Earlier this month, “The Pivot Podcast” host Ryan Clark reignited a long-held debate after comparing Chris Brown and the late king of pop Michael Jackson. In a series of tweets, Clark said, “Chris Brown is more talented than Michael Jackson…there I said it! Have a great week.”
Brown decided to clear the air for those who believe he was better than the king of pop during an interview on “Big Boy TV.” “That’s cap,” he told host Big Boy. “That is cap.”
The “No Guidance” singer claims he tried to stay out of the conversation, which has been circulating for years. He said some compare him and MJ the same way basketball fans compare Michael Jordan and the late Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash at 41 in 2020.
“My personal take on it is I wouldn’t even be breathing or even be able to sing a song if that man didn’t exist,” the Grammy-winning vocalist shared. “So, I don’t know if they look at it as the Jordan-Kobe thing, but I don’t. I can’t even look at it. He’s light years ahead … away. There is no competing with him, hell no.”
Brown admitted he has shrines of Jackson hanging in his house, declaring, “Hell naw, I ain’t better than Michael Jackson.”
The “Go Crazy” artist explained that his “fearlessness” allows him to deal with such heavy comparisons and people who often pit him against other exceptional artists.
“Fearlessness allows me to be like, ‘Cool, I don’t even care what they gon’ say or how that’s gon’ look. I’m gone dance,’” said the 33-year-old. “I feel like my learning capability never shuts off. So I think when I want to do music or when I want to do different dancing I don’t let it hinder. So I think seeing Michael do that first kind of was like, ’OK. I can do it.'”
Brown acknowledged the “generational gap” between his fans and fans of MJ, who died at age 50 in 2009. A year later, the “Loyal” rapper paid homage to the music iconic with a tribute performance at the 2010 BET Awards. He began to get emotional during the “Man in the Mirror” segment.
“I’m happy that they can say that. It could be a lot worse,” he continued. “I remember it used to be a whole different conversation about Chris Brown. I’m thankful in any regard. I’m just gon’ keep shaking my legs till I can.”
Chris Brown’s tenth studio album, “Breezy,” hits streaming platforms everywhere this Friday, June 24.
