Chris Brown

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.  In late 2005, he released his first studio album, Chris Brown, which spawned the Billboard Hot 100 number-one debut single, “Run It!” which was produced by Scott Storch and featured Juelz Santana. The album also produced two other top ten singles: “Yo (Excuse Me Miss)” and “Say Goodbye.” Brown’s second studio album, Exclusive was released worldwide in November 2007. It has spawned his second US number one hit, “Kiss Kiss” which was produced by T-Pain, who was also featured in the song . The third single, “With You”, has reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and has entered into the top ten in several countries across the world, becoming one of his most successful worldwide releases to date. The second single, “Kiss Kiss”, was nominated for the 50th Annual Grammy Awards in the category for Best rap/Sung Collaboration. Brown, one of two children, was born and raised in the small town of Tappahannock, Virginia, the son of Joyce Hawkins and Clinton Brown. Brown was influenced by the artists his parents played on the home radio, such as Michael Jackson and Sam Cooke.  A dancer since the age of two, Brown was not aware of his vocal talents until the age of eleven. Before becoming a vocalist, he was interested in becoming a rapper.At thirteen, Brown was discovered by a local production team who visited his father’s gas station searching for new talent. Since then, he began his recording career and moved to New York, staying there for two years. Brown’s local production team organized an audition before Def Jam Vice President Tina Davis, who currently works as his manager.