Tina Davis reflects on rebuilding Chris Brown’s career after Rihanna assault
Tina Davis, former manager of R&B artist Chris Brown, has detailed how her team managed his career following the fallout from his 2009 assault on Rihanna. Speaking in an interview with NandoLeaks, Davis outlined the strategies employed to navigate public backlash and get Brown back into the music industry’s mainstream spotlight.
Davis revealed that prior to the incident, Brown was widely adored by fans and seen as a “sweetheart.” She described how some parents even went to extreme lengths, such as bringing their daughters to hotels, hoping for a connection with the singer. “Parents were dropping their kids off at hotels like, ‘Go get Chris Brown!’” Davis said. “We had to turn them away immediately.”
After Brown pleaded guilty to the assault, radio stations largely stopped playing his music, forcing Davis and her team to rethink their approach. They decided to focus on collaborations, having Brown feature on other artists’ songs to circumvent the radio blockade on his solo work.
This strategy gained traction and ultimately led to a partnership with rapper Tyga, who was one of the few artists willing to publicly associate with Brown during this period. The two released mixtapes that included the hit single “Deuces,” which helped Brown regain his footing in the industry.
Tyga was the only one that would stand right next to him and do videos and whatever else with him,” Davis explained.
The calculated plan to rebuild Brown’s career through collaborations and strategic partnerships marked a significant turning point, highlighting the challenges of navigating public and industry backlash while rebuilding a tarnished reputation.
