Chris Brown (born Christopher Maurice Brown 05.05.1989) is an American rapper known for his Grammy Award-winning 2011 album 'F.A.M.E.' and his public trial for domestic abuse.
Net worth: According to Celebrity Net Worth in 2014, Chris Brown has a net worth of 30 million USD.
Childhood: Chris Brown was born in Tappahannock, Virginia, to Joyce Hawkins and Clinton Brown. Brown's parents were fans of Sam Cooke and Michael Jackson, leading to inspiration for their son. Brown began dancing when he was two years old, and at a young age he aspired for a career as a rapper. Brown began singing at the age of eleven, and was discovered by a talent agent when he was thirteen. Chris Brown moved to New York for his career, living there for two years.
Career: Chris Brown left school in 2004 at a young age, and began working in his debut album. On 29th November 2005, Chris Brown released his self-titled debut album, which opened at the number two spot on Billboard's 200 list. The album led to Brown winning Best New Artist and Best Contemporary R&B Album at the 49th Grammy Awards. Brown released his second studio album, 'Exclusive', on 6th November 2007. The album didn't achieve the same success as its predecessor, and received similarly mixed reviews. In December of that year, Brown embarked on The Exclusive Holiday Tour until February, where it ended in Hawaii. For his third studio album, Brown tried to emulate the style of singer like Prince and Michael Jackson who had inspired him in his youth. The result was 'Graffiti', released on 7th December 2009. While the album debuted at the seventh spot on Billboard's 200 list, it was critically panned with some critics calling it "bland" and some "insufferable". After the critical backlash to 'Graffiti', Brown set to work on 'F.A.M.E.' - his fourth studio album. It was released on 18th March 2011, debuting at the top of Billboard's 200, marking Brown's first number one album. Critical response was more praising, yet the album still only received moderate scores from critics. Just over a year later, Brown released 'Fortune' on 29th June 2012, again debuting at the top of Billboard's 200 list. Like 'Graffiti', however, the album was universally panned as "shameless" and "uncomfortable". Brown took two years to record 'X', his sixth studio album, which was released on 16th September 2014. The album reached number two on Billboard's 200 list, becoming the first album since 'Graffiti' to not reach the top spot. The album did, however, receive far more favourable reviews, with generally more positive critical response.
Personal Life: Chris Brown met Rihanna in 2005, and the couple began dating in 2008. On 8th February 2009, Chris Brown beat Rihanna after the couple got into an argument. After first denying the allegations, Brown later confessed to domestic abuse and making criminal threats, and was sentenced to a mere five years' probation, six months of community service, and a restraining order keeping him 50 yards from Rihanna. The verdict was met with backlash from Domestic Abuse activists, who stated that Brown should have been punished far more harshly for his crimes. The restraining order was later amended to allow Brown and Rihanna to attend awards ceremonies at the same time.
Biography by Contactmusic.com
