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 a highly successful American singer, songwriter, rapper, dancer, and actor. Known for his blend of hip-hop and pop-influenced R&B, and versatile genre exploration, he's been dubbed the 'King of R&B' by some. His music often delves into emotional and hedonistic themes. Brown is frequently lauded for his vocal and dance prowess, drawing comparisons to Michael Jackson.

Sections (6)

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

May 5, 1989: Christopher Maurice Brown's Birth

On May 5, 1989, Christopher Maurice Brown, who is known as Chris Brown, was born. He later became an American singer, songwriter, rapper, dancer, and actor.

Others born on this day/year

2004: Attended Essex High School and Moved to New York

In 2004, Chris Brown attended Essex High School in Virginia until late in the year, when he moved to New York to pursue his music career.

2004: Dropped out of Essex High School

In late 2004, Chris Brown, at age 16, dropped out of Essex High School in Virginia to relocate and pursue a music career.

2005: Dropped out of Essex High School

In early 2005, Chris Brown, at age 16, dropped out of Essex High School in Virginia to relocate and pursue a music career.

November 2007: Video Host for Math-A-Thon program

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

2007: Brown's Relationship with Rihanna Begins

In 2007, Chris Brown began dating singer Rihanna, starting a high profile relationship that would last until 2009.

June 22, 2009: Brown Pleads Guilty to Felony Assault

On June 22, 2009, Chris Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault against Rihanna and accepted a plea deal that included community labor, five years of probation, and domestic violence counseling.

2009: Wrote about Teenage Life

In 2009, Chris Brown mentioned he wrote about the experiences of 16-year-olds, like sneaking a girl into the house or stealing a car, reflecting his youth during the album's creation.

2009: Brown's Relationship with Rihanna Ends

In 2009, Chris Brown's relationship with singer Rihanna ended due to their highly publicized domestic violence case.

2010: Brown Dates Jasmine Sanders

In 2010, Chris Brown briefly dated professional model Jasmine Sanders.

February 2011: Restraining Order Modified

In February 2011, at the request of Brown's 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.

2011: Brown Dates Draya Michele and Karrueche Tran

In 2011, Chris Brown briefly dated media personality Draya Michele. Later that year, Brown began dating Karrueche Tran.

June 14, 2012: Scuffle with Drake at Nightclub

On June 14, 2012, Drake and his entourage were involved in a scuffle with Chris Brown at a nightclub called WIP in the SoHo neighborhood of New York City. About eight people were injured during the brawl.

January 2013: Altercation with Frank Ocean

In January 2013, Chris Brown was involved in an altercation with Frank Ocean over a parking space outside a recording studio in West Hollywood. Police officers in Los Angeles said Brown was under investigation for battery, but Ocean said he would not press charges.

January 2013: Rihanna Confirms Relationship Resumption

In January 2013, Rihanna confirmed that she and Chris Brown had resumed their romantic relationship, emphasizing that they had worked through their issues and valued each other.

May 2013: Brown Announces Breakup with Rihanna

In a May 2013 interview, Chris Brown stated that he and Rihanna had broken up again. He subsequently reunited with Karrueche Tran but they split up shortly afterwards.

July 2013: Probation Revoked After Alleged Hit and Run

In July 2013, Chris Brown's probation was revoked after he was involved in an alleged hit and run in Los Angeles.

August 9, 2013: Seizure at Record Plant Studios

On August 9, 2013, Chris Brown reportedly suffered a seizure at Record Plant Studios in Hollywood, California, prompting a 9-1-1 call. Paramedics arrived, but Brown refused treatment and transportation to a hospital.

August 2013: Scheduled Court Reappearance

In August 2013, Chris Brown was scheduled to reappear in court to learn whether he would serve time in prison following his probation revocation.

October 2013: Arrested for Felony Assault in Washington, D.C.

In October 2013, Chris Brown was arrested for felony assault in Washington, D.C., after an incident where he punched a man who wanted to take a picture with him.

October 30, 2013: Brown Voluntarily Enters Rehab

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

2013: Brown Sentenced to Rehab and Diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder

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: Brown Discusses Songwriting Process

In 2013, during an interview for Rolling Stone, Chris Brown said that his songs are always "derived from personal experiences" and that he likes "mixing reality with art."

2013: Brown Discusses Drug Use

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 added that marijuana offset his hyperactive tendencies.

March 14, 2014: Brown Kicked out of Rehab and Sent to Jail

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

April 23, 2014: Judge Orders Brown to Remain in Rehab

After Chris Brown completed his 90 days in rehab, the judge ordered him to remain a resident at the Malibu treatment facility until a hearing on April 23, 2014. The deal was if Brown left rehab, he would go to jail.

June 2, 2014: Brown Released from Jail

After being released from jail on June 2, 2014, Chris Brown wrote that he was "Humbled and Blessed" and tweeted the words "Thank you GOD."

2014: Brown Discusses Drug Use

March 20, 2015: Brown's Probation Ends

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: Brown's Sobriety Ends and Drug Use Increases

Around April 2015, Chris Brown had broken a 15-month stretch of sobriety and began spiraling into more frequent drug use.

October 13, 2015: Announcement of Royalty Album Release Date

On October 13, 2015, Chris Brown announced that his album Royalty, dedicated to his daughter, would be released on November 27, 2015.

2015: Brown Discusses His Faith

In 2015, Chris Brown said during an interview for Vibe, that God is the only thing that he is afraid of. He also talked about his daily prayers and the importance of seeking knowledge, understanding, and peace of mind rather than just praying for success.

2015: Work on Walls of The Grammy Museum

In 2015, Chris Brown, under the pseudonym Konfused, worked on some of the walls of The Grammy Museum, mixing his spray paint drawings with images of James Brown, Prince, Michael Jackson and himself.

June 2016: Former Manager Sues Brown for Assault

In June 2016, Chris Brown was sued for assault, false imprisonment and battery by Mike G, the singer's former manager, who alleged Brown assaulted him on May 10 of that year.

2016: Increased Drug Use

In the first months of 2016, Chris Brown spiraled into a more frequent drug use, including the use of cocaine, xanax, marijuana, molly and lean.

2017: Billboard Article on Brown's Mental Health and Addiction

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

2017: Welcome to My Life Documentary Release

In 2017, Chris Brown recalled his abusive childhood in his self-documentary film, Welcome to My Life, offering insights into his personal struggles.

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2019: Lawsuit Settled Out of Court

In 2019, the lawsuit between Chris Brown and his former manager Mike G was settled out of court, with both parties 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 a few pictures of Kobe dribbling and dunking a basketball.

2023: Consideration of Music as Job

During a 2023 interview with Shannon Sharpe, Chris Brown mentioned he started considering music as his job after winning a talent show at age 11, performing Sisqó's "Thong Song".