One of the best-known African-American entertainers and actors, Chris Brown released his first album in 2005 when he was just 16. The album included his single "Run It," which quickly hit the top of the charts and made him the first male artist to do that with a debut single. The album, "Chris Brown," went on to sell two million copies.
His mother was instrumental in directing him away from rap and toward vocals because of the quality of his voice. Brown also credits artists like Michael Jackson and Usher for giving him inspiration and drawing him into the world of R & B, pop, and hip hop.
