CHRIS BROWN
by Chauncy Jackson

He returns his sophomore set, Exclusive, via Jive Records, a disc that includes collaborations with T-Pain and will.i.am and production assistance from Sean Garrett, the Underdogs, and Adonis and Bryan-Michael Cox. The songs on the new disc illustrate his evolution as a musician and as a man. "I would say it's just me being mature, getting older," he said, "growing a little bit more hair and peach fuzz on the bottom of my chin. This time, I was more physically and mentally into the whole process. I just jumped in head first and delved into everything. It's another stepping stone for me. Every day is a learning experience when you're in the music industry. From day one, I've learned how to be a better artist, working on my music and with other people."

In 18 months, Brown went from relative unknown to headliner. He headlined the Up Close & Personal tour with Lil Wayne and Ne-Yo. "I love being on the road more than anything," he said. "Making an album is about recording the songs you love. By the time you get to performing them, it's about putting that out on stage and expressing yourself physically through your voice and your feet."

The busy Brown, who is touring in support of the new disc, is also appearing on both the small and big screens as an actor. He has already appeared on The O.C. and One on One, as well as in Stomp the Yard and This Christmas, which unreels on film screens this holiday season.