How about we address the giant pink elephant in the room first and get that out of the way, shall we? Chris Brown assaulted his then-girlfriend on Grammy night in 2009. He disfigured her face, drew the ire of the world and lost fans aplenty.
But he's also apologised and paid his dues, doing hours of community service in penance.
So maybe in the bigger scheme of things releasing I Can Transform Ya (off 2009's Graffiti, an album best forgotten) afterwards wasn't the best idea Breezy — as he's also known — has ever had, but let's not lose track of what made Chris Brown Chris Brown: his talent. And that the 22-year-old entertainer has more than enough of. The boy can sing, his dancing rivals that of the best in the business, and his acting is much better than what we've come to expect from artists known primarily as singers. That's a triple threat right there. Oh, and he also pens songs here and there.
Signed in his early teenage years, his self-titled debut album counts among the most successful in history, selling millions around the world and garnering two Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best R&B Contemporary Album. His debut single Run It went straight to the top of the charts, which must count for something, no?
Come a long way
We'll forgive him his dodgy sartorial choices on the cover, for he's come a long way since. We'd also like to point out he dropped out of high school to focus on his music, and not because having Maurice as a middle name must've made public school a living hell.
Brown made his film debut in a blink-and-miss role in the 2007 box office hit Stomp the Yard, traded in his slick R&B image to play a high school band geek in a multi-episode arc in The O.C. and took on more substantial roles in films like Takers, where he also acted as executive director.
But it's his music that Brown is currently best known for.
It shouldn't surprise anyone that most of his songs deal with girls. That said, you know Brown's music, even if you think you don't. Remember that viral video on YouTube, JK Wedding Entrance Dance, of a couple dancing to the altar? The song is Forever, from Brown's 2007 release Exclusive, an altogether more mature album.
But it was the release of F.A.M.E. earlier this year that made a lot of people sit up and take notice, and not just because a nude picture of the 1.86 metre tall Brown "leaked" online. His mix of R&B, pop, hip-hop, reggae and Europop is a commercial success, and also earned him three Grammy nominations, bringing his total to 11, which is quite a feat, given his age, wouldn't you say? What's even better is his eclectic styles and interesting collaborations appeal to a wide audience. His last album also suggested chances are we haven't seen Brown's best work yet, which makes him exciting.
It doesn't take a brain surgeon to see Brown is inspired by Michael Jackson, and his tribute to the King of Pop at last year's BET Awards softened many hearts towards him. Overwhelmed by emotion while singing and dancing — flawlessly, toning down his trademark energetic performance — to Man in the Mirror Brown was repenting. His heartfelt rendition rendered the lyrics more poignant, while his dancing also captured Jackson's spirit.
So maybe the Chris Brown of that fateful night isn't the same one who'll step onto the stage in Dubai tomorrow night. Or maybe not. Either way, does that really matter?
Don't miss it
Chris Brown performs in Dubai tomorrow night at Dubai Festival City. Tickets cost Dh295 (silver), Dh395 (gold), Dh595 (platinum) and Dh995 (Fame Lounge), available at the usual outlets. Doors open at 6.30pm. Call 04-4503505.
Go online
For tabloid!'s review of Chris Brown's album F.A.M.E., visit gulfnews.com/tabloid
What to expect
Zoha Beig, CEO of promoter 321 Events, says the audience can expect something different from other concerts staged in the UAE. "This is no ordinary concert," he says, promising a "true spectacle".
"The production and performance promises to surpass all major events previously in the Emirates. Chris Brown is one of the most anticipated and talented superstars in the world today and he will perform for the very first time for his Middle East fans in Dubai, as part of his worldwide F.A.M.E. tour. Chris Brown brings raw energy, talent, and immense passion to all his live performances.
"We are working on a gigantic set for Chris' show, the likes of which you don't usually see at concerts in this part of the world. With every concert, Chris wants to create an incredible impact that will only further elevate him to the level of a concert icon."
