5 Reasons Bobby Brown’s Peak Was Don’t Be Cruel, Not Bobby

Don’t Be Cruel sold over 8 million copies in the U.S. alone, making it his best-selling album by a wide margin. Bobby sold only about 2 million copies.

The album produced four top-10 Billboard Hot 100 hits, including “My Prerogative” and “Every Little Step.” Bobby had just one top-10 single.

Don’t Be Cruel defined the New Jack Swing sound with producer Teddy Riley, influencing R&B for years. Bobby lacked that same cultural impact.

It won a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance, while Bobby earned no major awards. The album’s critical acclaim was unmatched in his career.

The tour for Don’t Be Cruel was a massive commercial success, selling out arenas worldwide. Bobby’s later tours never reached that level of popularity.