6 Reasons 'X' Could Be Chris Brown's Best Album To Date
Nearly a decade ago, a fresh-faced teen hopped on the scene with catchy vocals and krumping skills to match. Chris Brown has come a long way from the 16-year-old boy dancing his heart out in a gymnasium to the 25-year-old man with five albums, movie credits and a Grammy to his name. His road to success hasn’t always been an easy one, but through it all he’s managed to supply enough music to keep his fans loyal (no pun).
“Loyal,” the infectious single with a West Coast flare has been more than good to the Virginia native, going platinum since its December 2013 release. His sixth album, X, was set to be released in July 2013 but after a slew of delays Chris’ fans were left patiently waiting. A year later, Breezy took to Instagram to update his fans.
The R&B singer shared the cover art to his upcoming project and revealed that he has about 50 songs to choose from for the album's September 16 release. With nine years, five albums and five mixtapes, here’s why X could be Breezy’s best work to date.
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Reason #1: The collaborations will be epic.
Chris is no stranger to dope collabos, so it’s only right that he pull a few tricks out for his newest project. CB already enlisted the help of Kendrick Lamar for “Autumn Leaves," a track sure to tug on your heartstrings. The crooner told MTV News the song is an “emotional record” that makes him “feel a certain way.”
Aside from K. Dot, Breezy has also joined forces with Usher and Rick Ross in “New Flame.” Ariana Grande also makes an appearance on X on “Don’t Be Gone Too Long.” The track was previewed before Breezy’s latest stint in jail, and the pop collaboration will break the heavy R&B focus Chris was looking for on this project.
The most interesting of all the possible collaborations is “Put It Up”, a “youthful and at the same time sexy” song with ex-girlfriend Rihanna. Chris told Rolling Stone “It may or may not make it…” (We’re guessing the latter.)
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Reason #2: There’s bound to be heavy West Coast influence.
Chris may be a chameleon in this music game, seamlessly blending into any sound. One thing for sure is his style for 2014 has been heavily influenced by the Cali music scene. Joining Los Angeles rapper Kid Ink birthed “Main Chick” and “Show Me,” two tracks where Breezy belted out some of the catchiest hooks of his career. If this is any indication of what X may sound like, sign us up.
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Reason #3: Jail time has matured Breezy.
Orange is definitely the new black, at least for Chris. The R&B singer landed a spot in jail after violating his probation with an assault charge last October in Washington, D.C. After spending 108 days behind bars, the singer was released in June. 108 days, huh? Breezy had more than enough time to reflect. Since he missed the memo about getting buff, here’s hoping he flexed those songwriting muscles during his time off.
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Reason #4: His on-again, off-again relationship with Karrueche Tran makes for good material.
You can’t talk Chris Brown without addressing the love triangle. Dude even made a video about being torn between Rihanna and Karrueche. (Guys, don’t try this at home.) After his last attempt to make things work with Rihanna, Breezy retreated back to Kae in their on-again/off-again romance. Karrueche proved to be the ultimate ride or die chick, throwing bae a welcome home party after his sentence.
A teary-eyed Tran also made a cameo on KeKe Palmer’s Just KeKe opening up about their relationship, but shortly after the appearance word spread that the two split. The rumor mills are buzzing with their own take on what caused the couple to call it quits. "X is also a metaphor, as in 'ex-girlfriend’: it implies you’re progressing and moving on in life, not holding on to the past and your old ways,” Breezy told Rolling Stone.
TMZ reports that Chris initiated the break up, not being too keen on the interviews she’s had regarding their clothing line or their relationship. Meanwhile, E! Online claims that Karrueche needed a break to focus on herself. Whatever the reason, we’re sure it will reveal itself on X.
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Reason #5: He’s been in the studio with Drake.
After Brown's very public feud with Drake in 2012, fans thought the two music powerhouses would never share the same song. A photo of the pair in a studio emerged on Instagram in July, however, sparking talk of reconciliation and collaborations. A week later, they appeared in a skit together at the 2014 ESPY Awards, solidifying the union. One can only hope that “America’s Sweetheart” adds at least one song with Drake to the track list.
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Reason #6: He claims it’s his last album.
A year ago, (Aug. 6) Breezy took to Twitter declaring his possible resignation from music. “Don’t worry mainstream America. After this X album, it’ll probably be my last album.” His mini rant didn’t stop there. “Being famous is amazing when it’s for your music and talent. I’m tired of being famous for a mistake I made when i was 18. I’m cool & over it!”
No word on whether or not Chris still feels this way, but here’s to hoping there are plenty more albums from the singer. Chris promises to be an “open book” on X, one we’re eager to flip through the pages of.
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