Posted by Emily Exton on 12/01/2012 at 1:25 PM News

The Popdust Files: chris brown, feuds, interviews, rihanna, twitter

It’s been a big week for Chris Brown, what with threatening to defecate on a woman’s eye, deleting his Twitter account and confirming his relationship status via an Instagram photo that defies normal muscle movement. Between this and actually singing for his supper, who has the time?

Luckily magazine photo shoots are executed weeks in advance, which means XXL didn’t have to scramble to fit in with Brown’s schedule, or find another cover model for their December/January issue after those unsavory poop comments. Check out the results below; my, your head must hurt from all that trolling, Breezy.

Photo: XXL Magazine

 

But following the publicized (and graphic) Twitter back-and-forth between Brown and comedian Jenny Johnson, the latest target of his rage, a personal assessment that he’s at all matured is going to be a tough sell with readers. In the issue, Brown explains how he’s smartened up with time. “I haven’t been as mature and thought out in the past, so, me growing now, it’s showing my progression,” he says. This growth is also evident in his social media habits, as he’s stepped back from using Twitter as a stress-reliever or sounding board. “I used to use my Twitter account to vent, but now I mostly use it for marketing and promotions,” he explains. “Even if the media asks me something, if it’s cool then it’s, ‘What’s up?’ But if it’s anything that’s too negative, I don’t care to respond.” Oh really? Sing it, Alanis.

Brown also attempts to remove the public perception that he’s a “player,” asking for patience and understanding from the public because he’s simply a young man who hasn’t realized the right way to treat a woman—but hopefully understands that the wrong ways will put him in jail. “Love is something I am still learning. It’s just an obstacle that I haven’t yet mastered. I think that’s my biggest hurdle in life,” he explains. If Brown’s music or personal dramas don’t interest you, there is also a Big Sean cover for December/January. Pay close attention to which one sells more copies.