Chris Brown has finally addressed the viral success of his “Residuals” challenge, a trend that took social media by storm and recently gained unexpected attention after R. Kelly contributed his own version from prison.

The challenge, inspired by Brown’s 2024 track Residuals, has seen fans and artists alike putting their own spin on the song. Brown, who has remained a dominant force in R&B despite industry criticism, took a moment to express gratitude for the support the challenge has received.

Chris Brown Speaks on Viral Success

Taking to Instagram, Brown shared his appreciation for those participating in the trend, emphasizing that it highlights the enduring appeal of true R&B music.

“I just wanna take this time to show my thanks and love for everyone who is doing the ‘Residuals’ challenge,” he wrote. “I’m glad it’s giving people the opportunity to be seen and heard.”

He also pushed back against the notion that R&B has lost its essence, adding, “Real R&B isn’t dead, and I thank you for showing me that.”

R. Kelly’s Surprise Entry Sparks Reactions

One of the most talked-about moments of the challenge came when R. Kelly, currently serving time in prison, released his own version of Residuals. The unexpected remix immediately generated buzz online, drawing mixed reactions from fans and critics alike.

Kelly’s involvement in the challenge also amplified interest in the song itself, with his name trending as people debated the impact of his contribution. Brown, however, did not shy away from acknowledging all participants—Kells included.

A Complicated History Between Two R&B Giants

Chris Brown and R. Kelly share a long history of musical collaboration and mutual admiration. Throughout Brown’s early career, Kelly was a vocal supporter, often praising his talent. In a 2013 interview with The Guardian, Kelly compared Brown’s resilience to that of legendary figures like Muhammad Ali and Martin Luther King Jr., commending his ability to navigate industry setbacks.

For his part, Brown has frequently cited Kelly as one of his biggest influences. However, both artists have had their careers overshadowed by controversy, leading to frequent discussions about their legacies.

The Industry’s Mixed Feelings on Brown and Kelly

While both remain among the highest-selling R&B artists in history, not everyone is comfortable with their association. Singer Tinashe, for example, expressed regret over having collaborated with both artists, calling it “so embarrassing”during an interview on The Zach Sang Show in 2023.

Despite the ongoing debates surrounding their reputations, the Residuals challenge continues to gain momentum, proving that Brown’s influence in R&B remains as strong as ever. Whether or not Kelly’s involvement will shape the challenge’s trajectory further remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the conversation around these two artists isn’t ending anytime soon.