History of Chris Brown in Timeline
Chris Brown, an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor, is a leading figure in R&B music. Known as the "King of R&B," he's credited with evolving the genre by incorporating pop and hip-hop influences. His lyrics often focus on emotional and hedonistic themes. Brown's exceptional singing and dancing skills have drawn comparisons to Michael Jackson.
1982: 40th Anniversary of Michael Jackson's "Thriller"
The year 1982 marked the release of Michael Jackson's iconic album "Thriller."
May 5, 1989: Chris Brown is born
Christopher Maurice Brown was born on May 5, 1989. He would go on to become a successful singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor.
1992: Billboard R&B/Hip Hop Airplay Chart Established
The Billboard R&B/Hip Hop Airplay chart was first established in 1992.
1995: "Run It!" tops the charts
Chris Brown's debut single "Run It!" peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100 in 1995, making him the first male artist since 1995 to achieve this feat with a debut single.
1997: Release of "Tight Up Skirt"
The dancehall track "Tight Up Skirt" by Red Rat was released in 1997. This song later became relevant due to allegations that Chris Brown's song "Privacy" lifted a line from it.
2004: Chris Brown moves to New York
Chris Brown moved to New York in late 2004 to fully pursue his music career. At the time, he was attending Essex High School in Virginia.
2004: Chris Brown Signs with Jive Records
Chris Brown signs with Jive Records in 2004, marking the beginning of his professional music career.
2004: Chris Brown signs with Jive Records
In 2004, Chris Brown signed with Jive Records, a pivotal step in his music career.
February 2005: Recording of Debut Album Begins
In February 2005, Chris Brown started recording his first studio album after signing with Jive Records in 2004.
November 29, 2005: Chris Brown's Debut Album Released
Chris Brown released his self-titled debut album on November 29, 2005. The album was a commercial success, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 and selling over three million copies in the United States.
2005: "Kiss Kiss" Reaches Number One
Chris Brown's single "Kiss Kiss" featuring T-Pain achieved major success, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2005, becoming his second number one single following "Run It!".
June 13, 2006: Release of "Chris Brown's Journey" DVD
On June 13, 2006, Chris Brown released a DVD entitled "Chris Brown's Journey", which includes behind-the-scenes footage of his music videos, bloopers, and his experiences in England and Japan.
August 17, 2006: "The Up Close and Personal Tour" Begins
Chris Brown embarked on his co-headlining tour, "The Up Close and Personal Tour", on August 17, 2006, to further promote his debut album.
2006: Start of Touring Career
Chris Brown began his touring career in 2006, marking the start of his journey to becoming one of the highest-grossing African American touring artists.
2006: Chris Brown Recreates Michael Jackson's "Thriller" at the World Music Awards
In 2006, Chris Brown paid homage to Michael Jackson by performing a recreation of the iconic "Thriller" choreography at the World Music Awards. This performance showcased his dance skills and admiration for Jackson's influence on his artistry.
January 12, 2007: "Stomp the Yard" Film Debut
Chris Brown made his film debut on January 12, 2007, in the dance drama "Stomp the Yard", co-starring with Ne-Yo, Meagan Good, and Columbus Short.
January 2007: Television Debut on "The O.C."
In January 2007, Chris Brown made his television debut with a small role in the fourth season of the American teen drama series "The O.C.".
April 2007: Opening Act for Beyoncé in Australia
Chris Brown opened for Beyoncé on the Australian leg of her "The Beyoncé Experience" tour in April 2007.
July 9, 2007: Chris Brown's 18th Birthday Celebration on MTV
MTV celebrated Chris Brown's 18th birthday with a special episode of "My Super Sweet 16", retitled "Chris Brown: My Super 18", which aired on July 9, 2007.
November 6, 2007: "Exclusive" Album Released
Chris Brown's second studio album, "Exclusive", was released in the United States on November 6, 2007. The album became a commercial success, debuting at number four on the US Billboard 200 and achieving platinum certification.
November 2007: Support for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
In November 2007, Chris Brown showcased his support for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by hosting a video for their Math-A-Thon program, encouraging students to use their math skills to support children battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
November 21, 2007: "This Christmas" Film and Soundtrack
Chris Brown starred in the family drama "This Christmas", which was released on November 21, 2007. He also contributed to the movie's soundtrack, including his rendition of "This Christmas".
December 6, 2007: "The Exclusive Holiday Tour" Begins
Chris Brown kicked off his "The Exclusive Holiday Tour" on December 6, 2007, in Cincinnati, Ohio, performing at over thirty venues across the United States.
2007: Chris Brown makes his acting debut
Chris Brown expanded his career into acting, making his feature film debut in "Stomp the Yard" in 2007, showcasing his versatility beyond music. He also appeared in the popular television series "The O.C."
2007: Chris Brown's Acting Debut in "Stomp the Yard" and "This Christmas"
In 2007, Chris Brown made his acting debut with supporting roles in the dance drama "Stomp the Yard" and the Christmas comedy "This Christmas." These early roles marked his foray into acting alongside his flourishing music career.
2007: Relationship with Rihanna Begins
Chris Brown started dating singer Rihanna in 2007.
2007: Release of "Exclusive"
Chris Brown released his second album, "Exclusive", in 2007, achieving global commercial success. The album featured "Kiss Kiss," his second song to top the Billboard Hot 100.
2007: Founding of CBE Record Label
Chris Brown established his record label, CBE (Chris Brown Entertainment or Culture Beyond Evolution), under Interscope Records in 2007.
February 9, 2008: "The Exclusive Holiday Tour" Concludes
Chris Brown concluded his "The Exclusive Holiday Tour" on February 9, 2008, in Honolulu, Hawaii, marking the end of a successful run of performances across the United States.
March 2008: Collaboration on "No Air" with Jordin Sparks
In March 2008, Chris Brown collaborated with Jordin Sparks on the single "No Air", which achieved global success, reaching number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
June 3, 2008: "Exclusive: The Forever Edition" Released
Chris Brown released a re-issue of his album "Exclusive", titled "Exclusive: The Forever Edition", on June 3, 2008. The re-issue included four new tracks, including the hit single "Forever".
August 2008: Guest Appearance on "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody"
Chris Brown made a guest appearance as himself on the Disney Channel series "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" in August 2008.
2008: Work Began on Graffiti Album
In 2008, Chris Brown began working on his third studio album Graffiti, aiming to experiment with a different musical direction inspired by Prince and Michael Jackson.
2008: Chris Brown's Guest Appearance on "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody"
In 2008, Chris Brown made a guest appearance on the popular children's TV show "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody." This lighthearted appearance showcased his willingness to engage with a younger audience and expand his reach beyond his core fan base.
February 8, 2009: Domestic Violence Scandal with Rihanna
On February 8, 2009, a domestic violence scandal involving Chris Brown and his then-girlfriend Rihanna erupted. The incident caused significant backlash against Brown, leading to the loss of endorsements and temporary bans on his music from some radio stations.
June 22, 2009: Brown Pleads Guilty to Assault
On June 22, 2009, Chris Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault charges related to the incident with Rihanna. He accepted a plea deal that included community labor, five years of probation, and domestic violence counseling.
September 2, 2009: First Public Interview About Rihanna Incident
On September 2, 2009, Chris Brown gave his first public interview about the assault on Rihanna. He expressed shock and remorse, stating that the incident did not reflect his true character.
September 29, 2009: Release of 'I Can Transform Ya'
On September 29, 2009, Chris Brown released the lead single 'I Can Transform Ya' from his third studio album Graffiti. The song reached number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
October 2009: Launch of "Mechanical Dummy" Website
Chris Brown launched his lifestyle website, "Mechanical Dummy," in October 2009. The website aimed to showcase trends in technology, music, culture, fashion, style, and emerging brands, with Brown serving as the 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 peaked at number 53 on the Billboard Hot 100.
December 8, 2009: Release of Graffiti Album
Chris Brown released his third studio album Graffiti on December 8, 2009. Despite taking full control of the album's artistic direction, it was a commercial and critical failure, debuting at number 7 on the US Billboard 200 chart.
2009: Relationship with Rihanna Ends
Chris Brown's relationship with Rihanna ended in 2009 after a highly publicized domestic violence case.
2009: Chris Brown pleads guilty to felony assault
In 2009, Chris Brown faced serious legal trouble and public scrutiny after pleading guilty to felony assault of his then-girlfriend, singer Rihanna. This incident significantly impacted his personal life and career.
2009: Release of "Graffiti"
In 2009, Chris Brown released his album "Graffiti."
2009: Recognition of Chris Brown's Vocal Abilities
Chris Brown's impressive vocal range was acknowledged in 2009 when his song "Take You Down" earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. This recognition solidified his reputation as a talented vocalist within the R&B genre.
August 2010: Starred 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: Announced Album F.A.M.E.
In September 2010, Chris Brown announced his album F.A.M.E., releasing the first official single 'Yeah 3x' which achieved international success.
2010: Ban From Entering the United Kingdom
In 2010, Chris Brown was banned from entering the United Kingdom.
2010: Chris Brown stars in "Takers"
Chris Brown continued his acting career by starring in the film "Takers" in 2010.
2010: Chris Brown's Evolving Musical Style
In 2010, Chris Brown began incorporating more hip-hop elements into his music, rapping on mixtapes and featuring full hip-hop tracks on his albums. This marked a notable departure from his earlier dance-pop and Europop sound.
2010: Brown and Tyga Release "Fan of a Fan" Mixtape
In 2010, Chris Brown and Tyga released their collaborative mixtape, "Fan of a Fan." This laid the foundation for their future collaborative album.
2010: Release of Three Mixtapes
During 2010, Chris Brown released three free mixtapes: In My Zone (Rhythm & Streets), Fan of a Fan, and In My Zone 2. The mixtapes featured a new writing style and a mix of R&B and hip hop, receiving a great response from his core audience.
2010: Chris Brown's Role in the Thriller "Takers"
Chris Brown starred in and executive produced the heist thriller "Takers" in 2010, showcasing his involvement in film production and his interest in exploring diverse acting roles beyond comedic or musical projects.
February 2011: Restraining Order Modified
In February 2011, the restraining order against Chris Brown was modified, allowing him and Rihanna to appear together at awards shows.
March 18, 2011: Release of F.A.M.E. Album
On March 18, 2011, Chris Brown released his fourth studio album F.A.M.E., which debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart with first-week sales of 270,000 copies.
March 23, 2011: Graffiti Sales Report
As of March 23, 2011, Chris Brown's album Graffiti had sold 341,000 copies in the United States.
October 7, 2011: Jive Records Disbands, Brown Moves to RCA Records
On October 7, 2011, RCA Music Group announced the disbanding of Jive Records along with Arista Records and J Records. Chris Brown, along with other artists from these labels, would release future material on RCA Records.
2011: Brown Dominates Award Shows
In 2011, Chris Brown received numerous awards including five BET Awards, three BET Hip Hop Awards, a Soul Train Music Award for Album of the Year and three Grammy nominations.
2011: Success of 'Look at Me Now'
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 and became the best-selling rap song of the year.
2011: Chris Brown's Elaborate Medley at the MTV Video Music Awards
Chris Brown delivered a visually stunning medley at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, incorporating intricate choreography and aerial elements into his performance. The elaborate performance highlighted his dedication to pushing creative boundaries in his stage shows.
2011: Relationships with Draya Michele and Karrueche Tran
In 2011, Chris Brown briefly dated model Draya Michele. Later that year, he began dating Karrueche Tran.
2011: "F.A.M.E." is released
Chris Brown released "F.A.M.E." in 2011, marking a significant comeback as his first album to top the Billboard 200. The album's success was fueled by hit singles like "Yeah 3x," "Look at Me Now," and "Beautiful People." This album also earned Brown a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album.
2011: Chris Brown's Guest Appearance on "Tosh.O"
Chris Brown made a guest appearance on the Comedy Central series "Tosh.O" in 2011, demonstrating his willingness to participate in comedic content and embrace a different side of entertainment.
February 12, 2012: Brown Wins First Grammy Award
On February 12, 2012, Chris Brown won his first Grammy Award for Best R&B Album for his album "F.A.M.E." He also performed at the ceremony for the first time since his assault conviction.
February 2012: Music Collaboration and Relationship Speculation
In February 2012, Rihanna and Chris Brown released remixes to their singles "Turn Up the Music" and "Birthday Cake," leading observers to speculate about their relationship.
May 2012: Collaboration with Ron English for "Dum English"
Chris Brown teamed up with artist Ron English in May 2012 to create a limited-edition toy and sculpture line called "Dum English." The collection was unveiled at the Toy Art Gallery in Los Angeles.
June 14, 2012: Altercation with Drake
On June 14, 2012, Chris Brown was involved in an altercation with Drake at a nightclub in New York City. The incident resulted in several injuries, including to NBA player Tony Parker.
July 3, 2012: Brown Releases "Fortune" Album
Chris Brown's fifth studio album, "Fortune," was released on July 3, 2012. The album debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 but received mixed reviews, with some critics finding it overly commercial.
October 2012: Breakup with Karrueche Tran
In October 2012, Chris Brown announced that he ended his relationship with Karrueche Tran because of his friendship with Rihanna.
November 2012: Establishment of Symphonic Love Foundation
Chris Brown founded the nonprofit charity organization, the "Symphonic Love Foundation," in November 2012. The foundation aimed to provide financial support to children's arts programs, health and education initiatives, as well as organizations addressing domestic abuse, dating violence, HIV/AIDS, and leadership development for children with developmental disabilities.
2012: "Fortune" tops the charts
Chris Brown's fifth album, "Fortune," was released in 2012 and reached the top spot on the Billboard 200, further solidifying his commercial success.
2012: Chris Brown stars in "Think Like a Man"
In 2012, Chris Brown appeared in the film "Think Like a Man."
2012: Launch of Black Pyramid clothing line
In 2012, Chris Brown launched his streetwear clothing line called Black Pyramid, collaborating with the founders of the Pink + Dolphin clothing line.
2012: Chris Brown's Role in the Romantic Comedy "Think Like a Man"
In 2012, Chris Brown starred in the romantic comedy "Think Like a Man," further diversifying his acting portfolio by taking on roles in various genres and exploring different aspects of storytelling.
2012: Hiring of Mike G as Manager
Chris Brown hired Mike G as his manager in 2012 to help improve 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 in West Hollywood. Brown was investigated for battery, but Ocean decided not to press charges.
January 2013: Rekindled Relationship with Rihanna
In January 2013, Rihanna confirmed that she and Chris Brown had resumed their romantic relationship.
February 15, 2013: Brown Releases "Home"
Chris Brown unofficially released the song "Home" on February 15, 2013. The song reflects on the downsides of fame and the comfort of returning to his roots.
March 26, 2013: Brown Announces "X" Album
Chris Brown announced the release of his album "X" on March 26, 2013. He discussed the album's mature and soulful direction in several interviews.
March 29, 2013: Brown Releases "Fine China"
On March 29, 2013, Chris Brown released "Fine China" as the lead single for his upcoming album "X." The song was critically acclaimed for its soulful sound.
May 2013: Breakup with Rihanna
In May 2013, Chris Brown stated that he and Rihanna had broken up again.
July 2013: Probation Revoked After Hit and Run
Chris Brown's probation was revoked in July 2013 after an alleged hit-and-run incident in Los Angeles. He was later ordered to complete 1,000 additional hours of community service.
August 9, 2013: Brown Suffers Seizure
On August 9, 2013, Chris Brown suffered a seizure at Record Plant Studios in Hollywood. His representative attributed the seizure to intense fatigue and emotional stress.
August 2013: Court Appearance for Hit and Run
In August 2013, Chris Brown appeared in court regarding the hit-and-run incident from the previous month. The charges were eventually dropped.
October 2013: Arrested for Assault in Washington, D.C.
Chris Brown was arrested for felony assault in Washington, D.C. in October 2013. The charge was later reduced to a misdemeanor. He spent 36 hours in jail and was ordered to report to his probation officer in California.
October 30, 2013: Brown Enters Rehab
Chris Brown voluntarily entered rehab on October 30, 2013.
November 2013: Partnership with Sprayground for Backpack Collection
In November 2013, Chris Brown collaborated with Sprayground, a New York-based backpack company, to launch a limited line of custom backpacks known as the "Invasion Capsule Collection."
November 19, 2013: Brown Releases "X Files" Mixtape
To tide fans over until the release of "X," Chris Brown released the mixtape "X Files" on November 19, 2013.
November 20, 2013: Brown Sentenced to Anger Management
On November 20, 2013, Chris Brown was sentenced to three months of anger management rehabilitation, jeopardizing the December release of "X."
December 2013: Planned "X" Release
December 2013 was the initial planned release date for Chris Brown's album "X," but it was delayed due to his anger management rehabilitation sentence.
2013: Mental Health Struggles and Rehab
In 2013, Chris Brown's struggles with mental health and addiction came to light. He was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder and PTSD, and was sentenced to 90 days in rehab as part of his probation for the Rihanna incident.
2013: Chris Brown Discusses His Songwriting Inspiration
In a 2013 interview, Chris Brown revealed that his songwriting is rooted in personal experiences, blending reality with artistic expression. Music critics have noted the autobiographical nature of his work, particularly in albums exploring themes of heartbreak and relationships.
2013: Chris Brown's Role in the Dance Film "Battle of the Year"
Chris Brown returned to his dance roots with a starring role in the 2013 dance film "Battle of the Year," highlighting his continuing passion for dance and his ability to integrate it into his acting projects.
2013: Substance Abuse Issues
Chris Brown revealed that he used substances like syrup and Xanax before his 2013 incarceration. He also admitted to using marijuana to offset his hyperactive tendencies.
2013: Chris Brown stars in "Battle of the Year"
Chris Brown's acting career continued with his role in the 2013 film "Battle of the Year."
2013: Chris Brown discusses his early artistic intentions
During a 2013 interview, Chris Brown revealed that his initial artistic vision was to combine rapping and singing in his music. However, Jive Records encouraged him to focus solely on singing, as it was not yet common for R&B artists to rap on their records.
February 22, 2014: "X" Release Date Announced
The release date for Chris Brown's album "X" was announced on February 22, 2014, and was set for his birthday, May 5, 2014.
March 14, 2014: Expelled from Rehab, Sent to Jail
Chris Brown was expelled from the rehab facility on March 14, 2014, for violating internal rules. He was sent to Northern Neck Regional Jail.
April 14, 2014: Brown Teases Collaboration With Ariana Grande
Chris Brown teased a collaboration with Ariana Grande on April 14, 2014, with the track "Don't Be Gone Too Long." The song was ultimately unreleased.
April 23, 2014: Court Hearing and Release Denial
On April 23, 2014, a judge denied Chris Brown's request for release from custody. He was expected to be released on this date after completing his 90-day rehab sentence, but his probation violation led to further legal trouble.
May 5, 2014: "X" Release Date
May 5, 2014, was the planned release date for Chris Brown's album "X." However, it was delayed due to his legal troubles.
May 9, 2014: Brown Jailed, "X" Delayed
On May 9, 2014, Chris Brown was sentenced to 131 days in jail for violating his probation. The release of "X" was further delayed.
June 2, 2014: Release from Jail and Expression of Faith
After being released from jail on June 2, 2014, Chris Brown expressed gratitude to God.
August 25, 2014: Brown Releases Title Track "X"
The title track "X" from Chris Brown's upcoming album was released as an instant-gratification track alongside the album pre-order on August 25, 2014.
September 16, 2014: Brown Releases "X" Album
Chris Brown's sixth studio album, "X," was released on September 16, 2014. The album received generally positive reviews from critics, marking an improvement over his previous release.
2014: Brown Opens Up About Drug Use
In 2014, Brown revealed in an interview that he used lean, Xanax, and marijuana to cope with his hyperactive tendencies and sleep problems.
2014: Release of "X"
Chris Brown's album "X" was released in 2014, peaking within the top three of the Billboard 200.
2014: Shift in CBE's Focus
Beginning in 2014, Chris Brown's record label, CBE, shifted its focus to primarily signing Brown's own works.
February 24, 2015: Brown Releases Collaborative Album
On February 24, 2015, Chris Brown and Tyga released their collaborative studio album "Fan of a Fan: The Album."
April 2015: Brown Becomes a Father, Breaks Up with Karrueche Tran
In April 2015, Chris Brown discovered he had a daughter and ended his relationship with his then-girlfriend, Karrueche Tran. He also embarked on his "One Hell of a Nite Tour."
April 2015: Relapse After 15 Months of Sobriety
Around April 2015, Brown relapsed after a 15-month period of sobriety. He began using drugs again, including Xanax and lean.
October 13, 2015: Royalty Album Announcement
On October 13, 2015, Chris Brown announced that his seventh studio album, "Royalty," would be released on November 27, 2015.
November 27, 2015: Before the Party Mixtape Release
On November 27, 2015, Chris Brown released a 34-track mixtape titled "Before the Party" as a prelude to his album "Royalty," which was pushed back to December 18, 2015.
December 11, 2015: Face of BAPE Black Label
On December 11, 2015, Chris Brown was announced as the face of the Japanese fashion brand A Bathing Ape's high-end range, BAPE Black Label, following in the footsteps of Travis Scott.
December 18, 2015: Royalty Album Release
Chris Brown's seventh studio album "Royalty" was released on December 18, 2015 and debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200.
2015: Chris Brown's Street Art at The Grammy Museum
In 2015, Chris Brown created street art at The Grammy Museum, incorporating images of musical icons like James Brown, Prince, Michael Jackson, and himself. This endeavor demonstrated his artistic versatility beyond music and his respect for influential figures in the music industry.
2015: "X" Nominated for Grammy Award
In 2015, Chris Brown's album "X" was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporary Album.
2015: Chris Brown's Impromptu Freestyle Dancing at Vestival The Hague Malieveld
In 2015, Chris Brown impressed audiences with his impromptu freestyle dancing to Future's "March Madness" at Vestival The Hague Malieveld. His energetic performance included a well-executed front flip, showcasing his improvisational dance skills.
2015: Chris Brown Discusses Faith
In 2015, Chris Brown discussed his faith and belief in God during an interview for Vibe magazine.
2015: Release of "Royalty"
Chris Brown's "Royalty" album was released in 2015, also reaching the top three of the Billboard 200.
2015: Reunion with Karrueche Tran and Birth of First Child
Chris Brown reunited with Karrueche Tran, but they parted ways following confirmation of Brown's first-born daughter in 2015.
2015: Burger King Franchise Ownership
In 2015, Chris Brown revealed that he owned fourteen Burger King restaurants.
May 5, 2016: "Grass Ain't Greener" Release
Chris Brown released "Grass Ain't Greener" on May 5, 2016, as the first single from his upcoming album "Heartbreak on a Full Moon."
June 2016: Lawsuit Filed by Former Manager
In June 2016, Chris Brown was sued for assault, false imprisonment, and battery by his former manager, Mike G. Mike G, who was hired in 2012 to help Brown repair his public image, alleged that Brown assaulted him on May 10, 2016.
August 30, 2016: Alleged Gun Threat and Standoff with Police
In the early hours of August 30, 2016, a woman accused Chris Brown of threatening her with a gun in his house. A standoff ensued between Brown and the LAPD, during which he posted videos on Instagram criticizing the police and media coverage. He was later arrested and released on bail.
September 1, 2016: Brown's Lawyer Denies Standoff and Charges Dropped
On September 1, 2016, Chris Brown's lawyer, Mark Geragos, denied the occurrence of a standoff with the police and stated that nothing was found to support the accuser's claims. Charges against Brown were subsequently dropped.
December 16, 2016: "Party" Release
On December 16, 2016, Chris Brown released "Party," the second single from his upcoming album, featuring Usher and Gucci Mane.
2016: Expansion of Black Pyramid
In 2016, Chris Brown's Black Pyramid clothing line expanded its reach through partnerships with streetwear companies like Snipes for worldwide distribution and the establishment of its own Black Pyramid boutiques.
2016: Collaborations and Modeling
In 2016, Chris Brown partnered with German streetwear company Snipes for a summer capsule collection. He also served as a model for Philipp Plein's fall and winter campaign. In an interview with Vanity Fair Italia, Brown shared his definition of style, emphasizing self-awareness, self-confidence, and individuality.
2016: European Leg of "One Hell of a Nite Tour"
Chris Brown's "One Hell of a Nite Tour" included a European leg in 2016.
2016: Increased Drug Use
Brown's drug use escalated in the early months of 2016. According to reports, he was using cocaine, Xanax, marijuana, molly, and lean.
August 4, 2017: "Pills & Automobiles" Release
On August 4, 2017, Chris Brown released "Pills & Automobiles," the fourth single from his upcoming album, featuring Yo Gotti, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, and Kodak Black.
October 25, 2017: Free Pop-Up Concert
On October 25, 2017, Chris Brown organized a free pop-up concert in New York City with Tidal to promote his album "Heartbreak on a Full Moon."
October 31, 2017: Heartbreak on a Full Moon Release
Chris Brown's double-disc album "Heartbreak on a Full Moon" was released on October 31, 2017, through digital retailers and on CD three days later.
December 13, 2017: Cuffing Season – 12 Days of Christmas Release
Chris Brown released a 12-track deluxe edition of "Heartbreak on a Full Moon" called "Cuffing Season – 12 Days of Christmas" on December 13, 2017.
2017: Brown's Documentary Reveals Details of Relationship with Rihanna
In 2017, Chris Brown released a documentary titled 'Welcome to My Life,' in which he detailed his relationship with Rihanna, including his intentions to marry her and the events leading up to the 2009 assault.
2017: Welcome to My Life Documentary
In 2017, Chris Brown released his self-documentary Welcome to My Life, where he discussed the drastic drop in his reputation following the 2009 assault on Rihanna.
2017: Restraining Order Granted to Karrueche Tran
In 2017, a judge in Santa Monica granted Chris Brown's ex-girlfriend, Karrueche Tran, a 5-year restraining order against him. This followed Tran's presentation of text messages and voicemails in court, in which Brown threatened her and demanded the return of gifts given during their relationship.
2017: Chris Brown's documentary "Welcome to My Life"
In 2017, Chris Brown provided a deeper look into his personal life in his self-documentary, "Welcome to My Life." He candidly discussed his childhood experiences, including the traumatic domestic violence his mother endured.
2017: Chris Brown Releases Documentary "Welcome to My Life"
In 2017, Chris Brown produced and starred in a documentary about his life titled "Welcome to My Life." This documentary provided a platform for Brown to share his personal experiences and perspectives with his audience.
2017: Release of "Heartbreak on a Full Moon"
Chris Brown released his eighth album, "Heartbreak on a Full Moon," in 2017. The double-disc album, consisting of 45 tracks, achieved double platinum status, showcasing its popularity and commercial success.
2017: Billboard Investigates Brown's Mental Health
Billboard published an article in 2017 investigating Chris Brown's ongoing struggles with mental health and addiction, revealing details about his drug use and the concerns of his former team members.
January 31, 2018: "State of the Union" Release
Chris Brown released "State of the Union", a ballad about social harmony, for free on January 31, 2018, after President Donald Trump's 2020 State of the Union Address.
March 15, 2018: "Freaky Friday" Release
Chris Brown was featured on Lil Dicky's hit single "Freaky Friday," which was released on March 15, 2018, and became a successful comedy song.
June 2018: Heartbreak on a Full Moon Tour
In June 2018, Chris Brown embarked on his US "Heartbreak on a Full Moon Tour" to promote the album.
January 4, 2019: "Undecided" Release
On January 4, 2019, Chris Brown released "Undecided," the lead single from his ninth album, Indigo. This marked his first release after signing a new agreement with RCA Records, granting him ownership of his master recordings.
May 2019: Billboard Hot 100 Milestone
In May 2019, Chris Brown surpassed James Brown for the most Billboard Hot 100 entries among R&B singers.
June 10, 2019: Indigoat Tour Announcement
Chris Brown announced his Indigoat Tour on June 10, 2019, in support of his album Indigo. The tour would span across the United States.
June 28, 2019: Indigo Album Release
Chris Brown released his ninth studio album, Indigo, on June 28, 2019. It was his second double album, debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200.
October 4, 2019: Indigo Extended Release
Chris Brown released a deluxe version of Indigo, titled Indigo Extended, on October 4, 2019. It included 10 additional songs, bringing the total to 42.
December 2019: Work Begins on Tenth Album
Chris Brown revealed in December 2019 that he had started working on new material for his tenth studio album.
2019: Breaking his own record
In 2019, Chris Brown broke his own record for the longest running #1 on the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop Airplay Chart with his single "Go Crazy," which remained at the top spot for 28 weeks.
2019: Billboard recognizes Brown's success in the 2010s
In 2019, Billboard named Chris Brown the third most successful R&B and hip-hop artist of the 2010s decade, highlighting his sustained influence and achievements in these genres.
2019: Birth of Son
Chris Brown welcomed a son in 2019.
2019: Settlement with Former Manager
In 2019, the lawsuit filed by Chris Brown's former manager, Mike G, was settled out of court. Brown and Mike G informed the court that they had reconciled and reached a confidential agreement, closing all claims against each other.
2019: Release of "Indigo" and "No Guidance" success
In 2019, Chris Brown's ninth studio album, "Indigo," debuted at the top of the Billboard 200. The album's single, "No Guidance," achieved a record-breaking run as the longest-running number one on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart.
2019: Release of "Indigo" Extended Edition
In 2019, Chris Brown released an extended edition of his album "Indigo," which included the song "Under the Influence."
January 2020: Longest Running #1 on Billboard R&B/Hip Hop Airplay Chart
Chris Brown set the record for the longest running #1 on the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop Airplay chart with his 2019 single "No Guidance," which remained #1 for 27 weeks.
April 29, 2020: Slime & B Mixtape Announcement
Chris Brown announced a collaborative mixtape with Young Thug titled Slime & B on April 29, 2020.
May 1, 2020: "Not You Too" Feature
Chris Brown was featured on Drake's mixtape Dark Lane Demo Tapes on the track "Not You Too" on May 1, 2020. This marked Brown's 100th entry on the US Billboard Hot 100.
May 5, 2020: Slime & B Mixtape Release
Chris Brown and Young Thug released their collaborative mixtape, Slime & B, on May 5, 2020. It 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: Breezy Album Title Reveal
On July 9, 2020, Chris Brown announced on Instagram that his tenth studio album would be titled Breezy, a reference to his nickname.
December 2020: Alleged Rape Incident
The alleged rape incident involving Chris Brown and the woman who later filed a civil suit against him was said to have taken place in December 2020.
2020: Chris Brown's Mural in Memory of Kobe Bryant
In 2020, Chris Brown created a mural as a tribute to basketball legend Kobe Bryant, featuring Kobe's portrait, a mamba, and depictions of his basketball skills. This artistic tribute highlighted Brown's use of art to express admiration and commemorate influential figures.
April 2021: "Go Crazy" Breaks Record
In April 2021, Chris Brown's song "Go Crazy" from the Slime & B mixtape broke the record for the longest running No. 1 song on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay.
August 2, 2021: Breezy Short Film Announcement
Chris Brown announced on Instagram on August 2, 2021, that his album Breezy would be accompanied by a short film of the same name.
November 11, 2021: Launch of "Breezy's Cosmic Crunch" Cereal
Chris Brown launched his own cereal, "Breezy's Cosmic Crunch," on November 11, 2021, partnering with SoFlo Snacks for a limited-edition collectible breakfast cereal.
2021: Chris Brown's Supporting Role in the Sports Comedy "She Ball"
Chris Brown took on a supporting role in the sports comedy film "She Ball" in 2021, further expanding his range as an actor and demonstrating his versatility in comedic roles.
January 14, 2022: "Iffy" Single Release
Chris Brown released the single "Iffy" on January 14, 2022, as part of his upcoming album Breezy.
January 2022: Rape Allegation and Civil Suit
In January 2022, a woman filed a civil suit against Chris Brown, accusing him of raping her on a yacht in Miami in December 2020. She sought $20 million in damages.
March 27, 2022: F1 Post-Race Concert Performance
Chris Brown co-headlined a Formula 1 post-race concert for the 2022 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on March 27, 2022.
April 1, 2022: "WE (Warm Embrace)" Single Release
Chris Brown released "WE (Warm Embrace)", the second single from his album Breezy, on April 1, 2022.
April 3, 2022: "Iffy" Tops Rhythmic Radio Chart
Chris Brown's single "Iffy" reached the number one spot on the Rhythmic Radio Chart on April 3, 2022.
April 26, 2022: "One of Them Ones" Tour Announcement
Chris Brown announced his U.S. summer tour "One of Them Ones" with rapper Lil Baby on April 26, 2022. The tour was set to include 27 stops across North America.
May 2022: Launch of "The Auracles" NFT Collection
In May 2022, Chris Brown partnered with Los Angeles-based clothing brand Renowned and online media company BlackNFTArt to launch an NFT collection called "The Auracles." This collection included corresponding physical streetwear pieces.
June 11, 2022: Las Vegas Residency Launch
Chris Brown performed at Drai's After Hours Nightclub in Las Vegas on June 11, 2022, marking the start of his multi-year residency at the venue.
June 17, 2022: "Call Me Every Day" Release
Chris Brown released "Call Me Every Day", an Afrobeats collaboration with Nigerian singer Wizkid, on June 17, 2022. This release came a week before his album Breezy.
June 24, 2022: Breezy Album Release
Chris Brown's tenth studio album, Breezy, was released by RCA Records and CBE on June 24, 2022. The album debuted at number four on the Billboard 200.
July 2022: Surpassing Elvis Presley and The Weeknd
In July 2022, Chris Brown achieved two significant milestones: he surpassed Elvis Presley for the most Billboard Hot 100 entries among male singers and overtook The Weeknd for the most charted songs on Billboard’s Hot R&B Songs chart.
July 2022: Release of "The Breezyverse" NFT Collection
Chris Brown unveiled "The Breezyverse" NFT collection in July 2022. Consisting of 10,000 3D animated NFTs with sound and visual effects, it was implemented on the Ethereum blockchain and released in conjunction with Brown's tenth studio album, "Breezy."
August 2022: Dismissal of Rape Lawsuit
The rape lawsuit against Chris Brown was dropped in August 2022.
September 4, 2022: International Artiste of the Year at the 15th Annual Headies Awards
On September 4, 2022, Chris Brown was awarded International Artiste of the year at the 15th annual Headies Awards. The award recognizes non-African artists who have made a significant impact on Afrobeats.
September 2022: 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 with his single "Under the Influence."
September 2022: Resolution of "No Guidance" Lawsuit
The copyright infringement lawsuit against Chris Brown and Drake for their song "No Guidance" was dropped in its entirety in September 2022.
October 14, 2022: Guest Appearance at Usher's Las Vegas Residency
On October 14, 2022, Chris Brown made a guest appearance at Usher's Las Vegas residency, performing a few songs and receiving praise from Usher as a "legend."
November 16, 2022: Release of "No Time Like Christmas" and "It's Giving Christmas"
Chris Brown released two Christmas-themed songs, "No Time Like Christmas" and "It's Giving Christmas," on November 16, 2022.
November 18, 2022: Cancellation of Michael Jackson Tribute at the American Music Awards
On November 18, 2022, Chris Brown announced that his planned tribute performance to Michael Jackson at the American Music Awards was canceled. The cancellation sparked backlash from fans and industry figures, with some viewing it as a slight against Black music.
2022: "Under the Influence" becomes a sleeper hit
In 2022, "Under the Influence," a song from Chris Brown's "Indigo" album, was re-released as a single and unexpectedly gained immense popularity, becoming a sleeper hit.
2022: Sale of Burger King Portfolio
Chris Brown disclosed in 2022 that he had sold his portfolio of Burger King restaurants.
2022: Continued Touring Success
Chris Brown continued his successful touring career through 2022, grossing $166 million from 284 shows since 2006.
2022: Birth of Second Daughter
Chris Brown welcomed a second daughter in 2022.
January 2023: Surpasses Elvis Presley for Most RIAA Gold Certified Singles
In January 2023, Chris Brown achieved a historic milestone by surpassing Elvis Presley for the most RIAA Gold certified singles among male vocalists.
January 2023: Breaking Elvis Presley's Record for Gold Certified Singles
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."
February 2023: High Grossing Touring Artist
In February 2023, Pollstar reported that Chris Brown had grossed $166 million from 284 shows between 2006 and 2022, further solidifying his position as one of the highest-grossing African American touring artists.
February 2023: First Male Vocalist with 20 Multi-Platinum Singles
In February 2023, Chris Brown became the first male vocalist in RIAA history to score 20 Multi-Platinum singles in the United States.
March 2023: Achieves 10 No. 1s on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay Chart
Chris Brown became the fifth artist in Billboard's history to reach 10 No. 1s on the Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart with his hit song "Under the Influence" in March 2023.
May 2023: Launch of "NAMI" 3D-Printed Slides
In May 2023, Chris Brown partnered with Zellerfeld, Nos Ailes, and The Auracles to launch "NAMI," his line of 3D-printed slides.
June 2023: Dismissal of "Pills and Automobiles" Lawsuit
The copyright infringement lawsuit regarding Chris Brown's song "Pills and Automobiles" was dropped in June 2023.
June 2023: Release of "Summer Too Hot"
Chris Brown released "Summer Too Hot," the lead single from his eleventh album, in June 2023. The song was later nominated for Best R&B Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.
August 4, 2023: Release of "How We Roll"
Chris Brown and Ciara released their collaborative single "How We Roll" on August 4, 2023.
August 27, 2023: "Chris Brown and Friends Live In Jamaica" Concert
On August 27, 2023, Chris Brown headlined a concert titled "Chris Brown and Friends Live In Jamaica" at Jamaica National Stadium as part of his "Under the Influence Tour."
September 2023: Launch of "Bussin" Cannabis Strain
Chris Brown partnered with California-based cannabis brand and dispensary Originals in September 2023 to introduce his own recreational cannabis strain, "Bussin."
October 2023: Partnership with Faraday Future
In October 2023, Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc., a California-based electric vehicle startup, announced a partnership with Chris Brown. He assumed the roles of ambassador and "Co-Creation Officer" for the company.
October 20, 2023: Release of "Sensational"
Chris Brown released the Afrobeats song "Sensational," featuring Nigerian artists Lojay and Davido, as the second single from his upcoming album "11:11" on October 20, 2023.
October 21, 2023: Announcement of 22 Songs on "11:11"
On October 21, 2023, Chris Brown clarified that his album "11:11" would contain 22 songs, doubling the previously announced tracklist of 11.
November 6, 2023: Confirmation of Featured Artists on "11:11"
Chris Brown confirmed that his album "11:11" would include 7 featured artists, including Lojay, Davido, Future, Fridayy, Byron Messia, and 2 unannounced artists, on November 6, 2023.
November 7, 2023: Release of "Nightmares"
On November 7, 2023, Chris Brown released "Nightmares" featuring Byron Messia as a single from his album "11:11."
November 10, 2023: Release of "11:11"
Chris Brown's eleventh studio album, "11:11," was released on November 10, 2023, marking his third double album. The album features a mix of R&B, pop, Afrobeats, and dancehall music and received positive reviews for Brown's vocal abilities.
2023: Chris Brown Reflects on Debut Album
In 2023, Chris Brown reflects on the experience of making his first album, describing it as a "learning experience" and acknowledging his initial insecurity about releasing "Run It!" as his first single.
2023: Addresses Gaza War During Dubai Concert
Toward the end of 2023, Chris Brown used a concert in Dubai to address the ongoing war in Gaza, calling for peace and positivity.
2023: Chris Brown discusses his early musical aspirations
In a 2023 interview with Shannon Sharpe, Chris Brown reflected on his early musical aspirations, revealing that he began taking music seriously as a career after winning a talent show at age 11, where he performed Sisqó’s "Thong Song."
2023: "Under the Influence Tour" in Europe
In 2023, Chris Brown embarked on his "Under the Influence Tour" in Europe, experiencing sold-out shows across 24 arena dates, with additional dates added due to high demand.
2023: Chris Brown's Global Music Sales Reach 217 Million
As of 2023, Chris Brown's record sales reached an impressive milestone of over 217 million units sold worldwide, solidifying his status as one of the world's best-selling music artists and highlighting his enduring global appeal.
January 2024: 20 Consecutive Years on Billboard Hot 100
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.
January 2024: Charts on Billboard Hot 100 for 20 Consecutive Years
In January 2024, Chris Brown became the first artist of the 21st century to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 for 20 consecutive years, achieving this with Tee Grizzley's single "IDGAF," on which he was featured alongside Mariah The Scientist.
March 5, 2024: Announcement of "The 11:11 Tour"
Chris Brown announced "The 11:11 Tour," a North American arena tour, on March 5, 2024, featuring Ayra Starr, Muni Long, and Maeta as supporting acts.
March 2024: Launch of "CB 15K x Chris Brown Disposable Vape" Line
Chris Brown introduced his own line of disposable vapes, the "CB 15K x Chris Brown Disposable Vape," in March 2024.
April 11, 2024: Release of 11:11 (Deluxe) and Start of Feud with Quavo
On April 11, 2024, Chris Brown released the deluxe version of his eleventh album, "11:11," featuring collaborations with various artists. A track on the album, "Freak," ignited a public feud with rapper Quavo, setting off a series of diss tracks exchanged between the two artists.
2024: Chris Brown's Digital Single Sales Achieve 94.5 Million Certifications in the US
In 2024, Chris Brown achieved a remarkable feat with over 94.5 million certified digital singles sold in the United States, placing him among the top-selling digital artists of all time and underscoring his significant impact on the digital music landscape.