Can Chris Brown Make a 2010 Comeback?

By Nana-Adwoa Ofori Posted Jan 1st 2010 11:00AM

This has been a turbulent year for Chris Brown. The headlines, court proceedings and public statements surrounding his assault against Rihanna last February are still following him like his own shadow.

Hoping the world would forgive and forget, Brown released his latest album 'Graffiti' in December. Much to his dismay, reviews and records sales have been dismal with audiences unable to separate his personal and professional life. As the new year begins, experts weigh in to see if Brown can bounce back in 2010.

The issues surrounding the domestic violence case is ever present within his personal and professional life, and Brown's music cannot seem to be critiqued without measuring it against the violent incident.

Rolling Stone Magazine's Jody Rosen reviewed 'Graffiti' and gave it a depressing two and a half stars. "As unfair as it sounds, the Rhianna incident has made it impossible to hear him in the same way; the sweetness that animated songs like 2008's 'Forever' is now a hard sell," Rosen wrote.

Elliott Wilson, Founder and CEO of Rap Radar believes that the public's interest and anger over the assault case has linked Brown and Rihanna, making it almost impossible to judge their artistic endeavors separately. "They both put out good albums, but they didn't do well on the market because the public needed more time to digest the domestic violence incident before we could focus on the both of them musically."

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Rihanna and Chris Brown

Chris Brown has been sentenced to five years of probation and six months of community labor for his felony assault on then-girlfriend Rihanna in February.

Robyn Beck, AFP / Getty Images

The Brown-Rihanna Case

Chris Brown has been sentenced to five years of probation and six months of community labor for his felony assault on then-girlfriend Rihanna in February.

Robyn Beck, AFP / Getty Images

In his first communication with the public about the attack this summer, Brown told his fans how sorry he is about the beating incident. "I am very sad and very ashamed of what I have done... I've told Rihanna countless times and I am telling you all today that I am truly, truly sorry that I wasn't able to handle the situation both differently and better. " he said.

TMZ

Back in April, Brown pleaded not guilty to both assault and criminal threat charges in court.

X17

Brown's manager, Tina Davis, was named by TMZ as the woman behind the text message that sparked his alleged beating of Rihanna. She has since denied the claims, saying: "The rumors in circulation are false. There are no emails between Ms. Davis and Mr. Brown of the type which have been described in media reports."

Arnold Turner, WireImage

Court documents revealed that the police report claims Brown allegedly assaulted Rihanna in his car after she discovered a text message on his phone. According to the report, Brown smashed her head against the window, and then punched and bit her.

Getty Images

TMZ obtained a photo that appears to be singer Rihanna, taken shortly after Brown allegedly beat her following a pre-Grammy party. Police have said the woman had visible injuries, and that Brown was gone from the scene when they arrived.

TMZ

Brown can be seen leaving the police station after being booked. According to police reports, he assaulted Rihanna in the car, and told her "I'm going to beat the s--- out of you when we get home." He also allegedly threatened to kill her after she told her assistant to call the police.

X17online

In their cover story, PEOPLE spoke with the father of Rihanna, who says he hopes his daughter is done with boyfriend Brown after his alleged assault. Shortly after, reports that Rihanna and Brown were back together in Miami emerged.

PEOPLE

Brown, seen a day before the alleged attack, released a statement on Feb. 15, which read in part, "Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired."

X17online

After his album only reached 40% of expected sales during its first week, Brown went public about his disappointment. After he visited a Walmart that did not have his CD on the shelf, Brown unleashed a tirade on his Twitter account, which is now inactive, to blame the industry for blacklisting his music. He furiously tweeted, "im tired of this s--t," on Dec. 11. "major stores r blackballing my cd. not stockin the shelves and lying to costumers. what the f--k do i gotta do."

He quickly added, noting that his words would certainly be publicized and used against him: "yeah i said it and i aint retracting s--t. im not biting my tongue about s else..."

Days after using Twitter to call retail giant Walmart liars for "blackballing" his new album from their stores (which they aren't), Brown quit the micro-blogging craze.

There was speculation of an industry boycott when Timbaland decided to drop Brown's vocals from his song 'The One I Love' off 'Shock Value II.' Timbaland's manager Marcus Spence released a statement to the public claiming that dropping Brown from the album was nothing personal, claiming it was a "creative decision for both parties" adding, "There's nothing against Chris. We love Chris." There is clearly still love for Brown among musicians because he is featured on the hook of Juelz Santana's song 'Back to the Crib.'

Wilson believes that in time Brown will be back on top of the charts. "I don't think there is an active boycott or backlash against Chris. Chris rushed too quickly to try and reignite his career in the aftermath of the incident, but he is really young and talented and that works in his favor. Time heals everything, and America loves a comeback story."

Dr. Seth Markle, Professor of History at Trinity College, shares Wilson's sentiments on Brown's capability to bounce back in 2010. "The Urban youth is relatively forgiving. There is no denying the fact that Chris Brown is a talented artist. It will take time to restore his credibility," he said. "The larger question is if he will take on the accountability and responsibility outside of his singing and song writing to advocate an end to domestic abuse."

When artists find themselves in a public scandal, one of the essential aspects that can help rebuild their career is youth. R. Kelly had an amazing chart-topping career for years before he was arrested in 2003 for allegedly dabbling in child pornography. Although the jury declared him not guilty on all 14 counts, his career never gained the momentum of the previous successful years.

Youth is most definitely on Brown's side and can be the catalyst that lifts him out of the tangled web of woes that made 2009 a bad year. Perhaps a mini-vacation from the music spotlight would do the singer some good. This would give the public the extra time they need to fully process and eventually forgive and forget. Here's to 2010, Chris Brown.

Tags: Chris Brown, ChrisBrown, Rihanna

Comments

(7)

Tuesday 05 January

By Suzi

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Look at Charlie Sheen. He is able to go back to work and it's OK with the media. Why is the media prosecuting Chris Brown. Why has his album been block from sales? There is a double standard in the US.
Charlie Sheen shot a women but he is still acting!

Monday 11 January

By Cali Kitty

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Damn, next time you decide to post something in defense of someone useless like Chris Brown, be sure to take an English class first. If his supporters are all as illiterate as you are, then you're not doing him any favors by speaking out on his behalf.

Sunday 21 February

By Mercy

I know for sure that what Chris had done to Rihanna was terrible but I only wish the best for him.
I wish people will see beyond the terrible decision he's made. Besides, Rihanna's music is not amazing. Rihanna is not the one who is a great dancer.
What brought Rihanna so much attention without Chris was her ridiculous style.
Before, she was just a pretty girl, now she's edgy.
Chris never had to change his appearance and he's always had more than one talent since he came out.
The only thing I see going on for Rihanna is her looks! She can be a model, but she doesn't even write her own songs. How can she be credited as someone who is major talent? She's another Brittney Spears!
Chris Brown could at LEAST dance!
People need to stop giving her a pity ticket for "talent"!
And now they try and say that this Jason Derulo is "the next Chris Brown". Huh? "You said WHAT?"
Jason Derulo can sing and dance, but Chris is Chris. PLEASE.

Wednesday 17 March

By Lucky

i know rite i think CHRIS BROWN IS LIKE WAY BETTER THAN JASON Derulo...PLEASE//n i think they sould 4get about all that that was in the past n is done n ova wit,,,i think Rihanna had 2 do sumthin 2 him 2 make him hit i mean BEAT her like that..well thats wat i think...so yeah I LUV CHRIS BROWN...HE IS SOOOOOOOOO SEXY....

Saturday 27 March

By joan 885

first of all rihanna is a devil she is into things that people would not believe. but those with out sin cast the first stone.chris came from a violent past and he was 19 at the time you leave and you learn. love you chris god bless

Friday 30 April

By pracious

hey do not condem for u have never been condem by ure creator who u hold ure being,so l think he needs another chance.well chris try to work on ureself!

Monday 20 September

By Debra McDonald

YES HE CAN!!!! I saw Chris Brown in concert in VA this year and he was AWESOME!!!! Chris, you have unbelievable talent and I have to say that the Stand up concert in Richmond this year was the bomb! One of the best concerts I've seen in a long time! Keep up the good work! Seeing you in concert with my daughter was one of the best days of my life. Just wish I could get your autograph or something like that. I had my GRAFFITI CD with me but just couldn't hang out long enough I guess to get one. Can't wait to see ya again in VA or DC! Peace n Love!

Debra

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