Kevin McCall, once a rising star in R&B and a key collaborator behind Chris Brown’s early success, is opening up about his ongoing hardships — and the emotional toll of feeling forgotten by the industry he helped shape.
During a raw and tearful appearance on the Back On Figg podcast, the singer-songwriter and producer revealed that he’s currently relying on EBT assistance to get by — a heartbreaking contrast to his days writing platinum hits like “Deuces” and “Strip.”
“I wrote some of Chris Brown’s biggest records, but look where I’m at now,” McCall said through tears. “It’s crazy how this game can love you one minute and forget you the next.”
McCall explained that he’s facing $25,000 in debt from unreleased songs he claims were never properly compensated, expressing frustration over how quickly success and fame can fade in the music world.
From Platinum Success to Painful Struggles
At the height of his career in the late 2000s and early 2010s, McCall was considered one of R&B’s most promising voices — penning and producing hits alongside Chris Brown that dominated the charts. But after a highly publicized fallout in 2012, McCall accused Brown’s team of blocking his credits and withholding royalties, a rift that effectively ended their professional partnership.
Since then, his life has been marked by turbulence — including domestic violence allegations and child support disputes — issues that have largely overshadowed his creative legacy.
“It’s not easy waking up every day knowing I helped create something special that changed the culture, but I can’t even see the benefits of that,” McCall said. “Sometimes I feel like I’m invisible.”
A Stark Contrast
McCall’s emotional revelations come as Chris Brown continues to soar financially. His Breezy Bowl Tour 2025 has reportedly grossed over $106 million, placing him among the top-earning artists of the year. The stark contrast between Brown’s ongoing success and McCall’s financial struggle underscores the brutal realities of the music business — where creative contribution doesn’t always guarantee long-term stability.
Fans React with Support — and Concern
Clips of McCall’s breakdown quickly spread across social media, sparking an outpouring of sympathy from fans and fellow artists. Many urged him to seek healing and a fresh start, while others called for greater recognition and protection for songwriters who often go uncredited or underpaid.
“Kevin deserves his flowers,” one fan wrote on X. “He helped shape an era of R&B and deserves peace and redemption.”
Despite his current struggles, McCall’s emotional honesty has reignited conversation about his talent — and the fine line between fame and obscurity in the entertainment world.
