Chris Brown Talks Rihanna, Being a Role Model, and More in First Post-Jail Interview With Billboard

Chris Brown covers the latest issue of Billboard magazine and in his first post-jail interview, touches on everything from emotional maturity, to Rihanna, and creating his forthcoming album, X. Brown speaks on a lot of issues that have surrounded both his career, and personal life, over the years, and while he stays pretty guarded throughout the interview, his main takeaway is that he doesn't want to be defined "by just a few moments in [his] life."

While in jail, Brown didn't work on music but instead focused on his "maturity levels" which he feels have "risen as far as [him] realizing what’s important." He put his creativity on hold until he was released earlier this summer, and has been working on his forthcoming album, X, and painting a lot, too.

When asked about his current relationship with Rihanna, Brown seemingly brushed off the question about when their relationship won't be brought up in their career. "When we’re not relevant anymore, that might be the case," he said. "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."

He briefly spoke on his Washington D.C. assault case, but Brown's most candid moment came when he was asked whether or not he considers himself to be a role model. "As far as my mistakes in life, that’s being a role model, because people can see my mistakes and learn from them. I’ve gone through more stuff than most 35- or 40-year-olds, and I’ve dealt with it," Brown said. "As far as becoming a man in the public eye, continuing to persevere and stay positive throughout trials and tribulations … that’s the only thing I’d say contributes to my being a role model."

To read the rest of the interview, head over to Billboard now. Brown's sixth studio album, X, will be released in 10 days.