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.

Christopher Maurice Brown is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. Known for his pop and hip-hop-influenced R&B music, he has been dubbed the "King of R&B" by some. His work often explores emotional and hedonistic themes. Brown's singing and dancing abilities have drawn comparisons to Michael Jackson.

Sections (6)

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

May 5, 1989: Chris Brown's Birth

On May 5, 1989, Christopher Maurice Brown was born. He would later become known as an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor, often referred to as the "King of R&B."

Others born on this day/year

2004: Discovered by Hitmission Records

Around 2004, at age 13, Chris Brown was discovered by Hitmission Records, leading to voice coaching and demo arrangements. He also performed for Puff Daddy, who declined to sign him.

2004: Dropped Out of Essex High School

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

July 9, 2007: Chris Brown: My Super 18 on MTV

On July 9, 2007, Chris Brown's eighteenth birthday was celebrated on an episode of MTV's My Super Sweet 16, retitled Chris Brown: My Super 18.

November 2007: Video Host for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's Math-A-Thon

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

February 2011: Restraining order modified

In February 2011, at the request of lawyers for both Chris Brown and Rihanna, the restraining order was modified to a "level one order", which allowed both singers to attend awards shows together.

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 in New York City. Several people were injured, and Brown publicly criticized Drake afterward, with his attorney alleging Drake as the instigator.

November 2012: Launched Symphonic Love Foundation

In November 2012, Chris Brown launched the "Symphonic Love Foundation", a nonprofit charity organization supporting arts programs for kids and health/education programs on domestic abuse, dating violence, HIV/AIDS, and leadership programs for children with developmental disabilities.

2012: Mike G hired to help repair Brown's image

In 2012, Mike G was hired as Chris Brown's manager to help repair his public image.

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, with police investigating the incident as "battery" due to Brown allegedly punching Ocean, though Ocean did not press charges.

August 9, 2013: Chris Brown Suffers Seizure

On August 9, 2013, Chris Brown reportedly suffered a seizure at Record Plant Studios in Hollywood, California, prompting a 9-1-1 call. Upon arrival, paramedics were turned away as Brown allegedly refused treatment and transport to a local hospital.

October 30, 2013: Brown voluntarily enters rehab

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

November 20, 2013: Chris Brown Sentenced to Anger Management Rehabilitation

On November 20, 2013, Chris Brown was sentenced to a three-month anger management rehabilitation center, which put the December 2013 release of his album 'X' in jeopardy.

2013: Sentenced to rehab and diagnosed with bipolar II disorder and PTSD

In 2013, Chris Brown was sentenced to 90 days in rehab and was formally diagnosed with bipolar II disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

2013: Brown's incarceration

Prior to Chris Brown's 2013 incarceration, he admitted in a 2014 interview to abusing "the syrup, the Xanax".

March 14, 2014: Kicked out of rehab

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 denies release from custody

On April 23, 2014, a judge denied Chris Brown's request to be released from custody, either on bail or his own recognizance, after he was kicked out of rehab for violating internal rules.

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, delaying the release of his album 'X'.

June 2, 2014: Released from jail

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

2014: CBE signs exclusively Brown's works

From 2014, Chris Brown's record label CBE started to sign exclusively Brown's works.

2014: Brown reveals substance abuse issues

In a 2014 interview, Chris Brown admitted to abusing "the syrup, the Xanax" prior to his 2013 incarceration, stating that he would fall asleep in the recording booth due to the effects of lean.

March 20, 2015: Brown's probation ends

On March 20, 2015, Chris Brown's probation officially ended, closing the felony case related to the assault on Rihanna that happened over six years prior.

April 2015: Brown relapses after sobriety

Around April 2015, Chris Brown broke a 15-month period of sobriety and relapsed into drug use, reportedly using Xanax and lean, leading to more frequent use in early 2016, according to ex-members of his team.

2015: Owned Burger King restaurants

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

2016: Increased drug use

In the first months of 2016, Chris Brown spiraled into more frequent drug use. Former members of Brown's team also told Billboard that he was using cocaine, Xanax, marijuana, molly and lean.

2017: Billboard publishes article on Brown's mental health issues and addiction

In 2017, Billboard published an investigative article detailing Chris Brown's mental health struggles and battle with addiction, drawing on accounts from former members of his team.

2019: Lawsuit with Mike G 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 reconciling and reaching a confidential agreement.

2020: Mural in memory of Kobe Bryant

In 2020, Chris Brown painted a mural in memory of Kobe Bryant, including Kobe's face, a mamba, and pictures of Kobe dribbling and dunking.

2022: Sold Burger King portfolio

Chris Brown revealed in 2022 that he sold his portfolio of fourteen Burger King restaurants that he owned in 2015.

2023: Interview with Shannon Sharpe

During a 2023 interview with Shannon Sharpe, Chris Brown recounted winning a talent show at 11 performing "Thong Song" and recognizing music as a potential career after an Usher performance.