Throwback Thursday Album Retrospective: Chris Brown with Special Guest Jalen “Jay-Doggz” Hemphill, The Prince of Hip Hop Soul

Fans across the country are enjoying Chris Brown and Usher’s R&B tour so wanted to take a trip down memory lane to my early twenties and revisit his first — and arguably best — album: his self-titled 2005 debut.

Joining me for this Throwback Thursday Album Retrospective is artist, music lover, and fellow R&B head Jalen “Jay-Doggz” Hemphill, also known as The Prince of Hiphop Soul. Together, we revisit the singles, videos, deep cuts, remixes, and moments that helped introduce Chris Brown as one of the defining R&B performers of his generation.

Reviews & Dunn: “Run It!” was the album’s first single. At the time, I was living in Europe, and the song didn’t initially impress me. I wrote it off as just another run-of-the-mill club song from a teeny bopper, though I later changed my mind. What do you remember about the first time you heard the song?

Jalen Hemphill: The first time I heard “Run It!,” I remember being in sixth grade in middle school. I was on the bus one morning, and it was cold and rainy. I remember being in school and hearing all the girls talk about this new singer named Chris Brown and how much they loved him. I also remember the guys creating a rumor about Chris because they hated how much the girls loved him. Then the album came out that November, and I remember seeing the video being played on MTV Hits over and over again. I just knew a new dope R&B singer had arrived, and that he was definitely one of the great R&B voices of my generation.

Reviews & Dunn: “Yo (Excuse Me Miss)” was the album’s second single and the moment when I started to take him seriously. Dre & Vidal produced an outstanding track, and of course, the video was amazing. If Chris had done an all-remix version of the song featuring four singers under thirty at the time, who would you choose?

Jalen Hemphill: I honestly wouldn’t want to hear a remix to “Yo!” The song is great the way it is.

But if I could pick four singers under thirty to sing on it, I would choose Usher, Marques Houston, Mario, and a female voice to represent for the ladies — Keyshia Cole or Monica.

Reviews & Dunn: The club banger “Gimme That” was the third single, and the Michael Jackson influences were apparent. What do you recall about the video?

Jalen Hemphill: I remember loving the song and video so much because Chris was rapping and singing. The suits and ties, the dancing in that lobby-looking place with the lamps on the tables — it was all very dope. It’s actually one of my all-time favorite Chris joints for that reason. The video just took the song to the next level. Then Lil Wayne being on the remix was like the golden touch. I can’t hear the song without Wayne on it.

Reviews & Dunn: The A&R plan that the label devised for Chris was very smart, balancing up-tempo tracks with slow cuts. However, considering the success he was having video wise, I would have swapped out “Poppin’” for “Say Goodbye.” Between the two songs, which one do you still have in regular rotation today?

Jalen Hemphill: They both are on heavy rotation. They were both singles. “Poppin’” was more of a radio single, but the remix with Lil Wayne took it to another level. That remix had everyone in a chokehold. Mannnnnn, everyone was at a party or somewhere reciting Wayne’s verse and then singing Chris’ parts like it was nothing. LOL! "Say Goodbye” is what made my sister and me official Chris Brown fans. We knew he was going to be around forever. “Say Goodbye” showed his skills as a ballad singer and solidified Chris as one of the R&B greats of our time.

Reviews & Dunn: I also want to give a shout-out to The Underdogs, who produced “Young Love,” “Is This Love,” and “Ya Man Ain’t Me.” From a tour perspective, I always felt “Ya Man Ain’t Me” would have been a huge hit in concert, especially if Chris brought a lady on stage to serenade. Which of these songs do you think would have received the best response?

Jalen Hemphill: I think “Young Love” would get the best response because he was coming from his heart and not just bragging about how good his love is.I love the idea of Chris serenading a young lady on stage to that joint. It fits the best to me.

Reviews & Dunn: I still enjoy about 95 percent of the album, but I’ve always felt that “What’s My Name” and the “Run It!” remix were filler. If you could remove two songs from this album, which ones would they be?

Jalen Hemphill: I agree. I would replace “What’s My Name” with “Seen the Light.” That’s my all-time favorite Chris Brown joint because it comes from a real place. It’s a spiritual, self-aware joint, and Chris knew his time had come for him to finally win and shine. He doesn’t make songs that feel like that anymore. That’s another topic for another discussion for another day, though. LOL!

Reviews & Dunn: It’s not surprising that his upcoming tour with Usher is selling well. As an artist yourself, do you think it would be a sound investment if Chris did a YouTube special performing his debut album from start to finish, with The Roots as his backing band, for those who couldn’t secure tickets?

Jalen Hemphill: I think it would be, but I don’t think The Roots would be a good fit because The Roots are more of a neo-soul and hip-hop vibe. Chris is more recent contemporary R&B. I just don’t see it.

Reviews & Dunn: Is there anything you would like to add, and where can fans find you on social media?

Jalen Hemphill: Yes. I would like to add that Chris is definitely an artist I can say I grew up to. I grew up watching and listening to Chris Brown. I remember where I was during every Chris Brown era when he dropped a new album. He has definitely made it twenty years, and he is a legend. You can find me on Instagram at @hiphopsoul_jalen and on Facebook at Jalen Jay-Doggz Hemphill.