What a difference a year makes. Was it really only 12 months or so ago that singer Chris Brown was maneuvering his way out of the pack of talented musicians vying for the gold ring of music stardom?
Now he?s the cause celebre in a host of big-name magazines including “People,” has a hot new album out, and has won kudos from a host of megastars including Justin Timberlake.
“Well, the one thing that I?ve learned in my short time is just that this business won?t wait for you,” said Brown. “You can?t be a little kid coming in the game and thinking everything is on your time.”
But this may well be the designated time for this 18-year-old Tappahannock, Va., native who signed to Jive Records when he was just 16. Two years ago, Brown gained critical acclaim and recognition for his self-titled, Grammy-nominated debut, “Chris Brown.”
Anyone who doubts his star power need only rewind to September?s “MTV Video Music Awards” when Brown?s performance and tributes to his idol Michael Jackson ? including a medley that included Jackson?s hit “Billie Jean” ? electrified the audience.
Even the King of Pop himself released a special statement thanking Brown for the shout-out and calling him a “bright and shining new star” whose shows Jackson himself enjoys.
It seems the most skeptical critic watching the man who is certainly the Prince of Pop may be Brown himself, who modestly notes that he?s flattered by the kudos but has a “long way to go” in the business.
Many critics disagree, noting his just-released album, “Exclusive,” may be the ticket to upgrade his status in musical royalty.
“It?s been a long stretch between Usher albums ? long enough for Chris Brown to build a whole career, growing from a temporary substitute to an undeniably major pop star,” wrote Rolling Stone. “He seals the deal with ?Exclusive,? an all-grown-up album on a level with Justin Timberlake?s ?Justified.? ”
Still, Brown projects a “wait and see” attitude.
” ?Exclusive? is something that not everybody can get,” he said when the CD was released. “I feel it?s an album especially for my fans ? It?s only for those who truly want to hear my music.”
Watch for that number to keep growing.
IF YOU GO
Chris Brown with Bow Wow
VENUE: 1st Mariner Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore
WHEN: 7 p.m. Sunday
TICKETS: $35.75-$58.75
INFO: 410-547-SEAT
