Early Life and Education of Chris Brown: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Chris Brown. From birth to education, explore key events.

Chris Brown is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor, recognized for his contributions to R&B, pop, and hip-hop music. Often dubbed the "King of R&B," his work frequently explores emotional and hedonistic themes. His vocal and dance talents have drawn comparisons to Michael Jackson, solidifying his presence in the entertainment industry.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

May 5, 1989: Christopher Maurice Brown Born

On May 5, 1989, Christopher Maurice Brown, later known as Chris Brown, was born. He is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor who has been referred to as the "King of R&B" by some contemporaries.

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2004: Drops Out of Essex High School

In late 2004, Chris Brown dropped out of Essex High School in Virginia to pursue a music career.

2005: Drops Out of Essex High School

In early 2005, Chris Brown dropped out of Essex High School in Virginia to pursue a music career.

July 9, 2007: Featured on MTV's My Super Sweet 16

On July 9, 2007, Chris Brown was featured in an episode of MTV's My Super Sweet 16, which celebrated his eighteenth birthday in New York City.

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November 2007: Video host for Math-A-Thon

In November 2007, Chris Brown starred as a video host for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's Math-A-Thon program to encourage students to use their math skills to help children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases.

February 2011: Modification of Restraining Order

In February 2011, at the request of Chris Brown and Rihanna's lawyers, the judge modified the restraining order to a "level one order", allowing both singers to appear at awards shows together in the future.

August 9, 2013: Seizure at Record Plant Studios

On August 9, 2013, Chris Brown reportedly suffered a seizure at Record Plant Studios in Hollywood, leading to a 9-1-1 call. He refused treatment from paramedics.

October 30, 2013: Voluntary Entry into Rehab

On October 30, 2013, Chris Brown voluntarily entered rehab.

November 20, 2013: Sentenced to Anger Management Rehab

On November 20, 2013, Chris Brown was sentenced to an anger management rehabilitation center for three months, which jeopardized the release of his album 'X'.

2013: Mental Health Issues and Rehab

In 2013, Chris Brown was sentenced to 90 days in rehab by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge to fulfill the terms of his probation for the Rihanna incident. While at the rehab facility, Brown was formally diagnosed with bipolar II disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

2013: Drug Addiction Revelation

In a 2014 interview with radio personality Ebro Darden, Chris Brown revealed that prior to his 2013 incarceration, he used “the syrup, the Xanax,” and that while marijuana offset his hyperactive tendencies, "once I started doing the lean, the other stuff … I'd be sitting in the [recording] booth sleeping."

March 14, 2014: Expulsion from Rehab and Incarceration

On March 14, 2014, Chris Brown was kicked out of the rehab facility for violating internal rules and sent to Northern Neck Regional Jail.

April 23, 2014: Rehab Extension and Jail Threat

On April 23, 2014, after completing 90 days in rehab, the judge ordered Chris Brown to remain a resident at the Malibu treatment facility until a hearing. The deal was that if Brown left rehab, he would go to jail.

May 9, 2014: Sentenced to Jail for Probation Violation

On May 9, 2014, Chris Brown was ordered to serve 131 days in jail for his probation violation, leading to further delay of the release of his album 'X' and the unreleased collaboration with Ariana Grande.

June 2, 2014: Release from Jail

After being released from jail on June 2, 2014, Chris Brown expressed his gratitude and faith, tweeting "Thank you GOD."

2014: Drug Use Revelation

March 20, 2015: End of Probation

On March 20, 2015, Chris Brown's probation ended, formally closing the felony case emanating from the Rihanna assault that happened over six years prior.

April 2015: Sobriety Slip and Drug Use

According to ex-members of his team, around April 2015, Chris Brown had broken a 15-month stretch of sobriety, going out on Xanax and lean, spiraling into more frequent drug use in the first months of 2016.

2015: Interview on Vibe

In 2015, Chris Brown said during an interview for Vibe, that God is the only thing that he is afraid of. He spoke about praying for knowledge, understanding, and peace of mind rather than success.

2015: Burger King Ownership

In 2015, Chris Brown stated that he owned fourteen Burger King restaurants.

2016: Drug Use

According to what ex-members of his team told Billboard around April 2015, Chris Brown had broken a 15-month stretch of sobriety, going out on Xanax and lean, spiraling into a more frequent drug use in the first months of 2016. Former members of Brown's team also told Billboard that he was using cocaine, Xanax, marijuana, molly and lean.

2017: Billboard Article on Mental Health and Addiction

In 2017, Billboard published an investigative article about Chris Brown's mental health issues and addiction.

2017: Release of Welcome to My Life Documentary

In 2017, Chris Brown released a self-documentary film titled Welcome to My Life, where he discussed his experiences with domestic violence as a child.

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2019: Settlement of Lawsuit

In 2019, the lawsuit filed by Mike G against Chris Brown was settled out of court, with both parties reconciling their differences and reaching a confidential deal.

2020: Mural in Memory of Kobe Bryant

In 2020, Chris Brown painted a mural in memory of Kobe Bryant, doing a portray that includes Kobe's face, a mamba, and pictures of Kobe dribbling and dunking a basketball.

2022: Burger King Portfolio Sale

In 2022, Chris Brown revealed that he sold his portfolio of Burger King restaurants.

2023: Brown Discusses Early Musical Aspirations

During a 2023 interview with Shannon Sharpe, Chris Brown stated that he considered music as his job after winning a talent show during a summer camp when he was 11 years old, performing Sisqó’s "Thong Song".

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