Kevin McCall, once a rising star in R&B and a key collaborator behind Chris Brown’s early 2010s hits, is back in the headlines—but not for new music. Instead, a raw, emotional interview about his financial hardships has reignited a long-simmering feud with Brown, drawing in the hip-hop community and sparking a wave of public reaction.
Viral Confession: McCall’s Financial Struggles Laid Bare
The drama began when a clip from McCall’s appearance on the
Back On Figg podcast went viral this week. In the interview, McCall didn’t hold back. He revealed that he currently relies on an EBT card (a government-issued food assistance card), holding it up to the camera and asking, “Why do I have an EBT card?” He then addressed Chris Brown directly, half-joking, half-pleading: “Can I get
$25K for those four songs I owe you?” His tone was a mix of humor and exhaustion, offering fans a rare, unfiltered look at the financial realities many artists face after the spotlight fades.
Chris Brown Fires Back—With Sarcasm
Chris Brown, never one to shy away from controversy, responded almost immediately on social media. In a pointed Instagram Story, he wrote: “Remember this: you can’t walk across a burnt bridge. And what’s funnier than a troll? A BROKE ONE.” The jab was unmistakable, reigniting speculation about unresolved royalty disputes and personal grievances that have lingered since the duo’s creative partnership dissolved nearly a decade ago.
Hip-Hop Community Reacts: Young Thug Offers Support
The feud didn’t stay between the two for long. Rapper Young Thug jumped into the conversation on X (formerly Twitter), offering McCall the
$25,000 he requested and suggesting that Brown would do the same if he weren’t so busy. “Kevin McCall hit me my n
a; I’ll give u the 25k u need. I know CB would give it too; he’s a real one. N*s are busy sometimes brada,” Young Thug wrote, highlighting the complex mix of rivalry and camaraderie that defines much of the hip-hop world.
Old Wounds, New Attention
This isn’t the first time McCall’s financial woes have surfaced online. Clips of him discussing how he “blew” his earnings from the hit song “Deuces” have resurfaced, fueling debate about the music industry’s treatment of songwriters and collaborators. Meanwhile, Brown remains focused on his Breezy Bowl XX Tour, which recently wrapped up in Seattle after a successful run across Europe and North America, sharing the stage with stars like Summer Walker and Bryson Tiller.
What’s Next for Kevin McCall?
While the public feud has brought McCall’s struggles into the spotlight, it’s also prompted a wave of empathy and support from fans and fellow artists. Whether this renewed attention will lead to new opportunities—or simply more drama—remains to be seen. For now, McCall’s candidness has sparked a broader conversation about the realities of fame, money, and loyalty in the music industry.
Sources
1. Chris Brown Responds To Kevin McCall After He Cried About Financial Issues
2. Chris Brown Reacts to Kevin McCall's Financial Breakdown with ...
3. Clip Of Kevin McCall “Blowing” His 'Deuces' Bag Resurfaces
4. FOX SOUL - Our Voice / Our Truth
5. Kevin McCall Says Patti Labelle Can’t Sing
6. Eva Marcille Allegedly Responds To Kevin McCall's Emotional Plea ...
7. Kevin McCall Talks Chris Brown's $25K Ask, Says He'd Work ... - TMZ
8. [PDF] lffl.ij - Torrance County
9. [PDF] World Bank Document
10. Chris Brown - Wikipedia
