- Born: May 05, 1989 in Tappahannock, VA
- Years Active: 2006-2008
- Genre: R & B
- Influenced by: New Edition, Tevin Campbell, Michael Jackson, Usher
- Similar Artists: Keke Palmer, Shawn Emanuel, Corbin Bleu, NLT, Ray J, Kuk Harrell, Mario, Tiffany Evans, Bobby Valentino, Ne-Yo
Pop-oriented R&B vocalist Chris Brown debuted with the Scott Storch-produced "Run It!" and became the first male solo artist to release a single that went straight to the top of the Billboard singles chart. Only 16 at the time, Brown came from a small town in Virginia called Tappahannock and, like a lot of kids born since the early '80s, was initially into his parents' favorites but eventually fell under the spell of hip-hop. Around the time he reached puberty, he discovered his singing voice. Within a couple years, he had a recording contract with Jive and was lined up with several production and songwriting heavyweights (Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox, Dre & Vidal, Sean Garrett, Storch) for his eponymous first album, an immediate Top Ten hit released in November of 2005. Exclusive, featuring the number one pop single "Kiss Kiss," followed in 2007. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
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Black Voices
Guess Who's Back!!! Neo-soul originator D'Angelo joins J Records, home of Alicia Keys, Leona Lewis, Mario, Jennifer Hudson and Whitney Houston. Read about that and more in Black Music Notes.