Chris Brown Announces ‘X’ Album, First Single “Fine China” Out April 1

Robbie Daw | March 26, 2013 10:43 am

Perhaps Chris Brown figured there was no better time than when receiving major shade for being a terrible human being from the female cast of Glee to announce his new album? Breezy, who we were delusional enough to hope had gone into early retirement, was recently seen in a studio with Jennifer Lopez , via a pic JLo tweeted out. Now it’s been confirmed: Brown’s sixth studio album is titled X (we’re telling Kylie Minogue right now) and it’s slated for a release this summer, in either July or August.

The video for the LP’s first single, “Fine China” — which is described as “an uptempo song defining the qualities of a woman” —  will premiere, appropriately, on April 1.

According to Billboard, Brown explained the song at a listening event in Burbank last week like this: “I wanted to touch musically on Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Sam Cooke and incorporate those influences with the new” Lofty.

“Fine China” was co-produced by Roccstar and PK, and co-written by Brown, Roccstar, Eric Bellinger and Sevyn. Other producers on X: Timbaland, Diplo, BAM, Drumma Boy, CP Dubb, Mel and Mus, Verse Simmonds and Camper.

During a promotional interview this morning with Ryan Seacrest, the subject turned briefly to Rihanna — and particularly, Brown’s vicious assault on his ex-turned-current girlfriend. “Being at that young age, I can tell you I was arrogant and definitely hotheaded,” Brown said. “Everybody has a temper, but for me, it was not knowing how to control it when I thought I had the world in my hands.”

Lest anyone fret, however, Breezy is now reformed! “I just tried my best to be the best man I could be over the years and just show her how remorseful and sorry I was for the incident and that time was probably the worst part of my life and being that she has and she’s a wonderful person I’m eternally grateful and thankful,” he told Seacrest.

In addition to “Fine China,” Billboard notes that songs called “Autumn Leaves” (which boasts a Kendrick Lamar feature), “Lady In Glass Dress,” “Add Me In” and the album’s title track, “X,” were previewed at the listening event. A sample line from the latter (“Why trip off the bullshit when I’m on the good shit”) shows just how much Brown has matured lyrically in recent years.

Alrighty — who’s excited?