Chris Brown marks July 16 for ‘X,’ issues new song

Chris Brown will issue his sixth album, “X,” on July 16.

Brown announced the release -- originally set for later this summer -- on Twitter late Monday, and paired the announcement with a new track, “I Can’t Win.”

The new track, which he said won’t be included on “X,” shows the singer pining over a fading relationship (cue Internet-fueled Rihanna breakup speculation in 3, 2, 1...).

“Tell me what did I do to make you hate me so much / Why are you angry all the time / Why don’t you want to ride for me / We used to make love/ When you called I would follow / Now the only thing you love is a bottle / The only thing you got left is a shadow,” he sings.

Brown previewed the album for The Times last month. “X” has several meanings, according to the controversial R&B; singer. It’s the numbers in his birth date, added together and converted to a Roman numeral. It’s also the 24th letter in the alphabet, corresponding to the age he’ll be when the album is released. But there’s more to it for Brown, who says “X” will show him at his most vulnerable.

“‘X’ is almost .... the reject,” he says. “X defines who I am -- whether it means X being forbidden or blunt. It’s who I am now, transitioning as a man and not trying to focus on the past stuff and trials and tribulations. It’s the unspoken voice from me.”

Brown recruited emerging producers and returning hit makers Polow Da Don, Timbaland, Pharrell, Drumma Boy and Danja for the album.

Listen to “I Can’t Win” here -- be warned, there’s a few four-letter words.

Follow @GerrickKennedy

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