Soul Train Awards 2022: A Look Back at Some of Chris Brown’s Greatest Albums
During his illustrious career, Chris Brown has released over fifty singles, including ten studio albums and a bundle of successful mixtapes and collaborative projects. With the release of his tenth studio album, Breezy, the singer takes fans back to the sounds of classic r&b. Ahead of this year’s celebration of soul and r&b music, all hosted by comedian and actor Deon Cole, take a look back at some of Breezy’s greatest albums; in no order.
‘Chris Brown’
Breezy released his self-titled r&b and hip hop soul-focused debut studio album, Chris Brown, on November 29, 2005, and there was no debate that the brand-new artist would be here for a while. Several iconic producers had hands on this 16-track project, including Scott Storch, Cool & Dre, Bryan-Michael Cox, The Underdogs, and many more.
The album also featured a star-studded roster of guest verse appearances from rapper Juelz Santana, Lil Wayne, Bow Wow, and Grammy Award-winning producer Jermaine Dupri.
The effort earned the r&b crooner two Grammy Award nominations at the 49th annual ceremony for ‘Best New Artist’ and ‘Best Contemporary R&B Album.’
Notable tracks included: ‘Poppin’,’ ‘Run It!’ & ‘Ain’t No Way (You Won’t Love Me)’
‘Fortune’
By his fifth studio album, Fortune, Breezy had more creative control and handled most of the production on the Grammy-nominated project with the assistance from some familiar faces and newcomers, including, The Underdogs, Polow da Don, The Messengers, the Runners, Benny Benassi, and more.
The project, which mixed a blend of r&b and pops and elements of electronic music, unfortunately, received underwhelming reviews; however, it earned him a nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 55th Grammy Awards. However, across the pond, the reception was quite the opposite.
The album debuted at number one in the UK, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. At the same time, it occupied the top ten charts in Switzerland, Scotland, Japan, Ireland, France, Canada, and Australia.
Notable tracks included: ‘Don’t Wake Me Up,’ ‘Don’t Judge Me,’ & ‘Sweet Love’
‘Exclusive’
‘Exclusive’ served as the follow-up to Breezy’s multi-platinum-selling debut effort. Like its predecessor, the album was a hit that also saw global success, ultimately going quadruple platinum.
Production by Swizz Beatz, T-Pain, Sean Garrett, and Will.i.am are sprinkled throughout with co-production from frequent collaborators such as Bryan-Michael Cox, Scott Storch, and more.
The singer earned a Grammy Award nomination for ‘Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Kiss Kiss,” featuring T-Pain but "Umbrella" by Rihanna.
Notable tracks included: ‘Kiss Kiss,’ ‘Take You Down,’ & “With You”
The Soul Train Awards 2022 premieres Saturday, November 26 at 8 pm ET/PT on BET and BET Her.