5 questions for: Chris Brown

AT the tender age of 16, he took the world by storm with his it single "Run It" But since the release of his self-titled debut album, he has been the one who's running things in the music world. All the way from Tappahannock, Va., the teen R&B sensation has been busy wooing teenage girls with his vocals and charming older lady fans with his hypnotic dance moves. Already he has taken home an NAACP Image Award and a Soul Train Music Award, both for outstanding new artist. While he has been compared to R&B star Usher, Brown wants his critics to accept him for who he is and to look at him as "the next Chris Brown." Universal Music Publishing Group recently signed the platinum artist to an exclusive worldwide publishing deal. He joins Universal's successful R&B/Hip-Hop roster, which includes Ciara, Prince, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige and others. The teen heartthrob took some time to chat with EBONY.

1. Chris Brown is your first CD. Describe what the whole recording process was like, and what is your favorite song on the CD? Why?

The recording process was great. It was just a load of fun. in every city I got a chance to work with different people and just learn from different people. I would have to say my favorite song on the CD is "Thank You." I wrote the whole song really just basically thanking my fans.

2. Where were you the first time you heard "Run It" on the radio, and what was your reaction?

I actually at my house in New Jersey, and [radio station] Hot 97 played the record. I was just real excited. I knew it was my record when I first heard the beat, so I ran upstairs and told my mom, 'Ma, it's on, it's on, it's on!" So it was just crazy.

3. What was it like growing up in Tappahannock, Va.?

It was cool. For the most part, I was just a regular kid. I hung out with the older crowd a lot, but I played basketball, sang all the time and went to school.

4. Why do you feel it's important for you to grow with your audience?

Because I want people to let me be around for a long time and not just be like, "Okay, this kid is just a one-hit wonder.'

5. With all the recording sessions, performances and interviews, what do you like to do to have fun? And what would people be shocked to learn about you that they don't know?

I just like to play basketball, sleep, draw, talk on the phone and hang out with my homeboys. People might be shocked to learn that I'm just an average person. I am an artist and singer, but at the same time, I'm an average dude.

COPYRIGHT 2006 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning