HIDDEN GEMS: CHRIS BROWN
The Hip Hop Artist's Music Uncovered
At the beginning of our hidden gem series, we began with “The King of Pop.” Michael Jackson was a polarizing figure with extraordinary musical talent. And while he created his fair share of controversies, his music and showmanship inspired many.
Like MJ, Chris Brown was a young prodigy. He’s dominated an era in ways very few have. In his two-decade discography, we check out his best songs, like all the rest, hidden gems.
Chris Brown/” Young Love”
Run It, Gimme That, and Say Goodbye were three singles from a hit-filled album. But a song that captures the time and sound of the teenage sensation is 2005’s Young Love. Brown showed off his vocals in a smooth listen, that’s a soundtrack for romance.
Exclusive/” Lottery”
(Simply because Wall to Wall is cheating)
As time progressed, Brown’s style matured. From his lyrics to his sound to his beat. And while the artist was making his name in films and shows, he simultaneously became the heir apparent to the R&B throne. One song that gets lost in the album is Lottery. Similar to Young Love, it’s a listen that takes you back to a simpler time (just a little more mature.)
Graffiti/” Wait”
By this time, Brown was controversial because of the 2009 incident with then-girlfriend Rihanna. Despite personal pitfalls, he already had a legion of fans and adopted a unique music style. Graffiti was proof of that. A song that gets lost in his catalog is Wait featuring The Game and Trey Songz. Between the musicians and the sounds, it’s an easy choice for a gem.
F.A.M.E/” Paper, Scissors, Rock”
Timbaland.
Prime Big Sean.
Chris Brown.
There’s no need to go further. But for formalities, there are many songs that you feel from the outset. This song embodies that. Just take a listen.
Fortune/” Oh Yeah”
For another artist, 2012 would be the song. For Brown, it is merely second to his track, Oh Yeah. Featuring Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa, it was just a vibe with Uncle Snoop and Wiz. Brown’s music veered away from traditional R&B, but not for long.
X/” Add Me In”
So about veering away from traditional R&B? Yeah, he didn’t stray too far away, and with X, his 2014 single, Add Me In, he’s back in that bag.
Royalty/” Who’s Gonna (Nobody)”
Brown doubled down his R&B trajectory with this song. A track that brings baby-making music back once more.
Heartbreak on a full moon/” Covered in You”
So about baby-making? This song, while not the most prominent, is the most daring song of the album. And with his songs and a cast of romantic singers, that’s saying something.
Indigo/” Early 2K”
In his most recent album, Brown’s music has seemed more grown-up while paying tribute to the past. One song that illustrates that is Early 2K, featuring Tank.
