Chris Brown’s Debut Self-Titled Album Turns 20YO.
This weeks “UB Soul Friday” celebrates a versatile singer, songwriter and dancer celebrating his 20th year in the industry, Chris Brown.
Tomorrow November 29th, will mark the 20th Anniversary of his self-titled debut album release.
“UB Soul Friday,” spotlighting artists, albums, singles and videos that left a mark in R&B and Soul music!
Born in Tappahannock, Virginia, Chris Brown has been drawn to music since his childhood and was heavily influenced by the sounds of Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Anita Baker.
However, it was not until the age of 11 that he actually possessed an amazing voice, thanks to his mother who quickly noticed her son’s talent after she heard him singing around their house.
Encouraged by this supportive woman to see some local producers, the thirteen-years-old boy satisfyingly made his way to get the attention of a small production team so that they agreed to help him record a few songs as his demo.
“There were ups and downs,” he described the process. “But I loved it and I knew I wanted to do it.”
Convinced that he could flourish his career in New York City, Chris went to this dazzling metropolis with the companion of his team.
Trying to look for a reliable record company, he finally got the chance to audition in front of Tina Davis and Antonio “L.A.” Reid of Def Jam.
Impressed with his talent, Davis, who later resigned from the label, afterwards signed to be his manager and took him to other labels, after a bidding war, Chris Brown signed to Jive.
Soon after, he put full concentration to work on his first album, recording almost 50 songs over six months.
From those compositions, 14 of them selected for the final track list.
With several production and songwriting heavy weights, including Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox, Sean Garrett, and Scott Storch, for his self-titled first album.
His debut album was laced with clever lyrics, hypnotic tracks and impeccable vocals, he’s someone that the world wanted to know.
One listen to Chris Brown then, at age 16 and you could hear the comparisons to Michael Jackson, Tevin Campbell and Usher.
But listening a bit longer, those comparisons began to dissipate as it became clear that, while Chris certainly channeled the creativity of those who came before him, he definitely has a style, a flavor and a place in music that are all his own!
In selecting songs for the album, Chris said he simply relied on his own sense of what was hot and what was real for him and his peers.
“When I hear these songs, I feel something. I know I can relate to them. I take myself out of the artist box, I become an audience member and I critique myself.”
Chris got his musical initiation early on, inspired by what he refers to as the “eclectic” taste of his parents and soaking in the sounds of his favorites: Michael Jackson, Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder, Donnie Hathaway, Anita Baker and Aretha Franklin.
But, like most young boys, Chris was soon drawn to rap and was certain that he would be the first emcee to put Tappahannock on the map.
“I was rapping,” he recalled in 2005. “I didn’t understand that I could sing until I was like 11 or 12. My mom heard me singing around the house and she said, ‘What are you doing? You really can sing!’ So then I started going to school and singing to the girls.”
By the time he was 13, Chris realized that his voice was more than just a chick magnet.
And so did his mother as she began to hook her son up with various producers. “When I went in and started working, there were ups and downs but I loved it and I knew I wanted to do it for the rest of my life.”
Chris Brown came in the music industry fully-loaded as not only a talented vocalist, but a versatile songwriter, an amazing dancer and a blossoming young businessman who had learned the many intricacies of the music industry.
Chris Brown‘s debut self-titled album was released 20 years ago tomorrow, November 29th, 2005.
Chris Brown‘s debut immediately caught the public’s eye, scoring several hot singles and selling over a million copies in its first week.
His self-titled debut album, which was certified triple-platinum, featured the #1 Scott Storch-produced smash hit “Run It!” featuring Juelz Santana and the Billboard Top 10 pop singles “Yo (Excuse Me Miss)” and “Gimme That.”
In 2006 he earned three Billboard Awards (Artist, Male Artist and New Artist of the Year), a Soul Train Award (Best R&B;/Soul New Artist), two BET Awards (Best New Artist, Viewer’s Choice), a Teen Choice trophy (Choice Music Breakout Artist Male), and an NAACP Image Award (Outstanding New Artist).
He earned Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best R&B; Contemporary Album.
In addition to a nationally televised performance on Grammy night in 2007 with Lionel Richie and Smokey Robinson joining them for a medley of their respective hits.
The album’s last single, from the “Step Up” soundtrack, “Say Goodbye” topped the Billboard R&B charts and reached #10 on the Hot 100.
The album’s sales were impressive with “Run It,” “Yo,” and “Say Goodbye” both going platinum and “Gimme That” going gold.
In the wake of the achievement, Chris boldly tried his hand at acting, first appearing in TV movie “Christmas in Washington” in 2006 before making his big screen debut in musical drama “Stomp the Yard” alongside fellow R&B singer Ne-Yo, Columbus Short, and Meagan Good.
The flick delightfully turned out to score considerably well in the box-office as it quickly pulled over $61 million in domestic market only despite unfavorable reviews from critics.
After securing a successful debut release, Chris Brown followed it up in 2007 with his 4× platinum sophomore effort, “Exclusive” and his second motion picture “This Christmas.”
Chris Brown is a dynamic vocalist whose longevity is attributable in part to his natural incorporation of hip-hop and his embrace of club sounds ranging from EDM to Afrobeats.
Chris Brown is a name synonymous with talent, controversy, and undeniable charisma.
From his meteoric rise to fame as a teenage R&B sensation, to his status as one of the most influential artists in the music industry.
Chris Brown’s journey has been marked by both triumphs and tribulations.
Regardless he’s a force to be reckoned with and responsible for continuing to keep real R&B alive!
Salute Chris Brown on 20 years and here’s to 20 more!
Take A Trip Down Memory Lane with The First Era of Chris Brown!