Content warning: Domestic violence, assault, graphic images
Controversial R&B artist, Chris Brown, has scored a top five hit on the Billboard charts with his new single, ‘No Guidance’. The song peaked at #5 overnight, and is Brown’s first top five hit since ‘Forever’ in 2008.
‘No Guidance’ has also performed strongly on the ARIA and New Zealand charts, having peaked at #7 and #5 respectively.
Brown released the single in June, when it debut at #9 on the Billboard charts. ‘No Guidance’ also appeared on Brown’s recent album, Indigo, which was his first number-one record in seven years.
‘No Guidance’ features vocals from Drake, and an elaborate, apparently Tarantino-inspired film clip which some have called “overproduced”. The track appears to mark an end to the feud between the two rappers, both of whom have romantic history with fellow performer, Rihanna.
A controversial career
Brown’s career will perhaps always be overshadowed by his 2009 assault on then-girlfriend, Rihanna. The incident occurred after an argument between the pair, leaving Rhianna with serious facial injuries.
The pair have had a tumultuous friendship since, with Brown most recently making bizarre comments on one of Rihanna’s Instagram posts.
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Brown’s record of violence against women is lengthy and unenviable. The singer has been accused of multiple instances of aggressive behaviour since 2009, including a gun threat in 2016 and an incident which left a woman reportedly needing surgery in 2013.
These instances have prompted some to question the morality of Drake’s decision to feature on ‘No Guidance’. This decision is especially controversial given the current influence Drake has in the music industry.
There is no word yet as to whether Chris Brown is planning to tour Australia to promote Indigo. The singer has previously struggled to obtain foreign visas following his infamous 2009 assault case.
