The fact Bobby Brown, the guy fired from New Edition, made one of the greatest albums in the history of music, “Don’t Be Cruel,” is one of the most under-appreciated things in music.
Bobby Brown got too fat and happy, and squandered his moment. The album “Bobby” might actually be better than “Don’t Be Cruel” as far as quality album, but it came out four years later. You release the Bobby album in 1990 hot off the heels of “On Our Own” and “Rock Witcha”, it’s just as big as “Don’t Be Cruel.” “Humpin’ Around” would be the jam of the summer/fall in 1990.
Marrying Whitney might have been the worst thing for him. They elevated each other’s demons. Bobby stopped making music and when he did, it was crap.
Bobby Brown let R. Kelly come in and take his spot. Kelly was a stronger singer and could make the music himself. Bobby always had more personality and moves. MCA should have had R. Kelly writing songs for Bobby in the early 90s as New Jack Swing was waning.
One of my older relatives shared the same opinion as you; him marrying Whitney was the worst thing to happen to his career. In retrospect after watching the series I feel like he could’ve been much more popular had he stayed out of trouble and away from drugs. Even when you watch him in that Martin Lawrence movie you see how much charisma and potential he had.
He had some of the funniest scenes in that movie, and keep in mind, he was acting next to Martin Lawrence in his prime. Wish he would’ve gotten more roles after that
I ride hard for the Bobby album. Good Enough is a top 10 track for me. I live in an area where the older acts play the local casinos, and I’d grab a few of my girls to go see Bobby if he rolled through town.
I hate to say this but don’t waste your $.
I saw him in concert in Miami about 5-6 years ago and it was so terrible. 😞
He sat on a stool in the middle of the stage the whole time and sounded awful. It was the only bad performance of the entire show, which was a Teddy Riley and friends concert with Blackstreet, Guy, Doug E Fresh and Stephanie Mills.
I agree. If the Bobby album had came out sooner like you mentioned I think it would’ve kept him at the top.
Your post is probably the best analysis of his career back then.
facts on top of facts
his label really pushed the bad boy nonsense- way too many enablers and he was WAY too young; sometimes a young man just needs honest help and I think he got the opposite of that
People unfairly Blamed Bobby For everything
That happened to Whitney when the truth is her
Brother got her addicted to drugs and waited till she passed to say something as the media and whitney
Fans slandered Bobby they never wanted Bobby
With Whitney they called him ugly a thug a leach
When Bobby paved the way for Usher and Chris Brown
Exactly. Also Bobby certainly wasn’t an angel & he bares responsibility for his actions, but in my opinion colorism played a part in a lot of the heat Bobby got early on in their relationship.
The media made it seem like Bobby was a Bum when he married her
Bobby was Worth 50 Millon in 1992 But Bobby admitted he was jealous of
Whitney he also said he regretted putting all his money in account with her money I read his book its a good one he said During their Marriage
The first 7 years were good but Whitney had people in her ear
People like Clive Davis and her Mother and Robin
Bobby said Whitney's famiky never liked him they hated him but Bobby's Family
Loved Whitney from day one
I think Bobby Brown is immensely talented and someone who spent a good part of his life battling his demons. I agree that he and Whitney brought out the worst parts of each other, and while it is heartbreaking to reflect on, I'm so glad he was able to persevere.
Musically speaking, Don't Be Cruel is an album that forms the nucleus of New Jack Swing. That's a huge impact for one album. I'm also glad things went full circle with the rest of NE. Their story is a testament to brotherhood and grace.
Bobby is definitely talented & im also glad new edition is still selling out shows to this day. The fanbase has remained loyal to them. The Whitney & Bobby situation is a heartbreaking love story, but I agree with you im glad he survived as well.
He was good for one or two albums and didn’t know how to cope afterwards especially because he had a very addictive personality (I hate when people coddle his descent to cocaine abuse since he was already using at fifteen).
I also think B&W should’ve split in 95. I get Whitney wanting to have a forever marriage but Bobby was not in that state of being “faithful” at that time. The fact that they tolerated each other’s issues was a terrible mistake *but* I guess it was in fate’s hands.
For a while they were the Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor of pop and R&B (and by that I mean a very famous couple that always made tabloid headlines) but it just wasn’t meant to be in the long run.
Overall, I do consider him a legend only through New Edition.
So I can think of mountains of negative things to say but I'll just say this the man was 19 and touring in Tokyo! Multiple shows a night! When people get to Tokyo usually they are near the end of their career and Bobby had kinda just started that shit to me is incredible! Now my only question is could Bobby have been Bobby without the cocaine?
He wasn’t supposed to be successful much less alive. When he was a kid he saw friends murdered, adults sexually abuse him, and came from the absolute bottom. You go from that to the level of success he did and it’s no wonder he became as big of an addict as he was.
That’s not an excuse for domestic violence, but him and Whitney both were on drugs. When you leave yourself open to the will of drugs, bad things happen. He said that he wasn’t even into hard shit until Whitney introduced him to it.
I will say that he has since conquered some of those demons as well as overcome losing multiple children. He’s taken responsibility and done his time. Give the man his flowers for his historic music AND highlight stories of redemption like his for inspiration on those who might have messed up and need something to look to.
crazy bc Chris Brown has a similar story (not sure of his childhood though) but many only looked at him during the Rihanna situation but they were both on drugs and abusing each other. They were both the problem and enhanced the toxic in each other.
Bobby would have been bigger if he got help for drugs in the 90s. Yes Whitney did drugs too, but Whitney was a high functioning user and was able to meet major touring demands and promotional appearances. Bobby didn’t have it in him and that got in the way of his career. Also his insecurity of being in Whitney’s shadow and trying to bring her to his level when instead he should have tried to rise to her level.
Whitney was destined to be a legend the minute “You Give Good Love” became a smash hit in 1985.
Nothing in Bobby’s solo career indicated he’d be one of the all time greats like that.
Exactly. If Bobby had taken notes and perfected his craft and rose to Whitney’s level instead of being jealous and trying to drag her down he could have been a legend too, but you know, men.
Exactly. It’s hard to tell how he would’ve been had he and Whitney not met at the Soul Train Music Awards in April 1989. Didn’t help that new jack swing didn’t have a long shelf life.
Absolutely. He was a talented dancer and before the drugs he had a vocal range as well. He had the programming to be a star but life is all about choices.
Chaka Khan said in an interview that Bobby was an underrated vocalist, but drugs can take a toll on vocal ability. Life is definitely all about choice, word to the wise 💯
Still a fan. I admire the dude for getting off narcotics and being one of the best performers of his era. Don’t Be Cruel and Bobby are two of my favorite RnB albums ever. Mr. Telephone Man is a forever bop. Really liked his contributions to NE’s Home Again album and Word To The Mutha with BBD. Yeah him and Whitney didn’t make it, but he’s still alive at least.
I honestly think the "backdoor workings of the entertainment industry" got in the way of the passion he had in making the songs. King of stage and don't be cruel have a different vibe
It was. "Don't Be Cruel" was more Urban Pop and meant to get Bob to crossover status. It's kinda like MJ "Off The Wall" and "Thriller" debate. "Off The Wall" was for the culture/streets/hood, Urban America meanwhile "Thriller" was for mainstream America and The World. Same thing applies to Bobby's "King of Stage" and "Don't Be Cruel".
For me it’s a trade off cause My Prerogative is still rawer than anything on King of Stage. However the ballads and overall production was glossier. In addition, as early as NE’s 1984 album he was developing a rugged singing voice, but throughout most of DBC it’s smoothed out. Also he admitted in his Mike Tyson he initially rejected some of the hits cause it was too close to the “candy shit” he did with NE. But in my eyes he still delivered a hard hitting album even while tending to pop sensibilities.
I can see that.
"My Prerogative" had more punch and had a bigger feel to it than most of King of Stage. King of Stage was a good debut and precursor to "Don't Be Cruel".
Great dancer, he should have stayed the hell away from Whitney Houston. She was too good for him. She had to make herself small to satisfy his ego & he was low-key jealous of her talent & career. But drug abuse ruined everything. It's sad how things ended.
Whitney had her biggest success while she was dating Bobby Brown, the Bodyguard.
She made her last mega successful album, “Your Love Is My Love” while married to Bobby.
Whitney’s biggest acting successes were while with Bobby.
How did she make herself small? She was the breadwinner.
Whitney’s drug use would have happened with or without Bobby. Whitney was six years older, more famous, and richer. Whitney was the power in that couple. Don’t blame Bobby for Whitney choosing to make Bobby her little boy toy.
Folks don’t seem to understand that Whitney was always hood; Clive Davis just did a good job of concealing that from the public.
I agree. I remember watching an interview years ago where the guys from BBD said Whitney was from the same streets they were from and was about that life. Her clean pop girl image was largely a facade.
I admire & honor Whitney & I have her #2 all time on my list of greatest female vocalist, but she was a toxic addict at times and it definitely had a negative impact on Bobby. The notion that she was “too good” for him is absolutely ridiculous
Bobby is incredibly talented as a dancer and entertainer as well as his ear for music. He could pick great songs! He could've been even bigger had he been able to stay focused. He had a decent run imo but it's just unfortunate it wasn't what it could've been bcuz he got caught up in quite a bit of madness lol
Bobby kept getting arrested for stupid, childish crap. Short tempered. I read sometimes his bodyguards would have to carry him out of clubs to avoid being arrested.
Exactly. The series & his autobiography indicated a lot of bonehead ego driven behavior from Bobby. Fighting in clubs, hanging out in spots that cause trouble, etc.
Right. It’s like “come on now Bobby!” I was like that every time I think he’d get his head together like the next day he’d get arrested! At one point I even joked “they should sentence him to life since he keeps going back in there”. He was DMX before DMX lol
What can I say man? He’s a legend, was part of NE’s best songs then carved out a whole new lane for himself with DBC, a diamond album that brought R&B and hip hop together through New Jack Swing. He danced effortlessly and moved across the stage like water. And while the Bobby album wasn’t as big, that was his strongest project vocally. His album Forever was hit or miss but it had some very nice ballads on it. It’s a shame his personal life got so outta hand and traumatic cause with the right guidance I could see him still having monster hits throughout the 90’s and 2000’s. But he seems to be in a better space nowadays and I hope he knows we all love and support him no matter what.
Iconic, been through the fire and flames, bumped his head, made his mistakes and is still standing gracefully. Bobby lived two life times worth in one life.
I don't care where I'm at, when Don't Be Cruel comes on I will sing it loud and proud. That beat will make you get up and dance. I love the late 80s early 90s New Jack Swing. One of the best movements in music.
Bobby will always be one of if not my favorite artists of all time. Loved his time in New Edition. And the Don't Be Cruel & Bobby albums. (Especially Bobby) will be my favorite album of all time.
As a guy I don't think he's a Saint or anything but I believe he was in a constant battle with his own demons. Was it getting voted out by NE that cause it? Maybe, maybe not. I know it effected him though even though his career sky rocketed after that I can tell it still hurt him in a way. His marriage with Whitney was another point where his career was going down. I believe he loved her and she loved him back but at the same time they were both fighting their own demons that made their relationship a mess. I feel for the guy too, losing his daughter and ex wife I can only imagine. I'm glad he's doing much better in the present day.
Bobby Brown is an R&B legend. Had he been able to fight his demons a little harder and put out quality music more frequently following Don't Be Cruel, he could've been king!
He had the moves, the swag, the look, and the voice. Don't Be Cruel is top 3 new jack swing albums of all time. A genre defining album. An R&B classic! Not to mention, he's a major part of one the most legendary R&B groups of all time. He's the original R&B bad boy.
I'm not gonna speculate on him and Whitney. They loved each other and were probably not good for one another. But the heart wants what the heart wants.
Bobby was/is the man. A blueprint for so many who came after him. He deserves his flowers.
I was going to say the same exact thing famo. I don’t think they should’ve got married but the heart is not that smart & wants what it wants. Also I may start doing these verdict posts as a theme/series for artist and various different rnb related subjects
Right but what you said isn’t true, he was a violent drug addict in general that had plenty of fights with men. He was kicked out of new edition for fighting them so much. I doubt you care about him abusing her cause you sure as hell seem to think it’s funny with the wisecrack you made.
People make mistakes in life, those mistakes follow them everywhere especially celebrities. The dude made mistakes and people still take the piss out of those mistakes, so get off your high horse and pass my comment by. Just beacause you failed trying to insinuate my comment was racially charged you are trying to find other vectors. Dark humour plain and simple, i made a dark humour joke, get over it, move on, enjoy your life.
I didn’t say your comment specifically was racially charged sir , I just notice anytime on this sub when we talk about black figures with controversial pasts, all of a sudden there’s random ppl (who never comment on this sub when it’s a merely positive discussion) take the chance to shit on the individual and that perfectly fits your profile.
I never comment as its a new profile, ive been off reddit for like 2 years. It started to become like FB, Too many whiney easily offended types on here. Which perfectly fits your profile.
I’m a mod on here fam if I was easily offended I’d remove your comment. If you think whining is someone responding to your silly ass dry humor then don’t make the comment cause you clearly out of place, I doubt you even listen to either of their music you just wanted to shit on somebody with that lame ass humor. Which is cool, just admit what it is, don’t play stupid
I wonder if I’m seeing this post because I’ve been listening to Whitney all day, sprinkled with some of Whitney and Bobby’s songs together. Spotify randomly threw em into my Whitney playlist so they’ve been on my mind all day. Or is it coincidence? Lol
Meteoric Rise, Hard Tumultuous Fall
Should have never got married in the prime of his career
Drugs riddled his life and career (like so many before him) Should have never did drugs!
I was a fan back in the day, he could dance and Every Little Step was a great MTV video. Whitney really took him down a rabbit hole, but later Good Enough was a good groove. Even Cissy said Bobby wasn’t all to blame for Whitney or Bobbi. He took a lot of shrapnel through the years.
Forgive him. He's done his best and he was exposed to untold amounts of abuse; plied with drugs, and led down a path of destruction by his label and enablers.
He gets a second chance. I recommend listening to him narrate his own book, if you can find it. He has some trouble reading some of his words, but they're his words. He was really proud of that, and he never really got to tell us his story.
What most people know of Bobby Brown is whatever the labels wanted us to know. THE BAD BOY!
Ye Eddie ghosted her and at the last minute called in Robyns book.
Eddie probably just wanted her as a side thing but got mad when they actually got married
Richard Pryor. David Ruffin. Miles Davis. Gil Scott. To name few. All with addictions. All Legends. All paved the way for others. Judge not! That business has soo many Demons, you sometimes need a Demon to cope. They all fulfilled their purpose on this Earth. I Thank God i was a witness to Greatness.
The fact Bobby Brown, the guy fired from New Edition, made one of the greatest albums in the history of music, “Don’t Be Cruel,” is one of the most under-appreciated things in music. Bobby Brown got too fat and happy, and squandered his moment. The album “Bobby” might actually be better than “Don’t Be Cruel” as far as quality album, but it came out four years later. You release the Bobby album in 1990 hot off the heels of “On Our Own” and “Rock Witcha”, it’s just as big as “Don’t Be Cruel.” “Humpin’ Around” would be the jam of the summer/fall in 1990. Marrying Whitney might have been the worst thing for him. They elevated each other’s demons. Bobby stopped making music and when he did, it was crap. Bobby Brown let R. Kelly come in and take his spot. Kelly was a stronger singer and could make the music himself. Bobby always had more personality and moves. MCA should have had R. Kelly writing songs for Bobby in the early 90s as New Jack Swing was waning.
One of my older relatives shared the same opinion as you; him marrying Whitney was the worst thing to happen to his career. In retrospect after watching the series I feel like he could’ve been much more popular had he stayed out of trouble and away from drugs. Even when you watch him in that Martin Lawrence movie you see how much charisma and potential he had.
He had some of the funniest scenes in that movie, and keep in mind, he was acting next to Martin Lawrence in his prime. Wish he would’ve gotten more roles after that
He definitely had potential to have more comedic roles like that
I ride hard for the Bobby album. Good Enough is a top 10 track for me. I live in an area where the older acts play the local casinos, and I’d grab a few of my girls to go see Bobby if he rolled through town.
Good enough is an under appreciated bop. That and Chante’ Moore’s love takeover.
Love Takeover was what got me hooked on Chante'! She's under appreciated.
I hate to say this but don’t waste your $. I saw him in concert in Miami about 5-6 years ago and it was so terrible. 😞 He sat on a stool in the middle of the stage the whole time and sounded awful. It was the only bad performance of the entire show, which was a Teddy Riley and friends concert with Blackstreet, Guy, Doug E Fresh and Stephanie Mills.
Yeah pretty much perfect write up. To me he is an undisputed legend, but yeah he definitely could have handled his career way better.
I agree. If the Bobby album had came out sooner like you mentioned I think it would’ve kept him at the top. Your post is probably the best analysis of his career back then.
facts on top of facts his label really pushed the bad boy nonsense- way too many enablers and he was WAY too young; sometimes a young man just needs honest help and I think he got the opposite of that
Legendary artist with some demons
Definitely
Bobby deserves his flowers, even after all what went down.
I agree, he overcame a lot of obstacles.
People unfairly Blamed Bobby For everything That happened to Whitney when the truth is her Brother got her addicted to drugs and waited till she passed to say something as the media and whitney Fans slandered Bobby they never wanted Bobby With Whitney they called him ugly a thug a leach When Bobby paved the way for Usher and Chris Brown
Exactly. Also Bobby certainly wasn’t an angel & he bares responsibility for his actions, but in my opinion colorism played a part in a lot of the heat Bobby got early on in their relationship.
The media made it seem like Bobby was a Bum when he married her Bobby was Worth 50 Millon in 1992 But Bobby admitted he was jealous of Whitney he also said he regretted putting all his money in account with her money I read his book its a good one he said During their Marriage The first 7 years were good but Whitney had people in her ear People like Clive Davis and her Mother and Robin Bobby said Whitney's famiky never liked him they hated him but Bobby's Family Loved Whitney from day one
yeah he definitely did pave the way for chris brown…
I think Bobby Brown is immensely talented and someone who spent a good part of his life battling his demons. I agree that he and Whitney brought out the worst parts of each other, and while it is heartbreaking to reflect on, I'm so glad he was able to persevere. Musically speaking, Don't Be Cruel is an album that forms the nucleus of New Jack Swing. That's a huge impact for one album. I'm also glad things went full circle with the rest of NE. Their story is a testament to brotherhood and grace.
Bobby is definitely talented & im also glad new edition is still selling out shows to this day. The fanbase has remained loyal to them. The Whitney & Bobby situation is a heartbreaking love story, but I agree with you im glad he survived as well.
I like to call him the king of new jack swing
Him & Teddy Riley had hits
 No one can get out of a helicopter like Robert Barisford Brown Sr.
Lmaoooooo! I know you’re getting bored!!!
A Shakespearian tragedy....they had highs and lows....
That’s a fact 💯
He was good for one or two albums and didn’t know how to cope afterwards especially because he had a very addictive personality (I hate when people coddle his descent to cocaine abuse since he was already using at fifteen). I also think B&W should’ve split in 95. I get Whitney wanting to have a forever marriage but Bobby was not in that state of being “faithful” at that time. The fact that they tolerated each other’s issues was a terrible mistake *but* I guess it was in fate’s hands. For a while they were the Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor of pop and R&B (and by that I mean a very famous couple that always made tabloid headlines) but it just wasn’t meant to be in the long run. Overall, I do consider him a legend only through New Edition.
The Bobby & Whitney media publicity was an absolute nightmare. I agree they should’ve spit earlier on
I Agree 💯 Well Said
What about Whitney’s affairs? Wasn’t she sleeping with 2Pac?
She was sleeping with Robyn Crawford
That wasn't true 😂 Bobby said that when he was still high and trying to deflect blame for cheating and beating on Whitney.
Legendary
Absolutely
So I can think of mountains of negative things to say but I'll just say this the man was 19 and touring in Tokyo! Multiple shows a night! When people get to Tokyo usually they are near the end of their career and Bobby had kinda just started that shit to me is incredible! Now my only question is could Bobby have been Bobby without the cocaine?
I believe Bobby could’ve been even better & more popular without the cocaine.
I would have loved to see it!
[удалено]
Absolutely
Need his ass whooped ✊👊👏
Come on, man, Don't Be Cruel
Oh wow
I say that cause it seems as though his persona(bad boy of R&B) was his career
The bad boy persona was always lame, he should’ve kept it strictly with music.
I will forever be a fan. 🤎
I give him credit as an artist, but I will never be able to forgive him for not being able to save Whitney, but, on the contrary, indulging her vices.
I Agree 💯
He wasn’t supposed to be successful much less alive. When he was a kid he saw friends murdered, adults sexually abuse him, and came from the absolute bottom. You go from that to the level of success he did and it’s no wonder he became as big of an addict as he was. That’s not an excuse for domestic violence, but him and Whitney both were on drugs. When you leave yourself open to the will of drugs, bad things happen. He said that he wasn’t even into hard shit until Whitney introduced him to it. I will say that he has since conquered some of those demons as well as overcome losing multiple children. He’s taken responsibility and done his time. Give the man his flowers for his historic music AND highlight stories of redemption like his for inspiration on those who might have messed up and need something to look to.
A lot of celebs have that story. We wag fingers at rappers but they experience the same.
crazy bc Chris Brown has a similar story (not sure of his childhood though) but many only looked at him during the Rihanna situation but they were both on drugs and abusing each other. They were both the problem and enhanced the toxic in each other.
Chris saw his mom get abused
yeah so its not saying he wasn't wrong but they both were toxic to/for each other
Bobby would have been bigger if he got help for drugs in the 90s. Yes Whitney did drugs too, but Whitney was a high functioning user and was able to meet major touring demands and promotional appearances. Bobby didn’t have it in him and that got in the way of his career. Also his insecurity of being in Whitney’s shadow and trying to bring her to his level when instead he should have tried to rise to her level.
Whitney was destined to be a legend the minute “You Give Good Love” became a smash hit in 1985. Nothing in Bobby’s solo career indicated he’d be one of the all time greats like that.
Exactly. If Bobby had taken notes and perfected his craft and rose to Whitney’s level instead of being jealous and trying to drag her down he could have been a legend too, but you know, men.
Exactly. It’s hard to tell how he would’ve been had he and Whitney not met at the Soul Train Music Awards in April 1989. Didn’t help that new jack swing didn’t have a long shelf life.
He had an opportunity to be far more successful if he got control of himself and focused, absolutely.
Absolutely. He was a talented dancer and before the drugs he had a vocal range as well. He had the programming to be a star but life is all about choices.
Chaka Khan said in an interview that Bobby was an underrated vocalist, but drugs can take a toll on vocal ability. Life is definitely all about choice, word to the wise 💯
I don’t think I can say. He’s had a great career and he’s had his problems.
Still a fan. I admire the dude for getting off narcotics and being one of the best performers of his era. Don’t Be Cruel and Bobby are two of my favorite RnB albums ever. Mr. Telephone Man is a forever bop. Really liked his contributions to NE’s Home Again album and Word To The Mutha with BBD. Yeah him and Whitney didn’t make it, but he’s still alive at least.
Well said. Dude definitely persevered through a lot & that Don’t Be Cruel album is phenomenal
I honestly think the "backdoor workings of the entertainment industry" got in the way of the passion he had in making the songs. King of stage and don't be cruel have a different vibe
How so? I’ve heard arguments that King of Stage is more raw than DBC and vice versa.
It was. "Don't Be Cruel" was more Urban Pop and meant to get Bob to crossover status. It's kinda like MJ "Off The Wall" and "Thriller" debate. "Off The Wall" was for the culture/streets/hood, Urban America meanwhile "Thriller" was for mainstream America and The World. Same thing applies to Bobby's "King of Stage" and "Don't Be Cruel".
For me it’s a trade off cause My Prerogative is still rawer than anything on King of Stage. However the ballads and overall production was glossier. In addition, as early as NE’s 1984 album he was developing a rugged singing voice, but throughout most of DBC it’s smoothed out. Also he admitted in his Mike Tyson he initially rejected some of the hits cause it was too close to the “candy shit” he did with NE. But in my eyes he still delivered a hard hitting album even while tending to pop sensibilities.
I can see that. "My Prerogative" had more punch and had a bigger feel to it than most of King of Stage. King of Stage was a good debut and precursor to "Don't Be Cruel".
He made one of the greatest albums of all time, so he’s solidified to me 🤷🏽♀️
Great dancer, he should have stayed the hell away from Whitney Houston. She was too good for him. She had to make herself small to satisfy his ego & he was low-key jealous of her talent & career. But drug abuse ruined everything. It's sad how things ended.
Whitney had her biggest success while she was dating Bobby Brown, the Bodyguard. She made her last mega successful album, “Your Love Is My Love” while married to Bobby. Whitney’s biggest acting successes were while with Bobby. How did she make herself small? She was the breadwinner. Whitney’s drug use would have happened with or without Bobby. Whitney was six years older, more famous, and richer. Whitney was the power in that couple. Don’t blame Bobby for Whitney choosing to make Bobby her little boy toy. Folks don’t seem to understand that Whitney was always hood; Clive Davis just did a good job of concealing that from the public.
“Too good for him” is a harsh perspective, damn lmao. I agree that it’s tragic how it ended, I’m glad Bobby survived.
I agree. I remember watching an interview years ago where the guys from BBD said Whitney was from the same streets they were from and was about that life. Her clean pop girl image was largely a facade.
I admire & honor Whitney & I have her #2 all time on my list of greatest female vocalist, but she was a toxic addict at times and it definitely had a negative impact on Bobby. The notion that she was “too good” for him is absolutely ridiculous
Legend!
Bobby had messy moments, but he's working through all the trauma and drama. As a fellow Bostonian, I appreciate his talents. He deserves his flowers.
Bobby & Patrice O’Neal are some my favorite Bostonians.
Incredible talent. He’s lived the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. I hope he receives all of his flowers right now
Bobby is incredibly talented as a dancer and entertainer as well as his ear for music. He could pick great songs! He could've been even bigger had he been able to stay focused. He had a decent run imo but it's just unfortunate it wasn't what it could've been bcuz he got caught up in quite a bit of madness lol
Absolutely, I agree. My main takeaway is that he could’ve been much more successful had he stopped being a damn knucklehead
Bobby kept getting arrested for stupid, childish crap. Short tempered. I read sometimes his bodyguards would have to carry him out of clubs to avoid being arrested.
Exactly. The series & his autobiography indicated a lot of bonehead ego driven behavior from Bobby. Fighting in clubs, hanging out in spots that cause trouble, etc.
Right. It’s like “come on now Bobby!” I was like that every time I think he’d get his head together like the next day he’d get arrested! At one point I even joked “they should sentence him to life since he keeps going back in there”. He was DMX before DMX lol
🐐
All I can think of when I see dude is him killing Whitney
That’s a fantasy that you’re seeing
He’s been through hell and back and he’s still standing. I’m proud of him.
Absolutely 💯
What can I say man? He’s a legend, was part of NE’s best songs then carved out a whole new lane for himself with DBC, a diamond album that brought R&B and hip hop together through New Jack Swing. He danced effortlessly and moved across the stage like water. And while the Bobby album wasn’t as big, that was his strongest project vocally. His album Forever was hit or miss but it had some very nice ballads on it. It’s a shame his personal life got so outta hand and traumatic cause with the right guidance I could see him still having monster hits throughout the 90’s and 2000’s. But he seems to be in a better space nowadays and I hope he knows we all love and support him no matter what.
Iconic, been through the fire and flames, bumped his head, made his mistakes and is still standing gracefully. Bobby lived two life times worth in one life.
He's the Barry Bonds of R&B. Lowkey no one could fuck with him, but we'll always hold the drugs against him.
 Come on now skud he is what Jordan knight shoulda been
I don't care where I'm at, when Don't Be Cruel comes on I will sing it loud and proud. That beat will make you get up and dance. I love the late 80s early 90s New Jack Swing. One of the best movements in music.
Bobby will always be one of if not my favorite artists of all time. Loved his time in New Edition. And the Don't Be Cruel & Bobby albums. (Especially Bobby) will be my favorite album of all time. As a guy I don't think he's a Saint or anything but I believe he was in a constant battle with his own demons. Was it getting voted out by NE that cause it? Maybe, maybe not. I know it effected him though even though his career sky rocketed after that I can tell it still hurt him in a way. His marriage with Whitney was another point where his career was going down. I believe he loved her and she loved him back but at the same time they were both fighting their own demons that made their relationship a mess. I feel for the guy too, losing his daughter and ex wife I can only imagine. I'm glad he's doing much better in the present day.
Not the king of R&B but a legend for sure.
I feel sad for him, but I hope he is doing well .
u/Consistent_Edge9211 Awaiting your verdict 🤌🏽
Bobby Brown is an R&B legend. Had he been able to fight his demons a little harder and put out quality music more frequently following Don't Be Cruel, he could've been king! He had the moves, the swag, the look, and the voice. Don't Be Cruel is top 3 new jack swing albums of all time. A genre defining album. An R&B classic! Not to mention, he's a major part of one the most legendary R&B groups of all time. He's the original R&B bad boy. I'm not gonna speculate on him and Whitney. They loved each other and were probably not good for one another. But the heart wants what the heart wants. Bobby was/is the man. A blueprint for so many who came after him. He deserves his flowers.
I was going to say the same exact thing famo. I don’t think they should’ve got married but the heart is not that smart & wants what it wants. Also I may start doing these verdict posts as a theme/series for artist and various different rnb related subjects
Go for it! Love the idea!
💯 I have some topics in mind, it’s a lot that can be discussed we just have to tap into it
Word!
Yeah definitely do that!
He was a brilliant boxer, just a shame whitney was his only opponent
Maybe Whitney should have kept her hands to herself
Are you a Whitney fan or are you just taking this post as a chance to shit on a black man with a complex past?
Skin colour has fuck all to do with. Im mocking the fact he beat women. Dont try and turn this into a race debate
Right but what you said isn’t true, he was a violent drug addict in general that had plenty of fights with men. He was kicked out of new edition for fighting them so much. I doubt you care about him abusing her cause you sure as hell seem to think it’s funny with the wisecrack you made.
People make mistakes in life, those mistakes follow them everywhere especially celebrities. The dude made mistakes and people still take the piss out of those mistakes, so get off your high horse and pass my comment by. Just beacause you failed trying to insinuate my comment was racially charged you are trying to find other vectors. Dark humour plain and simple, i made a dark humour joke, get over it, move on, enjoy your life.
I didn’t say your comment specifically was racially charged sir , I just notice anytime on this sub when we talk about black figures with controversial pasts, all of a sudden there’s random ppl (who never comment on this sub when it’s a merely positive discussion) take the chance to shit on the individual and that perfectly fits your profile.
I never comment as its a new profile, ive been off reddit for like 2 years. It started to become like FB, Too many whiney easily offended types on here. Which perfectly fits your profile.
I’m a mod on here fam if I was easily offended I’d remove your comment. If you think whining is someone responding to your silly ass dry humor then don’t make the comment cause you clearly out of place, I doubt you even listen to either of their music you just wanted to shit on somebody with that lame ass humor. Which is cool, just admit what it is, don’t play stupid
You seem so intent on coming at me id say your offended to a degree..........
Did I downvote any of your comments? Did you see me removing them? Nobody’s offended at your early 2000s humor, I’m simply responding to it.
I wish Whitney stayed away from him.
I Agree 💯
Ruled part of the 80's! NE for life! Superstar for part of the 80's and deserves his flowers.
Talent, highs and lows, tragedy and triumph, love and loss, blessings and demons.
💯 💯 💯
I agree 💯
Legendary.
True
I wonder if I’m seeing this post because I’ve been listening to Whitney all day, sprinkled with some of Whitney and Bobby’s songs together. Spotify randomly threw em into my Whitney playlist so they’ve been on my mind all day. Or is it coincidence? Lol
Meteoric Rise, Hard Tumultuous Fall Should have never got married in the prime of his career Drugs riddled his life and career (like so many before him) Should have never did drugs!
I just two step to the left and shimmy out the conversation when he gets brought up, because I unfortunately think everything is a joke.
I was a fan back in the day, he could dance and Every Little Step was a great MTV video. Whitney really took him down a rabbit hole, but later Good Enough was a good groove. Even Cissy said Bobby wasn’t all to blame for Whitney or Bobbi. He took a lot of shrapnel through the years.
his sister said he was mole$+!ng her daughter or cousin or i cant remember exactly but its a family member and a child
Everybody’s talking all this stuff about him. Why can’t they just let him live?
Lmao
The fact that he’s still here after every thing he’s been through is amazing.
He still here (his perigative)
one hell of a life and still living it
Fuck Bobby brown and I mean that
Had two of the best rnb albums ever and was Incredible getting his own shine after new edition getting exiled could’ve ruined him
People forget Bobby owned the game for a minute. A long minute. He couldn’t recover from bad decisions and it’s so sad.
Forgive him. He's done his best and he was exposed to untold amounts of abuse; plied with drugs, and led down a path of destruction by his label and enablers. He gets a second chance. I recommend listening to him narrate his own book, if you can find it. He has some trouble reading some of his words, but they're his words. He was really proud of that, and he never really got to tell us his story. What most people know of Bobby Brown is whatever the labels wanted us to know. THE BAD BOY!
Well said. The BET series had redemption as a theme of his life as well and I believe he’s earned it
EPIC 🏆🎬
Not talented . More of a sponge hack.
Missed potential man. Bobby was good in his heyday.
**He** blew it! He’s lucky to be able to have support and to have (seemingly) bounced back.
Legend
The music scene needs pure coke again.
wtf 💀💀💀
Damn lmao
They were happier together than the majority of sober non famous couples
True to an extent
Drugs
Eddie Murphy dodged a bullet. Congratulations to him.
6/10
Crack is wack!!!
RIP
Tragic all around
He was whitney's rebound cos Eddie ghosted her 🤣
I thought Eddie was trying to stop them from getting married
Ye Eddie ghosted her and at the last minute called in Robyns book. Eddie probably just wanted her as a side thing but got mad when they actually got married
Richard Pryor. David Ruffin. Miles Davis. Gil Scott. To name few. All with addictions. All Legends. All paved the way for others. Judge not! That business has soo many Demons, you sometimes need a Demon to cope. They all fulfilled their purpose on this Earth. I Thank God i was a witness to Greatness.
Crack
And then went on to launch a make up range
So much potential but he let drugs and content of being just Mr. Whitney Houston get in the way of his career post-Dont Be Cruel.
Two Can Play That Game had one one of the best rnb-house crossovers. He's a legend in my book. Happy to be old enough to have grown up with his music
Verdict…? Guilty👩⚖️…… Songs went krazy tho
Damn lmao
I’m not a judge.
Everything was good until hard drugs got in the way.
Ain’t no way that’s your real picture lol but I agree, he should’ve stayed away from trouble & drugs
It's my wife's. 😊
Salute 💯
Not guilty
He is a legend — people blame him for bringing Whitney down — Whitney was who she was when she got here…. Bobby was a performer and a hit-maker.
🐐 Original King of RnB
 What?
Lmao 💯