Brightest Young Things

In this occasional feature Nina (a real live breathing 17 year old-ed) will examine whatever song is currently at the top end of the charts and defend its “musical merits” to the best of her ability talk about it.

"What I Do" by Chris Brown feat. Plies

Just over a year ago, I, along with most of my friends, liked Chris Brown a lot.  He sang extremely catchy songs, his music videos were fun, and his young age made him especially accessible.  But then he hit Rihanna, and none of us ever thought of him in the same way.  I remember that day at school very well.  Most of us were in disbelief that someone so sweet and cute could beat his girlfriend, and when the picture of Rihanna post-beating was released, we were even more shocked and disgusted.  His smug, odd interviews (especially the one on Larry King) did not help the cause.

A few weeks ago, Chris Brown released his new album, "Graffiti"  (two weeks after Rihanna released her latest, actually).  It's done fine on the charts (peaking at #7 on the Top 200) and a few singles have rotated through the radio, but I can't name anyone who doesn't feel embarrassed to be listening to his music.

I'll get this point out of the way now: Chris Brown's newest single, "What I Do," is a great, great song.  Big, charging beat and fun lyrics about throwing up money/cars/etc.  But I will never buy it.  I feel completely gross paying for anything that will contribute to Chris Brown.  No matter how good his music may be, in my mind, he's a monster.  Even now I'm only listening to this track via YouTube (I usually will shell out the 99 cents for whatever song I write about in this column).

I'm curious for what you all think:  How much does someone's crimes affect the way you hear their music?  Personally, I'm fine listening to T.I. despite his weapon possession charges and I still play Lil Wayne in spite of his multiple run-ins with the law.  But I don't think I can ever listen to Chris Brown's music in the same way.  Agree/disagree?  I'm very interested to know how others feel on the subject.