Content Advisory: This article discusses explicit backlash, past abuse controversy, and harsh public criticism. Reader discretion is advised.
Chris Brown is not staying quiet after a brutal review of his new album lit up the internet.
The singer fired back after Pitchfork gave his new 27-track album, ‘Brown’, a harsh 1.3 out of 10 rating. The review quickly spread online, with senior writer Alphonse Pierre tearing into the project and calling it one of Brown’s weakest releases.
Brown responded on Instagram Stories, where he brushed off the criticism, defended his fanbase, and made it clear he was not planning to slow down.
Chris Brown Fires Back At Pitchfork Review
In a selfie-style video posted Tuesday, Brown addressed the backlash directly. The singer used strong language in the original clip, but his message was simple: he is not backing down.
He said he and his team were still moving forward, adding that he would keep pushing despite the negative review. Brown also told fans that his upcoming ‘R&B Tour With Usher’ is still happening. Then he teased that more is coming. “I’m not gon’ tell you what’s more to come, but it’s comin’!” he said. The Grammy winner also argued that he knows exactly who his music is for. “I know exactly who my fans is, and I know exactly who hearing this album,” Brown said.
Zara Larsson Gets Pulled Into The Rant
Brown also dragged Zara Larsson into the conversation while talking about people who do not like his music.
In the original clip, he told non-fans not to listen to his album and suggested they go listen to Larsson instead. The jab did not come out of nowhere. Larsson previously said she had Brown blocked on Spotify because of his past controversies.
That part of the video added another layer to the backlash. What started as a fight over a review quickly became a bigger argument about Brown’s public image, his fanbase, and whether critics are judging the music or the man behind it.
Pitchfork Called The Album ‘Soulless’
Pitchfork’s review did not hold back.
Pierre wrote that Brown’s album was not romantic, funny, soulful, vulnerable, honest, or inspired. He described the project as “soulless” and accused it of chasing hits without much artistic purpose. The review also questioned how the media has handled Brown’s popularity over the years. Pierre argued that avoiding serious criticism of Brown’s music has helped the singer control his own redemption story through numbers, fan loyalty, and emotional framing. That line of criticism hit a nerve online.
Some users agreed with the review and brought up Brown’s past controversies, including his abusive relationship with Rihanna. Others said the review sounded too personal and not focused enough on the album itself.
One fan argued that artists should push back against publications that cross the line, writing that there should still be “a level of professionalism” in album criticism. Another wrote, “I get why he is disliked but it’s obvious that this is a judgment of him and not the music.”
Brown Previously Addressed Mixed Reviews
Brown had already acknowledged criticism of the album before the Pitchfork review went viral.
“I can take my audience’s criticism and opinions,” he wrote on Instagram Stories Sunday. “The last 3 albums have come under the same scrutiny, and it eventually grew on people. Thank you for even taking the time out to listen.”
The latest review clearly hit harder. Brown may say he is not bothered, but his response made one thing obvious: he heard it.
