History of Chris Brown in Timeline
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.
1982: 40th anniversary of Thriller
In 1982, Michael Jackson released Thriller album. The 40th anniversary was planned to be celebrated at the American Music Awards but later cancelled.
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.
1992: Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart established
In 1992, the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart was established, which would later become a chart where Chris Brown achieved significant success.
1995: "Run It!" Topped Billboard Hot 100
In 1995 Chris Brown became the first male artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart with his debut single, "Run It!".
1995: First Debut Single To Top Billboard
In 1995, Chris Brown was the first male act to have his debut single reach the summit of the Billboard Hot 100.
1997: Release of "Tight Up Skirt"
In 2022, Chris Brown was served a copyright infringement lawsuit alleging that "Privacy" lifted a line from the 1997 dancehall track "Tight Up Skirt", recorded by Red Rat.
2004: Signs with Jive Records
In 2004 Chris Brown signs with Jive Records.
2004: Discovered by Hitmission Records
In 2004, at age 13, Chris Brown was discovered by Hitmission Records. He then attended Essex High School in Virginia until late 2004, when he moved to New York to pursue his music career.
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.
February 2005: Began recording debut album
In February 2005, after signing to Jive Records in 2004, Chris Brown began recording his self-titled debut studio album.
November 29, 2005: Chris Brown Album Release
On November 29, 2005, Chris Brown released his self-titled debut album. It debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and sold over three million copies in the US.
2005: Collaboration with Scott Storch on "Run It!"
In 2005, Chris Brown collaborated with producer Scott Storch on his breakout hit song, "Run It!".
2005: "Kiss Kiss" became Brown's second number one single following "Run It!"
In 2005, Chris Brown released album's second single, "Kiss Kiss", reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, and becoming Brown's second number one single following "Run It!".
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.
June 13, 2006: Chris Brown's Journey DVD Release
On June 13, 2006, Chris Brown released a DVD entitled Chris Brown's Journey, featuring footage from his travels and preparations.
August 17, 2006: The Up Close and Personal Tour Begins
On August 17, 2006, Chris Brown began his major co-headlining tour, The Up Close and Personal Tour, pushing back production for his next album.
2006: Start of Touring Years
Chris Brown is reported to have started his touring years in 2006, according to Pollstar's report.
2006: "Thriller" Recreation at the World Music Awards
In 2006, Chris Brown performed a notable dancing live performance including his "Thriller" recreation at the World Music Awards.
January 12, 2007: Film Debut in Stomp the Yard
On January 12, 2007, Chris Brown made his film debut in Stomp the Yard, alongside Ne-Yo, Meagan Good and Columbus Short.
January 2007: Small Role on The O.C.
In January 2007, Chris Brown landed a small role as a band geek in the fourth season of the American television series The O.C..
April 2007: Opening Act for Beyoncé
In April 2007, Chris Brown was the opening act for Beyoncé on the Australian leg of her The Beyoncé Experience tour.
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.
November 6, 2007: Exclusive Album Release
On November 6, 2007, Chris Brown released his second studio album, Exclusive, in the US. The album debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 294,000 copies in its first week.
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.
November 21, 2007: Chris Brown Stars in "This Christmas"
On November 21, 2007, Chris Brown starred as a leading role in the family drama movie, "This Christmas" alongside Regina King. He also contributed to the movie's soundtrack, including his cover versions of "Try a Little Tenderness" and "This Christmas".
December 6, 2007: The Exclusive Holiday Tour Begins
On December 6, 2007, Chris Brown began The Exclusive Holiday Tour in Cincinnati, Ohio, to further support his album Exclusive. The tour visited over thirty venues in the United States.
2007: Start of Relationship with Rihanna
In 2007, Chris Brown began dating singer Rihanna, marking the beginning of a highly publicized relationship.
2007: CBE Record Label Founding
In 2007, Chris Brown founded the record label CBE (Chris Brown Entertainment/Culture Beyond Evolution) under Interscope Records, signing various artists and collaborators.
2007: Film Debut in Stomp the Yard and TV Appearance in The O.C.
In 2007, Chris Brown made his feature film debut in Stomp the Yard and appeared as a guest on the television series The O.C.
2007: Acting Debut in Stomp the Yard and This Christmas
In 2007, Chris Brown made his on-screen feature film debut as a supporting role in the dance drama Stomp the Yard and took a leading role in the Christmas comedy film This Christmas.
2007: Exclusive Album Release
In 2007, Chris Brown released his second album, Exclusive, which achieved commercial success worldwide. The album spawned his second Billboard Hot 100 number-one single, "Kiss Kiss".
February 9, 2008: The Exclusive Holiday Tour Concludes
On February 9, 2008, Chris Brown concluded The Exclusive Holiday Tour in Honolulu, Hawaii. The tour supported his album Exclusive and included over thirty venues across the United States.
March 2008: Featured on Jordin Sparks' Single "No Air"
In March 2008, Chris Brown was featured on Jordin Sparks' single "No Air," which became a worldwide success, peaking at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
June 3, 2008: Release of Exclusive: The Forever Edition
On June 3, 2008, Chris Brown released the re-issue of his album Exclusive, titled "Exclusive: The Forever Edition." The re-issue featured four new tracks and further boosted the album's success.
August 2008: Guest Appearance on Disney's The Suite Life of Zack & Cody
In August 2008, Chris Brown made a guest appearance as himself on Disney's "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody."
2008: Guest Star on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody
In 2008, Chris Brown guest starred as himself on the children's program The Suite Life of Zack & Cody.
February 8, 2009: Domestic Violence Scandal with Rihanna
On February 8, 2009, Chris Brown was involved in a domestic violence scandal with his then-girlfriend, Rihanna, leading to significant media backlash, loss of endorsements, and brief banning of his songs by some music stations.
June 22, 2009: Guilty Plea for Assault
On June 22, 2009, Chris Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault for the assault against Rihanna and accepted a plea deal of community labor, five years of probation, and domestic violence counseling.
September 29, 2009: Release of "I Can Transform Ya"
On September 29, 2009, Chris Brown released "I Can Transform Ya" as the lead single from his album Graffiti. The song peaked at number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
October 2009: Mechanical Dummy Website Launch
In October 2009, Chris Brown founded Mechanical Dummy, a lifestyle website focused on technology, music, culture, fashion, style, and emerging brands, where he also served as creative director.
November 23, 2009: Release of "Crawl"
On November 23, 2009, Chris Brown released "Crawl" as the second single from his album Graffiti. The song reached number 53 on the Billboard Hot 100.
December 8, 2009: Release of Graffiti
On December 8, 2009, Chris Brown released his third studio album, Graffiti. Brown took full artistic control, writing every song except "I'll Go".
2009: Controversial Relationship with Rihanna
From 2007 to 2009, Chris Brown was in a relationship with Rihanna until their highly publicized domestic violence case.
2009: Brown Discusses Songwriting
In 2009, Chris Brown mentioned that he writes about the things that 16-year-olds go through every day.
2009: Guilty Plea and Graffiti Release
In 2009, Chris Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault of singer Rihanna. He was sentenced to five years probation and six months community service. In the same year, Brown released his third album, Graffiti, which was considered a commercial failure.
2009: Grammy Nomination
In 2009, Chris Brown received a Grammy award nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for "Take You Down".
2009: Graffiti Album Debut
In 2009, Chris Brown's album, Graffiti, debuted at number seven on the US Billboard 200 chart. This was surpassed by his album 11:11 in 2023 as the lowest debut for one of his solo studio albums on the chart.
August 2010: Starring Role in "Takers"
In August 2010, Chris Brown starred in the crime thriller Takers alongside an ensemble cast including Matt Dillon, Paul Walker, and Idris Elba. He also served as the executive producer of the film.
September 2010: Announcement of F.A.M.E.
In September 2010, Chris Brown announced his album, F.A.M.E. (Forgiving All My Enemies), and the release of the first single, "Yeah 3x".
2010: Executive Producer and Actor in Takers
In 2010, Chris Brown acted in the heist thriller, Takers, and also served as an executive producer.
2010: Appearance in Takers
In 2010, Chris Brown appeared in the film Takers.
2010: Brief Relationship with Jasmine Sanders
In 2010, Chris Brown briefly dated professional model Jasmine Sanders.
2010: Release of Three Free Mixtapes
In 2010, Chris Brown released three free mixtapes: In My Zone (Rhythm & Streets), Fan of a Fan (collaborative mixtape with rapper Tyga), and In My Zone 2. These mixtapes featured a new writing and musical style, mixing R&B with hip-hop and featured new producers like Kevin McCall. "Deuces" was released as a single from Fan of a Fan.
2010: Experimentation with Hip-Hop
In 2010, following his mixtapes, Chris Brown approached hip-hop differently, rapping frequently on mixtapes and features, adding fully hip-hop songs to his albums.
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.
March 18, 2011: Release of F.A.M.E.
On March 18, 2011, Chris Brown released his fourth studio album F.A.M.E. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart with first-week sales of 270,000 copies.
March 23, 2011: Graffiti Sales Update
As of March 23, 2011, Chris Brown's album Graffiti had sold 341,000 copies in the United States.
October 7, 2011: RCA Music Group Disbands Jive, Arista, and J Records
On October 7, 2011, RCA Music Group announced it was disbanding Jive Records along with Arista Records and J Records. Chris Brown, along with other artists previously signed to these labels, would release future material on the RCA Records brand.
2011: Brief Relationship with Draya Michele and Start of Relationship with Karrueche Tran
In 2011, Chris Brown briefly dated media personality Draya Michele. Later during the same year, Brown began dating Karrueche Tran.
2011: Guest Star on Tosh.O
In 2011, Chris Brown guest starred as himself on the Comedy Central series Tosh.O.
2011: MTV Video Music Awards Medley
In 2011, Chris Brown had a notable dancing live performance at the MTV Video Music Awards with a medley that included flying parts.
2011: Wins at BET and Hip Hop Awards
In 2011, Chris Brown received six nominations at the BET Awards and won five awards, including Best Male R&B Artist and Video of the Year for "Look at Me Now". He also won three awards at the BET Hip Hop Awards, including People's Champ Award and Best Hip Hop Video for "Look at Me Now". Additionally, F.A.M.E. won Album of the Year at the Soul Train Music Awards.
2011: F.A.M.E. Album Release and Grammy Win
In 2011, Chris Brown released his fourth album F.A.M.E., which topped the Billboard 200. The album included the successful singles "Yeah 3x", "Look at Me Now", and "Beautiful People" and earned him the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album.
2011: "Look at Me Now" Success
In 2011, Chris Brown's hip-hop single "Look at Me Now," featuring Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes, reached number one on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for eight consecutive weeks. It also reached number one on the US Hot Rap Songs chart and became one of the best-selling rap songs of the year.
February 12, 2012: Grammy Win for Best R&B Album
On February 12, 2012, Chris Brown won his first Grammy Award for Best R&B Album for F.A.M.E. He also performed at the ceremony, marking his first appearance since his felony assault conviction.
February 2012: Remixes and Relationship Speculation
In February 2012, Rihanna and Chris Brown released remixes to their respective singles, "Turn Up the Music" and "Birthday Cake", leading to speculation about the status of their relationship.
May 2012: Dum English Toy Line Launch
In May 2012, Chris Brown partnered with artist Ron English to launch "Dum English", a limited-edition toy and sculpture line, which they debuted at the Toy Art Gallery in Los Angeles.
June 14, 2012: Nightclub Scuffle with Drake
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. Eight people were injured during the brawl.
July 3, 2012: Release of Fortune
On July 3, 2012, Chris Brown released his fifth studio album Fortune. The album debuted atop the Billboard 200 but received negative reviews from critics.
September 25, 2012: Court Appearance for Probation Violation
On September 25, 2012, Chris Brown appeared in court after testing positive for cannabis while conducting his community service in Virginia. His hearing date was changed to November to determine whether he had violated the terms of his court order.
November 2012: Symphonic Love Foundation Launch
In November 2012, Chris Brown launched the Symphonic Love Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting arts programs for kids and providing education on domestic abuse, dating violence, HIV/AIDS, and leadership programs for children with developmental disabilities.
2012: Role in Think Like a Man
In 2012, Chris Brown acted in the romantic comedy Think Like a Man.
2012: Hiring of Mike G
In 2012, Chris Brown hired Mike G to help him repair his public image.
2012: Fortune Album Release
In 2012, Chris Brown released his fifth album, Fortune, which also topped the Billboard 200 chart.
January 2013: Altercation with Frank Ocean
In January 2013, Chris Brown was in an altercation with Frank Ocean over a parking space outside a recording studio in West Hollywood. Police officers in Los Angeles described the incident as "battery."
January 2013: Relationship Confirmation
In January 2013, Rihanna confirmed that she and Chris Brown had resumed their romantic relationship, explaining that they had worked on their communication and valued each other.
February 15, 2013: Unofficial Release of "Home"
On February 15, 2013, Chris Brown unofficially released the song "Home," reflecting on the dark side of fame and finding solace in his roots.
March 26, 2013: Announcement of X Album Release
On March 26, 2013, Chris Brown announced the upcoming release of his album 'X' in various interviews and listening sessions, signaling a shift towards a more mature and soulful sound.
March 29, 2013: Release of "Fine China"
On March 29, 2013, Chris Brown released "Fine China" as the lead single from his upcoming album, 'X'. The song, lauded as a soulful, 1970s-inspired track, garnered critical acclaim.
May 2013: Breakup with Rihanna
In May 2013, 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
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, leading to a 9-1-1 call. He refused treatment from paramedics.
August 2013: Court Reappearance
In August 2013, Chris Brown was released from court and scheduled to reappear to learn whether he would serve time in prison, following the revocation of his probation in July.
October 2013: Arrest for Felony Assault
In October 2013, Chris Brown was arrested for felony assault in Washington, D.C., after an incident where he refused to take a picture with a man and allegedly punched him, breaking his nose. The charge was later reduced to a misdemeanor.
October 30, 2013: Voluntary Entry into Rehab
On October 30, 2013, Chris Brown voluntarily entered rehab.
November 2013: Invasion Capsule Collection Launch
In November 2013, Chris Brown partnered with Sprayground, a New York backpack company, to launch a limited line of custom backpacks, the "Invasion Capsule Collection".
November 19, 2013: Release of X Files Mixtape
On November 19, 2013, to hold fans over until the release of album X, Chris Brown released a mixtape titled 'X Files'.
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: Role in Battle of the Year
In 2013, Chris Brown acted in the dance film Battle of the Year.
2013: Personal Inspiration for Songs
In 2013, Chris Brown mentioned in an interview with Rolling Stone that his songs are derived from personal experiences, blending reality with art.
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: Brown Discusses Musical Direction
In a 2013 interview, Chris Brown mentioned that during his time in Harlem, his artistic intention was to both rap and sing, but Jive convinced him to stick to just singing.
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."
February 22, 2014: Announcement of X Album Release Date
On February 22, 2014, it was announced that Chris Brown's album, X, would be released on his birthday, May 5, 2014.
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 14, 2014: Teaser Release of "Don't Be Gone Too Long"
On April 14, 2014, Chris Brown released a teaser of the new track "Don't Be Gone Too Long" featuring Ariana Grande.
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."
August 25, 2014: Release of "X" as Instant-Gratification Track
On August 25, 2014, the title track "X" was released as an instant-gratification track alongside the album pre-order on iTunes.
September 16, 2014: Release of X Album
On September 16, 2014, Chris Brown's sixth studio album, X, was released and received positive reviews, marking a significant improvement over its predecessor. The album debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200, selling 146,000 copies in its first week.
2014: CBE Focus Shift
From 2014, the CBE record label started to sign exclusively Chris Brown's works.
2014: X Album Release
In 2014, Chris Brown released his album X, which peaked in the top three of the Billboard 200.
2014: Drug Use 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."
February 24, 2015: Release of Fan of a Fan: The Album
On February 24, 2015, Chris Brown released his collaborative studio album with Tyga, titled 'Fan of a Fan: The Album'.
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.
October 13, 2015: Royalty Album Release Date Announcement
On October 13, 2015, Chris Brown announced that his album 'Royalty' would be released on November 27, 2015.
November 27, 2015: Release of Before the Party Mixtape
On November 27, 2015, Chris Brown released a free 34-track mixtape called 'Before the Party' as a prelude to his album 'Royalty'.
December 11, 2015: BAPE Black Label Partnership
On December 11, 2015, Chris Brown became the face of BAPE Black Label, the high end range of Japanese fashion brand A Bathing Ape.
December 18, 2015: Release of Royalty Album
On December 18, 2015, Chris Brown's album 'Royalty', dedicated to his daughter, was released and debuted at number 3 on the US Billboard 200.
2015: Freestyle Dancing at Vestival The Hague Malieveld
In 2015, Chris Brown performed freestyled dancing over Future's "March Madness" at the Vestival The Hague Malieveld, including an acclaimed front-flip.
2015: Royalty Album Release
In 2015, Chris Brown released his album Royalty, which also peaked in the top three of the Billboard 200.
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.
2015: Work at The Grammy Museum
In 2015, Chris Brown 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.
2015: Grammy Nominations for Album X and "New Flame"
In 2015, Chris Brown's album 'X' was nominated for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the Grammy Awards, while his song "New Flame" was nominated for Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song.
March 2016: Collaboration with Benny Benassi on "Paradise"
In March 2016, Chris Brown collaborated again with Italian DJ Benny Benassi for the song "Paradise" from Benassi's album Danceaholic.
May 5, 2016: Release of "Grass Ain't Greener"
On May 5, 2016, Chris Brown released the single "Grass Ain't Greener" as the first single from his new album titled 'Heartbreak on a Full Moon'.
June 2016: Lawsuit by Former Manager
In June 2016, Chris Brown was sued for assault, false imprisonment, and battery by Mike G, his former manager.
August 30, 2016: Accusation and Standoff with LAPD
On August 30, 2016, Chris Brown was accused of threatening a woman with a gun, leading to a standoff with the LAPD at his house after he refused entry without a warrant. Brown posted videos on Instagram denying the accusations and criticizing the police and media coverage.
September 1, 2016: Lawyer Statement and Dropped Charges
On September 1, 2016, Chris Brown's lawyer stated there was no standoff and evidence did not support the accuser's claims, leading to charges being dropped. Brown later sued the accuser for defamation and won the lawsuit.
December 16, 2016: Release of "Party"
On December 16, 2016, Chris Brown released the second official single from his album Heartbreak on a Full Moon, titled "Party," featuring Usher and Gucci Mane.
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.
2016: Partnerships and Style Definition
In 2016, Chris Brown partnered with German streetwear company Snipes for a capsule collection and modeled for Philipp Plein's fall/winter campaign. He also defined style as self-awareness and confidence in Vanity Fair Italia.
2016: Black Pyramid Expansion
In 2016, the Black Pyramid clothing label was set for larger release, partnering with streetwear lines such as Snipes for worldwide distribution and through its own Black Pyramid boutiques.
August 4, 2017: Release of "Pills & Automobiles"
On August 4, 2017, Chris Brown released "Pills & Automobiles", featuring Yo Gotti, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, and Kodak Black, as the fourth single from his album.
August 2017: Concept of Heartbreak on a Full Moon
In August 2017, Chris Brown explained that the concept for the album Heartbreak on a Full Moon was a depiction of what his soul wanted to say.
October 25, 2017: Pop-up Concert in New York City
On October 25, 2017, Chris Brown organized a free pop-up concert with Tidal in New York City to perform singles from his album and promote it.
October 31, 2017: Release of Heartbreak on a Full Moon
On October 31, 2017, Chris Brown released his double-disc album 'Heartbreak on a Full Moon'.
December 13, 2017: Release of Cuffing Season – 12 Days of Christmas
On December 13, 2017, Chris Brown released a 12-track surprise deluxe edition of the album Heartbreak on a Full Moon, titled 'Cuffing Season – 12 Days of Christmas'.
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: The Party Tour
In 2017, Chris Brown embarked on The Party Tour, continuing to share snippets of songs and working on his album, building a recording studio inside his home.
2017: Production and Star in Welcome to My Life Documentary
In 2017, Chris Brown produced and starred in a documentary about himself entitled Welcome to My Life.
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.
2017: Heartbreak on a Full Moon Album Release
In 2017, Chris Brown released his eighth album, Heartbreak on a Full Moon. This double-disc LP was certified gold after one week and later certified double platinum.
2017: Restraining Order Granted to Karrueche Tran
In 2017, Chris Brown's ex-girlfriend Karrueche Tran was granted a 5-year restraining order against him by a judge in Santa Monica, California, after she shared text messages and voicemails in court where Brown threatened her.
January 31, 2018: Release of "State of the Union"
On January 31, 2018, Chris Brown released for free the track "State of the Union", a ballad with a message about social harmony, shortly after President Donald Trump's 2020 State of the Union Address.
February 2018: Announcement of Angels & Demons Project
In February 2018, Chris Brown and rapper Joyner Lucas announced an upcoming collaboration project titled 'Angels & Demons' with the release of the single "Stranger Things".
March 15, 2018: Featured on "Freaky Friday"
On March 15, 2018, Chris Brown was featured on Lil Dicky's hit single "Freaky Friday".
June 2018: Heartbreak on a Full Moon Tour
In June 2018, Chris Brown embarked on his US "Heartbreak on a Full Moon Tour" to further promote the album.
January 4, 2019: Release of "Undecided"
On January 4, 2019, Chris Brown released "Undecided" as the lead single from his ninth album, Indigo. This release marked a reunion with producer Scott Storch and was Brown's first release after signing an extension with RCA Records, granting him ownership of his master recordings.
May 2019: Most Billboard Hot 100 Entries Among R&B Singers
In May 2019, Chris Brown surpassed James Brown for the most Billboard Hot 100 entries among R&B singers.
June 10, 2019: Announcement of Indigoat Tour
On June 10, 2019, Chris Brown announced the official headlining concert tour, "Indigoat Tour", to promote his album Indigo, which included performances throughout the US.
June 28, 2019: Release of Indigo
On June 28, 2019, Chris Brown released his ninth studio album, Indigo. The album explored R&B roots and other genres, debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200 with 108,000 album-equivalent units in its first week.
October 4, 2019: Release of Indigo Extended
On October 4, 2019, Chris Brown released a deluxe version of his album Indigo, titled Indigo Extended. The extended version featured 10 additional songs, bringing the total to 42 songs.
December 2019: Beginning Work on Tenth Studio Album
In December 2019, Chris Brown revealed he had started working on new material for his tenth studio album.
2019: Billboard Recognizes Brown's Success
In 2019, Billboard named Chris Brown the third most successful artist of the 2010s decade in R&B and hip-hop music, only behind Drake and Rihanna.
2019: Release of "No Guidance"
In 2019, Chris Brown released "No Guidance", which would later become the longest-running #1 hit on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, remaining at the top for 27 weeks by January 2020.
2019: Indigo Album Release and Success of 'No Guidance'
In 2019, Chris Brown released his ninth studio album, Indigo, which debuted atop the Billboard 200. The album included the single "No Guidance," which broke the record for longest-running number one on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart.
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.
January 2020: Longest Running #1 on Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay
In January 2020, Chris Brown initially set the record for the longest running #1 hit on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart with his 2019 single "No Guidance", which remained at #1 for 27 weeks.
April 29, 2020: Announcement of Slime & B Mixtape
On April 29, 2020, Chris Brown announced the release of a collaborative mixtape with Young Thug titled Slime & B.
May 1, 2020: Feature on Drake's Dark Lane Demo Tapes
On May 1, 2020, Chris Brown was featured on Drake's Dark Lane Demo Tapes mixtape, on the track "Not You Too".
May 5, 2020: Release of Slime & B Mixtape
On May 5, 2020, Chris Brown and Young Thug released their collaborative mixtape, Slime & B, which featured the hit single "Go Crazy."
May 2020: First R&B Artist with 100 Billboard Hot 100 Entries
In May 2020, Chris Brown became the first R&B artist in history to achieve 100 entries on the Billboard Hot 100.
July 9, 2020: Announcement of Breezy Album Title
On July 9, 2020, Chris Brown announced via Instagram that his tenth album would be titled Breezy.
December 2020: Alleged Rape Incident
In December 2020, the event that led to the lawsuit against Chris Brown occurred in Miami, where he allegedly raped a woman on a yacht.
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.
April 2021: "Go Crazy" Breaks Record
In April 2021, "Go Crazy" broke the record for the longest running No. 1 song on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, a record previously held by Brown's 2019 hit single "No Guidance".
August 2, 2021: Announcement of Breezy Short Film
On August 2, 2021, Chris Brown announced on his Instagram account that his Breezy album would be accompanied by a short film of the same name, which ultimately did not happen.
November 11, 2021: Breezy's Cosmic Crunch Cereal Launch
On November 11, 2021, Chris Brown launched his own cereal, "Breezy's Cosmic Crunch", in partnership with SoFlo Snacks.
2021: Supporting Role in She Ball
In 2021, Chris Brown returned to film playing a supporting role in the sports comedy film She Ball.
January 14, 2022: Release of "Iffy"
On January 14, 2022, Chris Brown released the single "Iffy", which later peaked at #1 on the Rhythmic Radio Chart on April 3, 2022.
January 2022: $20 Million Lawsuit Filed Against Brown
In January 2022, Chris Brown was sued for $20 million for allegedly raping a woman on a yacht in Miami in December 2020. Brown denied the allegations.
March 27, 2022: Co-headlining F1 Post-Race Concert
On March 27, 2022, Chris Brown co-headlined a Formula 1 post-race concert for the 2022 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
April 1, 2022: Release of "WE (Warm Embrace)"
On April 1, 2022, Chris Brown released the second single from his album Breezy, titled "WE (Warm Embrace)".
April 3, 2022: "Iffy" Peaked to #1 of the Rhythmic Radio Chart
On April 3, 2022, Chris Brown's single "Iffy" peaked to #1 of the Rhythmic Radio Chart.
April 26, 2022: Announcement of "One of Them Ones" Tour
On April 26, 2022, Chris Brown announced his US summer tour, "One of Them Ones", with rapper Lil Baby, which included 27 stops in North America starting on July 15.
May 2022: The Auracles NFT Collection Launch
In May 2022, Chris Brown partnered with Renowned and BlackNFTArt to launch "The Auracles", an NFT collection with accompanying physical streetwear pieces.
June 11, 2022: Residency at Drai's After Hours Nightclub
On June 11, 2022, Chris Brown performed at Drai's After Hours Nightclub at The Cromwell Las Vegas Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas to launch his new multi-year residency at the venue.
June 17, 2022: Release of "Call Me Every Day"
On June 17, 2022, Chris Brown released the audio for an Afrobeats collaboration with Nigerian singer Wizkid titled "Call Me Every Day", one week ahead of the album release.
June 24, 2022: Release of Breezy
On June 24, 2022, Chris Brown released his tenth studio album, Breezy, by RCA Records and CBE, debuting at number four on the Billboard 200.
July 2022: The Breezyverse NFT Collection Release
In July 2022, Chris Brown released "The Breezyverse", an NFT collection consisting of 10,000 3D animated NFTs with sound and visual effects implemented on the Ethereum blockchain. It was released in conjunction with his tenth studio album, Breezy.
July 2022: Most Billboard Hot 100 Entries Among Male Singers
In July 2022, Chris Brown surpassed Elvis Presley for the most Billboard Hot 100 entries among male singers. Also in July 2022, Brown overtook singer The Weeknd for the most charted songs on Billboard’s nearly 10-year-old Hot R&B Songs chart.
August 2022: Lawsuit Dismissed
In August 2022, the judge dismissed the $20 million lawsuit against Chris Brown due to a lack of prosecution by the plaintiff. The lawsuit was dismissed without prejudice, meaning it can be reinstated under proper legal grounds.
September 4, 2022: International Artiste of the Year at Headies Awards
On September 4, 2022, Chris Brown won the International Artiste of the Year award at the 15th annual Headies Awards for non-African artists with outstanding achievements and impact on Afrobeats.
September 2022: First R&B Singer with Over 50 Top 40 Hits on Billboard Hot 100
In September 2022, Chris Brown became the first R&B singer in history to chart over 50 top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, achieving the record with his 51st top 40 hit, "Under the Influence".
September 2022: "No Guidance" Copyright Lawsuit Dropped
In September 2022, the pair of songwriters who sued Chris Brown and Drake for copyright infringement on "No Guidance" dropped the lawsuit in its entirety.
October 14, 2022: Special Guest at Usher's Las Vegas Residency
On October 14, 2022, Chris Brown appeared as a special guest at Usher's Las Vegas Residency to perform a few songs. Following his performance, Usher hailed Brown as a legend.
November 16, 2022: Release of Christmas-Themed Songs
On November 16, 2022, Chris Brown released two Christmas-themed songs, "No Time Like Christmas" and "It's Giving Christmas".
November 18, 2022: Cancellation of Michael Jackson Tribute Performance
On November 18, 2022, Chris Brown announced that the American Music Awards had canceled his scheduled tribute performance to Michael Jackson in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the 1982 album Thriller. The cancellation prompted backlash against the AMAs.
2022: Gross Revenue Milestone
By 2022, Chris Brown had grossed $166 million from 284 shows since 2006, according to a Pollstar report.
2022: Burger King Portfolio Sale
In 2022, Chris Brown revealed that he sold his portfolio of Burger King restaurants.
2022: "Under the Influence" Re-Release
In 2022, Chris Brown's Indigo album had a sleeper hit with its song "Under the Influence", which was re-released as a single.
January 2023: Most Gold Certified Singles by RIAA Among Male Vocalists
In January 2023, Chris Brown broke Elvis Presley's record for the most gold certified singles by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) among all male vocalists with his 56th gold-certified single, "Call Me Everyday".
January 2023: RIAA Gold Certified Singles Record
In January 2023, Chris Brown surpassed Elvis Presley for the most RIAA gold-certified singles among all male vocalists in history.
February 2023: First Male Vocalist with 20 Multi-Platinum Singles in the US
In February 2023, Chris Brown became the first male vocalist in RIAA history to score 20 multi-platinum singles in the US.
February 2023: Touring Gross Revenue Report
In February 2023, Pollstar reported that Chris Brown had grossed $166 million from 284 shows between 2006 and 2022.
March 2023: Reaching 10 No. 1s on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart
In March 2023, Chris Brown became the fifth artist in Billboard's history to reach 10 No. 1s on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart with his hit record Under the Influence.
April 2023: Co-headlining Rolling Loud Thailand
In April 2023, Chris Brown co-headlined Rolling Loud Thailand in its inaugural year, alongside Travis Scott and Cardi B.
May 2023: NAMI 3D Printed Slides Launch
In May 2023, Chris Brown partnered with Zellerfeld, Nos Ailes, and The Auracles to launch his own line of 3D printed slides, NAMI.
June 2023: Release of "Summer Too Hot"
In June 2023, Chris Brown released "Summer Too Hot", the lead single of his eleventh album.
June 2023: "Pills and Automobiles" Copyright Lawsuit Dropped
In June 2023, the musician who filed the copyright infringement lawsuit on Chris Brown's "Pills and Automobiles" dropped the lawsuit.
August 4, 2023: Release of "How We Roll"
On August 4, 2023, Chris Brown's single "How We Roll" in collaboration with Ciara was released.
August 27, 2023: Chris Brown and Friends Live In Jamaica
On August 27, 2023, Chris Brown headlined a one-off concert at Jamaica National Stadium, titled Chris Brown and Friends Live In Jamaica, as part of his 'Under the Influence Tour'.
September 8, 2023: Feature on Tee Grizzley's Single "IDGAF"
On September 8, 2023, Chris Brown alongside Mariah the Scientist appeared as featured artists on Tee Grizzley single IDGAF.
September 2023: Bussin Cannabis Brand Launch
In September 2023, Chris Brown partnered with Originals, a California-based cannabis brand and dispensary, to launch Bussin, a recreational cannabis brand.
October 2023: Partnership with Faraday Future
In October 2023, Chris Brown partnered with Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc, an electric vehicle startup, as an ambassador and Co-Creation Officer.
October 20, 2023: Release of "Sensational"
On October 20, 2023, Chris Brown released the Afrobeats song "Sensational" featuring Nigerian artists Lojay and Davido, as the second single of his 11:11 album.
October 21, 2023: Clarification of 11:11 Album Tracklist
On October 21, 2023, Chris Brown clarified that his upcoming album 11:11 would contain 22 songs, as opposed to the 11 he had stated previously.
November 6, 2023: Confirmation of Featured Artists on 11:11 Album
On November 6, 2023, Chris Brown confirmed that there would be 7 featured artists on the 11:11 album, including Lojay, Davido, Future, Fridayy, Byron Messia, and two hidden features.
November 7, 2023: Release of "Nightmares"
On November 7, 2023, Chris Brown released the single "Nightmares" featuring Byron Messia.
November 10, 2023: 11:11 Album Release
On November 10, 2023, Chris Brown released his album "11:11", his third double album containing 11 tracks on each side. The album debuted at number nine on the US Billboard 200.
December 2023: Vevo's Most Watched Artists
In December 2023, Vevo reported Chris Brown as the 6th most watched artist in the US and 10th globally for the 2023 calendar year, with 413.7 million views in the US and 1.4 billion views globally.
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".
2023: Brown reflects on first album
In 2023 Chris Brown reflected on his first album.
January 2024: Billboard Hot 100 Charting Streak
In January 2024, Chris Brown became the first artist in the 21st century to have charted on the Billboard Hot 100 for at least 20 distinct and consecutive calendar years.
March 5, 2024: The 11:11 Tour Announcement
On March 5, 2024, Chris Brown announced "The 11:11 Tour", a North American arena tour featuring singers Ayra Starr, Muni Long and Maeta as supporting acts.
March 2024: CB 15K x Chris Brown Disposable Vape Launch
In March 2024, Chris Brown launched a line of disposable vapes called the CB 15K x Chris Brown Disposable Vape.
April 11, 2024: 11:11 (Deluxe) Album Release and Diss Track
On April 11, 2024, Chris Brown released "11:11 (Deluxe)", containing 13 additional tracks and features from Lil Wayne, Bryson Tiller, Davido, Joyner Lucas, Tee Grizzley and Mario. The song "Freak" features a verse where Brown disses Quavo, leading to a series of diss tracks between the two.
November 2024: First Male Vocalist with Over 40 Platinum Singles in the US
In November 2024, Chris Brown became the first male vocalist in RIAA history to score over 40 platinum singles in the US.
2024: Digital Singles Certification
As of 2024, Chris Brown has certified 114.5 million digital singles in the US, the most of any male R&B singer in history, tying for 11th overall across all genres.
2024: 11:11 Tour Gross Revenue
In 2024, Chris Brown grossed $82 million from his 11:11 tour.
January 23, 2025: Music Video Release for 'Residuals'
On January 23, 2025, Chris Brown released a music video for his Grammy-nominated song "Residuals" from the 11:11 (Deluxe) album.
February 2, 2025: Grammy Award for Best R&B Album
On February 2, 2025, Chris Brown's "11:11 (Deluxe)" won the Grammy for "Best R&B Album" at the 2025 Grammy Awards.
March 27, 2025: Announcement of Breezy Bowl XX Stadium World Tour
On March 27, 2025, Chris Brown announced a stadium world tour titled "Breezy Bowl XX" with special guests Summer Walker and Bryson Tiller, celebrating the 20th anniversary of his self-titled album.
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