In this week's Billboard cover story, Chris Brown - in his first formal interview since leaving jail - opens up about Rihanna, life in prison and accepting life as a 'learning experience'.
On whether there will be a day when his relationship with Rihanna isn't brought up:
"When we're not relevant anymore, that might be the case. As long as you're doing something good, people will always bring up old stuff or negative stuff because they don't want you to surpass a certain level or elevate. But as long as you have your head on straight, it shouldn't matter what people want to say."
On lessons learned in prison:
"My maturity level has risen as far as my realizing what's important. Realizing that I'm human like everyone else. At the end of the day, it's just a humbling experience. You're more appreciative of everything else that's on the outside. A burger tastes 1,000 times better when you're out (Laughs.)"
"I'm just more appreciative of the things I'm blessed with and the things I do: music, being able to take care of my family, being able to see my friends and family," says Brown.
On living life in the public eye, and taking it as a 'learning experience':
"Not everyone in the world is going to particularly love me. But I'm cool with that. As long as I love myself and my music, I'm fine. People are going to say what they want to say."
"I don't look over my shoulder or wish I could turn back the hands of time. Life is a learning experience, so I'm learning as I go. I'm not walking around angry about anything. So you just have to let it be."
