In a heartfelt and revealing sit-down with Shannon Sharpe on Club Shay Shay, Bobby Brown peeled back the layers on his storied career, childhood trauma, and the personal losses that have shaped him into the man he is today. From million-dollar music videos with Ja Rule to launching a domestic violence shelter in honor of his daughter, Brown’s journey is one of resilience, reckoning, and redemption.
On Irv Gotti, Ja Rule & “Thug Love”
Brown recalled the late Irv Gotti with warmth, calling him a genuine friend who “really wanted others to succeed.” One of their standout collaborations came on the video set for Ja Rule’s “Thug Love,” where Brown was paid $1 million for the appearance.
However, the experience wasn’t without its challenges. Brown admitted he was “terrified” while filming a rooftop scene after exiting a helicopter, due to his fear of heights. He powered through and nailed it on the first take to avoid doing it again.
While rumors once swirled that he might sign with Gotti’s Murder Inc, Bobby shut those down: “That was never true,” he clarified, noting that at the time, he was more focused on staying independent.
Brown also had praise for Ja Rule, describing him as a “cool cat” and “a good friend” who doesn’t always get the credit he deserves for his string of hits.
On Irv Gotti’s Passing & Prioritizing Health in the Black Community
Brown touched on Gotti’s reported passing from diabetes complications with reverence, noting that the music exec was someone who made sure “everyone got paid and respected.”
Using Gotti’s story as a cautionary tale, Bobby turned his focus to health—especially in the Black community. “We’ve got to take things like diabetes and high blood pressure more seriously,” he said, calling for better education around wellness.
Brown himself is making health a priority. He’s committed to working out, eating better, and staying fit—not just for the stage, but so he can “live longer, see my grandkids, and still have the energy to move around.”
On Addiction, Denial & Recovery
Looking back on his struggles with addiction, Brown admitted he didn’t recognize it at first. “I thought I was just partying,” he said. “But I was in denial. It was already too late.”
Now sober, Brown described the journey as one of self-awareness. “You have to face yourself first,” he added, calling recovery a process that starts from within.
On Surviving Childhood Trauma & the Power of Prayer
Growing up in the projects of Boston with seven siblings, Brown said his family was “better off than most,” even if times were tough. His father, a construction worker, had a Friday routine: hand over his paycheck, disappear until Sunday. Bobby chuckled at the memory but didn’t shy away from the darker moments.
At just 11 years old, he witnessed his best friend get stabbed—an experience that pushed him to dream beyond his environment. He also opened up about a moment where he was nearly molested by a priest, an incident that shattered his trust early on.
Through it all, Brown said faith and prayer became his anchors. “It’s how I got through everything,” he shared.
On Fatherhood & Family Values
Despite his tough upbringing, Bobby has prioritized love and laughter in his own household. He described himself as a “yes man dad,” especially when it comes to his daughters, though he insists he doesn’t let them completely run the show—“My wife might say otherwise,” he joked.
Watching his own parents show up for their kids inspired him to be an active father. “I’m present. That’s the most important thing,” he said.
Honoring Bobbi Kristina’s Legacy Through Healing
Brown’s late daughter, Bobbi Kristina, passed away at just 22 years old. In her memory, he founded the Bobbi Kristina Serenity House, a safe haven for survivors of domestic violence—serving women, children, and even men.
“We want to be there for anyone in crisis,” Brown explained. “That’s how I keep her spirit alive.”Bobby Brown’s Club Shay Shay appearance showcased more than just a music legend. It revealed a man who’s fought through loss, addiction, and trauma—yet found peace through family, faith, and purpose.
