Even though neither of them have a record coming out anytime soon, both to these R&B stars have been in the all over the news lately. Though they’ve been getting time in the spotlight for different reasons, we thought we take a look at how the two singer squared off against each other.
Claim to Fame: Before the Tennessee native was bringing “SexyBack,” he was the lead singer of the boy band ‘N Snyc. After the band dissolved, Timberlake released his 2002 debut solo album Justified and then his 2007 followup FutureSex/LoveSounds. Both of his solo albums have been commercial successes and Timberlake currently holds six Grammys. In his personal life, Timberlake has been publicly linked to Britney Spears, Cameron Diaz and most recently Jessica Biel. He also has his own clothing line, William Rast. Timberlake has dabbled in acting and has most recently gained fame for his recent hilarious performances on Saturday Night Live including the “D*ck In a Box” skit and the spoof of Beyonce‘s Single Ladies video.
Hits: A musician, Timberlake has become one of the former members of a boy band to continue on to a successful career. Dropping the poppy sound of ‘N Sync, for a more contemporary R&B feel, TImberlake worked with The Neptunes and Timbaland on his first and second albums, respectively. As a result, hewas able to cross over from the pop charts and into the urban space.
Misses: During the halftime show for Superbowl XXXVIII, Timberlake tore off Janet Jackson’s top, exposing her nipple for 9/16 of a second to the viewing audience. After “Nipplegate,” Jackson’s career started to head south as outlets wouldn’t play her new music videos while Timberlake’s skyrocketed. Timberlake asserted that he only got “10 percent of the blame” but never outright defended Jackson, who got the brunt of the negative impact.
Chris Brown, 20
Claim to Fame: Debuting when he was just 16-years-old, Chris Brown has made a name for himself as one of the foremost entertainers in R&B since 2005. His first album Chris Brown went 2x platinum and his sophomore effort Exclusive has been certified platinum. Brown has also acted in several films including Stomp The Yard and This Christmas and endorsed Doublemint Gum in TV commercials.
Hits: His single “Run It,” earned him the accolade of being the first male to have his debut single on the top of the chart. Additionally, Brown is noted for his dance moves which have put him in the class of Michael Jackson and Usher.
Misses: On February 8, 2009, Chris Brown turned himself into the Los Angeles Police Department and was booked for making criminal threats against his girlfriend Rihanna. Brown had physically assaulted the young singer. His Doublemint endorsement has since been suspended, he’s been dropped from several radio stations and multiple artists have dropped his recordings from their work. After a short break up, Rihanna and Chris Brown are back together.
Winner: Chris Brown
By his own admission, Brown has issues that he needs to work out. But given the fact that he openly admitted to them rather than copping solely to his involvement like JT with “Nipplegate,” we, like Rihanna, are willing to give him a second chance. But, if he every slips up again…
Want to see more celebrity face offs?
Click here to read Kanye West Vs. Radiohead’s Thom Yorke
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