This album was strategically released in February, just in time for Chris Brown, Trey Songz, and Tyga’s BTS tour. It’s the follow up to the “Fan Of A Fan” mixtape that everyone loved, but it didn’t live up to the standards of the first installation. Don’t get me wrong, I liked it, but it just felt like something was missing. The vibe was there but the same consistency and structure that the mixtape had wasn’t. It was full of party Hip-Hop records but it lacked R&B records. If Chris’ goal was to separate his solo career from his work with Tyga, he did that but he should’ve given us more of the 2010 Chris Brown that was present in “Better.” Also, I think that the content could’ve been of higher quality. But one compliment that I can’t go without giving, even for this album, is that from 2005 until now, Chris Brown has repeatedly given us lengthy projects.
Fav Songs- Ayo, Remember Me, Better, Bunkin
“X” debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 chart, making it Chris Brown’s sixth consecutive top ten album. It also added one more to his list of Grammy nominations. The lead single of the album, which was “Loyal,” was number one during and after his incarceration at the beginning of the year. Furthermore, due to those personal problems, its 2013 release was rescheduled to his birthday, May 5, 2014, and was once again pushed back to September 16th, its actual release. Although those push backs were annoying, “X” was definitely worth the wait. Almost every track was a hit, even the interludes of “101” and “Lady In A Glass Dress,” which I wish were full tracks. Chris came back significantly stronger than he did with “Fortune.” He worked with new producers like Nic Nac for example, and collaborated with new artists like “R. Kelly,” “Usher,” “Rick Ross,” “Jhené Aiko,” “Akon,” “Ariana Grande,” “Nicki Minaj,” “Kendrick Lamar,” “Brandy,” and the late “Aaliyah.” His basis of success and experiences in the game were built upon with fresh materials, giving us a revamped Chris Brown. He toned down his rebellious, uncensored ways and gave us a near perfect body of work.
Fav Songs- Came To Do, Time For Love, Autumn Leaves, Drunk Texting
“X Files” could arguably be an EP or a mixtape. It was put out to occupy the fans who were restlessly waiting for the release of “X,” Chris’s sixth studio album. I think it did the trick for the time being, but it definitely couldn’t be compared to the tracks on the actual album, which makes believe it’s a mixtape. The six track contemporary R&B project featured Busta Rhymes, Ludacris, and Kid Ink.
Fav Song- Love 2 Remember
This album was supposed to make “F.A.M.E.” a double disc cd. But, I’m kind of glad that the two projects were released separately because of the differences between them. “Turn Up The Music,” “Sweet Love,” “Till I Die,” the production of “Bassline” and “Don’t Wake Me Up,” and the content of “4 Years Old” and “Don’t Judge Me,” might be the only tracks that resembled the vibe of his last album. The remaining tracks embodied the mixtape Chris Brown that didn’t correlate with the album Chris Brown. However, I think that he did a nice job incorporating all of his musical styles into one project. There was Pop, Dance, R&B, and Hip-Hop along with uncensored lyrics. Furthermore, I think that not having a filter and the simplicity of the content in some tracks, lowered his reputation as far as album standards go. But, this was actually an enjoyable representation of his creativity and sex appeal. The few artists that appeared on this album were the legendary Nas, Sevyn Streeter, Kevin McCall, Big Sean, Wiz Khalifa, and Sabrina Antoinette, another artist signed to CBE.
Fav Songs- Don’t Judge Me, 2012, Sweet Love, Tell Somebody
As if a highly successful album wasn’t enough for him, Chris dropped this mixtape within a few months of “F.A.M.E.” “Boy In Detention” took the unfiltered, rapping Chris Brown to another level. He noticeably improved his flow and lyricism, going harder as a rapper on this mixtape. There’s plenty of club records for the ladies that, in fact, balance out the records that he did for the fellas. As expected, he remixed some popular songs and he also used this platform to show off his artists, Kevin McCall and Sevyn Streeter. But, this tape introduced us to an extremely talented soulful singer, Joelle James, who is signed to his label as well. The project debuted Chris’ hit single, “Strip,” and it also marked the first big break of rapping Justin Bieber in “Ladies Love Me”, reminding me of a younger Chris Brown. Tracks on this tape were produced by Jukebox, David Banner, No I.D., Kevin McCall, 9th Wonder, Mike Will, and more. Overall, I think this was an enjoyable turn up mixtape and it actually might be his best one.
Fav Songs- First 48, Leave The Club, Your Body, Strip
This was such a great comeback album for Chris Brown. After his career was almost destroyed, he had to rebuild and come back stronger than ever, and that’s what he did. He released “Deuces,” “No BS,” “Yeah 3X,” “Look At Me Now,” “She Ain’t You,” “Next To You,” “Beautiful People,” and “Wet The Bed” as singles from this album. But, “Yeah 3X,” “Look At Me Now,” and “Beautiful People” were the most successful because of overseas support. This was Chris’ first number one album on the US Billboard 200 chart. It also earned him three Grammy nominations and his first win at the award show for Best R&B Album. This project was a prime example of his versatility. He turned to Dance and Pop music more than ever before and also executed R&B and Hip-Hop records, which was a commendable feat for one album. The production and energy mixed with the emotion on this project just gave off a great vibe and it made it an easy listen from beginning to end. He worked with producers Benny Benassi, Brian Kennedy, Timbaland, The Runners, The Underdogs, The Stereotypes, Diplo, Polow da Don, and more. Appearances included Sevyn Streeter, Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes, Wiz Khalifa, Justin Bieber, Kevin McCall, Tyga, Ludacris, The Game, Big Sean, and Timbaland. In my opinion, this project was definitely a game changer for Chris Brown.
Fav Songs- Up To You, Oh My Love, Beautiful People, Paper Scissors Rock
5 Spins
5 Spins
3.5 Spins
4 Spins
3 Spins
3 Spins
2011- F.A.M.E.
2013- X Files
2012- Fortune
2014- X
2011- Boy In Detention
2015- Fan of A Fan: The Album