SAYS:I Think your saving that why are people feeling sorry for him?...If that is what your saying i been asking the same question as well...If you are in a troubled relationship then simply leave...Chris knew what he was doing when he did it, but i guess he thought that he was going to get away..

    Point is the dude is like 21 he should do his time he will be fine, he is already a star, he has talent, he has money..DUDE just do your time and stop bitching..And over all if he doesn't grow up and become a man after this then hey..
    March 26, 2009 4:21 PM
     

    BigJake© said:

     
    TheFabMD2DC said:
    As far I'm concerned Chris Brown is a friend, son, brother, cousin, and boyfriend to certain people. Ike didn't have that cause people knew how f'ed up he was. If Chris didn't have this squeeky clean boy next door image it would be a lot worse. Rihanna isn't innocent in this either we still haven't heard the story out of their mouths so I wont judge him until I know exactly what happened.

    Ok, but no matter what Rihanna did, it was not deserving of that.  That type of malicious beating, and reports said that she was pretending to get the police on the phone to scare him and he responded after each punch with "you know you done fucked up" and "now I gotta kill you"......people say herpes, people say it was just an argument, and people say she hit him first....but if you know you're that much stronger than someone, there's no need to beat on them THAT BADLY...there's just no excuse I'm sorry.  He beat on her like she was a dude, knowing he was much stronger than her and the fact that he hit her repeatedly says that dude has a problem and knew what he was doing and it's just fucked up all around...
    March 26, 2009 5:40 PM
     

    D-block 4life said:

    Yall ever hear he without sin cast the first stone? Meaning people have the right to embrace him & show forgiveness,because we have made a mistake & yet we grew from it. No man should hit/abuse a woman like I said B4. Maybe he need help for his explosive out burst, but just imagine all the wild things you done
    & the world saying F you.
    March 27, 2009 1:10 AM
     

    D-block 4life said:

    Yall ever hear he without sin cast the first stone? Meaning people have the right to embrace him & show forgiveness,because we have made a mistake & yet we grew from it. No man should hit/abuse a woman like I said B4. Maybe he need help for his explosive out burst, but just imagine all the wild things you done
    & the world saying F you.
    March 27, 2009 1:10 AM
     

    gorgan said:

    @Illseed

    Gorgon said:
    I can understand a hip hop site giving coverage to alternative music of black origin

    But why are two R and B artists getting so so much ink on allhiphop.com  ,

    Quote from THe Abstract Poet Q Tip "Rap is not pop , if we call it that we stop"
    March 27, 2009 2:05 PM
     

    Lilhd47 said:

    LOL @ D-blocc

    chop um in the throat

    ROTFL
    April 3, 2009 10:25 PM
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