All about this artist
Biography:
Born Christopher Maurice Brown, 5 May 1989, Tappahannock, Virginia, USA. This precociously talented R&B singer was still only 16 when his debut single "Run It!" climbed to the top of the mainstream chart in late 2005. Brown's smooth vocals, clean-cut good looks and dancing ability immediately led many media commentators to herald Brown as the new Usher.
Brown grew up in the small town of Tappahannock, Virginia, a far cry from the inner city hotspots that have given birth to many of America's leading rappers and urban artists. He listened to classic soul albums owned by his parents and, early ambitions towards a rapping career aside, was soon singing along to the records.
By the age of 13 he was pursuing recording opportunities with the help of his mother, and barely two years later he had signed a contract with the major label Jive Records. Brown worked on tracks for his debut album with leading producers and writers including Scott Storch, the Underdogs, Jazze Pha and Bryan-Michael Cox, while the projected lead-off single "Run It!" saw him teaming up with rapper Juelz Santana.
The hypnotic mix of hip-hop and R&B helped the track gain an immediate foothold in clubs and before long it had also crossed over to urban radio. By November the single had reached the top of the mainstream charts, with the song's popularity further aided by a memorable video (featuring Brown breakdancing) that received extensive rotation on American music channels.
The singer's self-titled debut album also enjoyed great commercial success, going double platinum and remaining in the charts for a lengthy period. Brown returned to the charts in summer 2007 with the single "Wall To Wall", a curious choice for a release that was reflected in its relative commercial failure.
The second single, "Kiss Kiss" (featuring T-Pain) was much more successful and topped the mainstream charts at the end of the year. Further hit singles from the album included the Stargate production "With You".
