During a recent appearance on Club Shay Shay with Shannon Sharpe, R&B legend Bobby Brown weighed in on one of music’s most debated topics: which artist has come the closest to emulating the late, great Michael Jackson.
When asked directly who he believes has mirrored the King of Pop’s artistry, Brown didn’t hesitate to name Chris Brown as the standout.
“Chris Brown is a dancer-singer/great entertainer,” the elder Brown said of the Virginia-born superstar. “He goes out there and does the ultimate, ultimate stuff onstage and you just have to love it.”
Bobby Brown speaks onstage at the “Biography: Bobby Brown” And “Origins Of Hip Hop” NYC premiere event on May 17, 2022 in New York City.
Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for A+E Networks
Though he acknowledged Usher’s talent and influence, calling him a “great entertainer,” Brown firmly doubled down on his pick. “I gotta go with Chris on being as close to Michael as anybody could ever get,” he said, offering Breezy the ultimate co-sign from one of R&B’s original icons.
“Chris Brown is the closest thing to Michael Jackson,” Brown added, noting that while the comparison isn’t a perfect match just yet, Chris still has room—and time—to close the gap. “He’s still young, still has something to prove, but he’s on his way.”
Chris Brown performs onstage during “We Can Survive, A Radio.com Event” at The Hollywood Bowl on October 20, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Radio.com
The “My Prerogative” singer also reflected on his early connection with Usher, revealing he had a hand in mentoring the future star.
“I had a security guard who found Usher and he brought him to the shows. He brought him to the studios. I had a studio in Atlanta, Georgia and he just was always around. He brought him to be around me and to learn what this thing of ours is all about.”
In this image released on August 2, Usher performs onstage during a taping of iHeartRadio’s Living Black 2023 Block Party in Inglewood, California.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartRadio
On Usher crediting him as an influence, Brown said, “It makes me feel great because he’s a great entertainer. I’ve known Usher since he was 12, how well he holds himself up, how well he takes care of his business.”
Still, for Bobby, Chris Brown stands tallest in the shadow of Michael.
Watch Bobby Brown’s interview on the Club Shay Shay podcast below.
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