Music Artist

DOB: May 5, 1989

BACKGROUND: Born Christopher Maurice Brown in the small town of Tappahannock, Virginia to Joyce Hawkins and Clinton, Brown taught himself to sing and dance at a young age by using Michael Jackson as his inspiration. Brown’s mother sought to obtain Brown a recording deal after witnessing him imitate an Usher performance of his “My Way” single. At the age of 13, a local production team, Hitmission Records, discovered Brown and eventually got him signed to Jive Records.

DISCOGRAPHY: Jive released Chris Brown’s self titled debut album in late 2005. The disc sold over two million copies in the U.S. alone and spawned multiple hit singles including the #1 smash “Run It!” Brown’s follow up album, “Exclusive,” was equally successful and brought him additional hits including “Kiss Kiss” and “Forever.” Although Brown’s 2009 album “Graffiti” was a huge commercial flop, 2011’s “F.A.M.E.” has been a commercial success thus far. Second single “Look At Me Now,” featuring Busta Rhymes and Lil Wayne, peaked in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 earlier this year.

AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS: Wins – Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist (2008); Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist (2008); Artist of the Year (2008)

MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS: Win – Best Male Video (“With You,” 2007)

GRAMMY AWARDS: Nominations – Best Contemporary R&B Album (“Chris Brown,” 2007), Best New Artist (2007); Best Rap/Sung Collaboration (“Kiss, Kiss,” 2008); Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals (“No Air,” 2009), Best Male R&B Vocal Performance (“Take You Down,” 2009); Best R&B Performance By A Duo or Group (“Take My Time,” 2011), Best Contemporary R&B Album (“Graffiti,” 2011), Best Rap/Sung Collaboration (“Deuces,” 2011)