Chris Brown is an American singer-songwriter, dancer, music video director and actor.

With the success of the #1 single "Run It!," Chris Brown's self-titled debut album peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200 in 2005. Subsequent singles "Yo (Excuse Me Miss)" and "Say Goodbye" also hit the Top 10 of the Hot 100.Allmusic: Chris Brown Billboard Singles

Brown released his second album Exclusive in 2007. It has spawned three Top 10 singles to date, including the #1 hit "Kiss Kiss" featuring T-Pain. In 2008, Exclusive was reissued in a "Forever Edition" with bonus tracks.

As an actor, Brown appeared in Stomp The Yard alongside Ne-Yo. He is currently slated to appear in the 2009 basketball film Phenom with Vanessa Williams.IMDb: Phenom

TMZ.com reported on March 5, 2009, that according to police notes, the alleged assault by Chris Brown on February 8th started when Rihanna read a three-page text message on Brown's cell phone from another woman. The angered Brown then reportedly tried to force Rihanna out of his car, shoved her head into the passenger's side window, punched her, bit her on the ear and put her in a headlock. Rihanna was said to have sent a text to her assistant telling her to call the cops. After Rihanna sent the text, Brown was said to have stated to Rihanna, "You just did the stupidest thing ever. I'm going to kill you."TMZ: Shocking Blow-By-Blow (March 5, 2009)

Brown was arrested on February 8, 2009, after allegedly abusing and threatening singer Rihanna. The incident took place before the Grammy Awards, reportedly after Brown received a text message from an unnamed female who wanted to hook up with him. Brown and Rihanna were said to have been in a car in Hancock Park, Los Angeles, at the time of the incident.TMZ: Text Message Ignites Rihanna/Brown Violence (February 11, 2009) He was released on a $50,000 bond.CNN: DA's office sends Chris Brown case back to police (February 11, 2009) According to E! Online, Brown threatened to kill Rihanna and choked her until she lost consciousness.E Online: Rihanna to Cops: Chris Brown Threatened to Kill Me (February 10, 2009)

The fallout from Brown's assault arrest continued to mount. A campaign was waged on the Internet by mothers who petitioned that Brown be removed from Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards consideration. Brown announced his withdrawal on March 11, 2008.NJ.com: Chris Brown Withdraws... (March 11, 2009)

On February 10, 2009, the "Got Milk" Milk Mustache campaign announced that they would end Brown's ads at the end of the week. Wrigley's also took action against Brown, suspending him as spokesman and canceling their advertising featuring him.L.A. Times: Chris Brown loses... (February 10, 2009)US Magazine: Chris Brown Got Milk... (February 10, 2009) In addition, a Cleveland radio station, WAKS FM 96.5, has stopped playing Brown's music until the matter can be sorted out in court.Perez Hilton: Radio Stations Stop Playing... (February 10, 2009)

An unnamed source close to rapper and producer Jay-Z told Us Weekly magazine that Jay-Z became angry after hearing of the abuse allegations against Brown. Jay-Z discovered Rihanna and signed her to his record label, Def Jam. The source reportedly said of the incident and Jay-Z's reaction, "Chris is a walking dead man. He messed with the wrong crew."Contact Music: Jay-Z "Hits the Roof" Over Brown Scandal (February 11, 2009)

Brown first appeared in court on March 5, 2009, and had his arraignment delayed until April 6, 2009. Rihanna did not appear in front of the judge that day.People: Chris Brown Appears in Court on Domestic Violence Charges (March 5, 2009) On April 6, 2009, Brown entered a not guilty plea for two felony counts of assault and for making criminal threats.People: Chris Brown Pleads Not Guilty (April 6, 2009)

Brown pleaded "guilty" to assaulting ex-girlfriend Rihanna at his preliminary hearing on June 22, 2009. According to his plea deal, he will be sentenced to five years' probation and community labor. The Long Island Women's Institute director, Roslyn Muraskin, expressed her disappointment with Brown's sentencing stating "This is a person who attacks a woman for no reason whatsoever and now gets away with the attack."Daily News: Chris Brown plea deal in Rihanna beating sends bad message, say domestic abuse experts (June 24, 2009)

On August 25, 2009, Chris Brown was given a five years probation sentence. In addition to this he was required to do six months of community service and attend domestic violence counseling.

Brown was named Billboard's top artist of 2008. Brown said in an interview, "It's bigger than what I can ever imagine. It's unexpected totally, so it's a surprise."Chron.com: Chris Brown named artist of the year by Billboard

He was also voted "Favorite Male Artist" in the pop/rock category at the American Music Awards on November 23, 2008.

• 2005: Chris Brown
• 2007: Exclusive

• 2007: Stomp the Yard
• 2007: This Christmas
• 2009: Phenom

• 2007: "Kiss Kiss" #1 Billboard
• 2005: Run it" #1 Billboard
• 2008: "Forever" #2 Billboard
• 2008: "With You" #2 Billboard
• 2006: "Yo (excuse me miss)" #7 Billboard Billboard: Chris Brown Chart History