X (Chris Brown album)

Untitled

X is the upcoming sixth studio album by American recording personality Chris Brown. The album is scheduled to be released on July 16, 2013 by RCA Records.

Background and development

On the album Brown has worked with artists and producers such as Pharrell, Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Wiz Khalifa, Timbaland, Diplo, Danja, Glass John and DJ RockStar among others. Brown stated that the album's title ‘X' defines everything he's been through in his life, stating: "It's the Roman numeral for 10. 5/5/89 is my birthday: 5 plus 5 is 10, and this is my tenth year since I got into music. 'X' is the 24th letter in the alphabet, and I will turn 24 when this album comes out. 'X' is also a metaphor, as in 'ex-girlfriend': it implies you're progressing and moving on in life, not holding on to the past and your old ways".

Composition

In an interview with EBONY.com, Brown gives a sneak peak of a few tracks from the album, and talks about taking his music in a different direction and changing his sound from pop-infused and sexually explicit, to a more mature, soulful and vulnerable theme. The album's first single "Fine China" is an infectious reminder of Michael Jackson's "Off the Wall".

"Autumn Leaves", produced by BAM and co-written by Brown and Roccstar, it's a reflective, laid-back track about life and love that Brown says is a "potential second single", the song will also feature vocals from rapper Kendrick Lamar. "X", The Diplo-produced title track talks about crossing out the past and moving forward ("Why trip off the bullshit, when I'm on the good shit"). "The bass will beat through your chest," notes Brown, who co-wrote with Roccstar, Sevyn Streeter and Dewaine Whitmore Jr. "Lady in Glass Dress", A metaphor about being hurt and heartbroken but not letting that stand in the way of seeking love again ("I can see right through you"), Camper produced the Brown and Sam Hook co-written ballad. "Add Me In", Another nod to Wonder and Cooke, the uptempo track has Brown drawing on math metaphors ("What's the problem, girl?") to attract the interest of a female. Danja produced; Brown, Roccstar and Bellinger handled the writing.

Release and promotion

On April 29, Chris Brown announced a release date for X as July 16, 2013.

Singles

The album's lead single, "Fine China", was released to digital retailers on April 1, 2013 and was sent to US Rhythmic contemporary radio the following day. It was produced by RoccStar and PK and has since peaked at #48 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Recorded songs

• "Add Me In" (produced by Danja)
• "Autumn Leaves" (featuring Kendrick Lamar, produced by BAM)
• "Feel That" (produced by 9th Wonder)
• "Fine China" (produced by Roccstar & PK)
• "Home" (produced by Glass John)
• "Lady in Glass Dress" (produced by DJ Camper)
• "Put It Up" (featuring Rihanna)
• "X" (produced by Diplo)

External links

• Official website