He's a lot like the 16-year-old boy living in the house next door to you: Straight from Tappahannock, VA --- population 2000 -- Chris Brown proves that real talent, persistence and charisma still have a place in the music industry.

One listen to Chris' 16-year-old voice and you're tempted to draw comparisons: Michael Jackson, Tevin Campbell, and Usher. But listen a bit longer and those comparisons begin to dissipate as it becomes clear that, while Chris certainly channels the creativity of those who have come before him, he definitely has a style, a flavor and a place in music that are all his own.

His debut CD Young Love takes us on a journey through the malls, parties and teen hangouts as Chris covers a variety of subjects: A girl that he's dying to hit the dance floor with. A girl that's got another man. A girl that has him totally and completely head over heels in love. It's an album about young boys, young girls -- Young Love.

Chris got his musical initiation early on, inspired by what he refers to as the "eclectic" taste of his parents and soaking in the sounds of his favorites: Michael Jackson, Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder, Donnie Hathaway, Anita Baker, and Aretha Franklin. But, like most young boys, Chris was soon drawn to rap and was certain that he would be the first emcee to put Tappahannock on the map. By the time he was 13, Chris realized that his voice was more than just a chick magnet. And so did his mother as she began to hook her son up with various producers.

Chris may still be a lot like the boy who lives next door to you. But not really. You can see that on:

http://video.aol.com/video-category/brown-chris/440_724933