Chris Brown is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor known for his smooth vocals, energetic dance moves, and R&B/pop fusion sound.
Born on May 5, 1989, in Tappahannock, Virginia, he rose to fame in 2005 with his self-titled debut album, which included the chart-topping single “Run It!”
Chris Brown is recognized for his versatility, blending R&B, hip-hop, pop, and dance music. Over the years, he has released numerous hit songs, including “With You,” “Forever,” “No Guidance,” and “Under the Influence.”
He’s also known for his elaborate choreography and performances, often compared to artists like Michael Jackson.
Despite facing public controversies throughout his career, Chris Brown remains one of the most commercially successful R&B artists of his generation, with Grammy Awards, platinum albums, and a large international fan base.
About the Song
“Under the Influence” by Chris Brown is a smooth, sultry R&B track released in 2019 as part of the extended version of his album Indigo.
The song became a surprise viral hit on TikTok in 2022, praised for its hypnotic beat, seductive lyrics, and Chris Brown’s signature vocal delivery. It quickly climbed the charts worldwide, reigniting interest in his older catalog.
Detail
Information
Released
October 4, 2019 (as part of Indigo – Extended)
Album
Indigo (Extended)
Writers
Chris Brown, Kiddominant, Davido
Producers
Kiddominant
Under The Influence Lyrics by Chris Brown
[Intro] Kido, Kido K-K-Kido on the beat, better run it back
[Verse 1] Fuckin’ Robitussin I don’t know why this shit got me lazy right now, yeah Can’t do Percocets or Molly (Molly) I’m turnin’ one, tryna live it up here right, right, right
[Pre-Chorus] Baby, you can Ride it, ooh, yeah Bring it over to my place And you be like “Baby, who cares?” But I know you care Bring it over to my place
[Chorus] You don’t know what you did, did to me Your body lightweight, speaks to me I don’t know what you did, did to me Your body lightweight, speaks to me
[Post-Chorus] (‘Cane on it) Yeah Yeah (Yeah)
[Verse 2] I can make it hurricane on it (‘Cane on it) Hunnid bands, make it rain on it (Rain on it) Tie it up, put a chain on it (Chain on it) Make you tattoo my name on it (Name on it), oh Make you cry like a baby, yeah Let’s GoPro and make a video, yeah (Yeah) Make you cry like a baby, yeah Let’s GoPro and make a video (Video) Oh, yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah
[Pre-Chorus] Baby, you can Ride it, ooh, yeah Bring it over to my place And you be like “Baby, who cares?” But I know you care Bring it over to my place
[Chorus] You don’t know what you did, did to me Your body lightweight, speaks to me I don’t know what you did, did to me Your body lightweight, speaks to me
[Post-Chorus] (‘Cane on it) (‘Cane on it) (‘Cane on it)
[Outro] Baby, you can Ride it, ooh, yeah (Molly, Molly) And you be like “Baby, who cares?” But I know you care (Molly, Molly)
Theme of “Under the Influence” by Chris Brown
The core theme of “Under the Influence” centers on intense physical attraction, sensual desire, and emotional vulnerability—all amplified by the idea of being metaphorically (and possibly literally) under the influence of something powerful, like love, lust, or substances.
The lyrics portray a late-night, intoxicated connection, where inhibitions are lowered and emotions feel heightened. Chris Brown emphasizes that a partner’s presence and body language convey a great deal, creating a mood that is both seductive and hypnotic.
Stylistically, the song seamlessly blends R&B smoothness with trap-like beats, creating a sultry and immersive atmosphere. It captures the feeling of being completely taken over by emotion, chemistry, and desire.
Live Performance of Under the Influence
Behind the Scenes
Similar Songs Like “Under the Influence”
If you’re drawn to the smooth, sensual vibe of “Under the Influence,” these R&B tracks deliver the same moody energy and late-night allure.
“Earned It” – The Weeknd: A slow, sultry track with orchestral elements and seductive vocals, known for its dark romantic tone.
“No Guidance” – Chris Brown ft. Drake: Another Chris Brown hit, this one blends melodic R&B with a relaxed, confident vibe and smooth back-and-forth vocals.
“Wasted” – Brent Faiyaz: Minimalist production and raw, emotional vocals that focus on temptation and longing.
Awards for the Song Under the Influence
Award/Chart
Category/Recognition
Year
Result
Billboard Hot 100
Chart Peak (U.S.)
2022
Peaked at #12
Billboard Global 200
Chart Performance
2022
Top 10
UK Singles Chart
Chart Peak
2022
Peaked at #4
RIAA Certification (U.S.)
Multi-Platinum Status
2023
2× Platinum
TikTok Viral Trend
Viral Social Media Surge
2022
Global Popularity
Spotify Milestone
Over 1 Billion Streams
2023
Achieved
Similar Artists Like Chris Brown
1. Trey Songz
Known for his smooth vocals and seductive R&B tracks, Trey shares a similar style in love songs and club-ready hits. He often explores themes of romance and passion, just like Chris Brown’s sultry ballads and radio-friendly bangers.
2. Usher
A major influence on Chris Brown, Usher blends R&B with pop and dance elements. Both are renowned for their strong vocals and impressive dance performances. Usher’s legacy paved the way for artists like Brown to mix slick choreography with vocal finesse.
3. The Weeknd
Offers moody, emotional R&B with a dark twist. His vocal range and genre-bending production echo Brown’s versatility. Both artists push boundaries between pop, R&B, and electronic styles, crafting emotionally charged tracks.
4. Ne-Yo
Known for heartfelt R&B ballads and dance anthems, Ne-Yo’s songwriting and vocal style are close to Chris Brown’s early work. His smooth falsetto and ability to craft hit love songs mirror Brown’s lyrical sensitivity.
“Under The Influence” is about the intoxicating feeling of being deeply attracted to someone, experiencing a strong emotional pull, and losing control in the moment.
How Did Chris Brown Come Up With The Concept for “Under The Influence”?
Chris Brown stated that the song aims for a late-night, smooth vibe, capturing feelings of passionate attraction based on his personal experiences to connect with his audience.
What Genre Is “Under The Influence” Classified Under?
“Under The Influence” is classified as R&B, featuring trap and hip-hop elements. The song blends smooth melodies with rhythmic beats for a laid-back, sultry vibe.
Who Were The Producers Behind “Under The Influence”?
The producers of “Under The Influence” include Chris Brown and collaborators like The Audibles, who helped craft the track’s atmospheric sound by blending trap beats with soulful melodies.
Kelsey Roberts is an accomplished songwriter with a knack for crafting lyrics that resonate with listeners. Having written for both indie artists and major labels, Kelsey brings a deep understanding of what makes a song truly impactful. Her expertise includes everything from song structure to lyrical storytelling. She’s passionate about helping others discover their voice through songwriting, providing tips and inspiration for creating songs that touch hearts.
