Tears & lost royalties: Kevin McCall breaks down over Chris Brown as Young Thug Steps in with $25K offer
Kevin McCall tearfully reveals unpaid royalty dispute. Image Source: Complex
R&B singer-songwriter Kevin McCall gained prominence in the early 2010s for co-writing major hits alongside Chris Brown, yet in a raw and emotional podcast interview he revealed he’s now relying on food-stamps and still owed money for his work. The 40-year-old artist broke down on the “Back On Figg” podcast as he discussed his career, royalties, and personal struggles.
Who is Kevin McCall? His Rise in the Music Industry
Kevin McCall is a singer-songwriter and producer best known for co-writing tracks such as Deuces with Chris Brown in 2010, which peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the R&B/Hip-Hop chart. He also co-wrote and collaborated on songs like Strip and worked with other artists in the R&B and hip-hop space. McCall released his debut single, “Naked,” featuring Big Sean in 2012, hoping to launch his solo career.
At his peak, McCall had established credible songwriting credentials and industry relationships. But despite the hits and collaborations, he now says his financial situation tells a different story.
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What Happened: The Royalty Dispute and Public Breakdown
On October 21, 2025, McCall appeared on the “Back On Figg” podcast where he tearfully pulled out his EBT card and declared he’s on food-stamps despite his previous success. He claimed that Chris Brown still owes him approximately $25,000 for four songs they worked on together, a debt McCall says has gone unresolved.
During the podcast, McCall sobbed as he compared Brown’s ongoing tour, where the songs McCall helped write remain in the spotlight, with his own financial struggles. TMZ reports his emotional breakdown as he lamented: “Why the f*** I got an EBT card?”
In reaction, fellow artist Young Thug offered to pay the $25K on Brown’s behalf, posting publicly: “Kevin McCall hit me … I’ll give u the 25K u need … CB’s a real one.”
Industry Implications: Songwriting Credits, Royalties and Artist Support
McCall’s case brings attention to critical issues in the music industry: the often murky nature of songwriting credits, royalty payments, and what happens when credited writers don’t fully benefit from the hits. McCall helped craft songs that generated major revenue, yet claims he’s still chasing payment years later.
His public breakdown underscores how even industry-veteran songwriters can face financial instability. The fact that a writer behind major charting hits resorts to government-assistance is emblematic of systemic challenges in music business practices.
Where Kevin McCall Goes from Here
Despite his emotional moment, McCall ended the podcast with hope. He’s released a few new songs this year and remains focused on redefining his career and providing for his daughter with ex Eva Marcille. The discussion has sparked sympathy and debate among fans and artists about how the music industry treats its creative talent.
At the same time, McCall’s conflict with Chris Brown remains unresolved publicly, and whether Brown will respond or settle the claimed debt remains to be seen. Young Thug’s offer might ease the immediate financial burden but does not address the credit and long-term revenue issues McCall raised.
Kevin McCall’s story is one of contrast: from co-writing smash hits in the spotlight, to pulling out an EBT card on a podcast and claiming he’s owed money for his contributions. It forces a conversation about artist compensation, transparency in credits, and how success is distributed in the spotlight of major stars. As McCall seeks resolution, both emotional and financial, his experience sheds light on the hidden struggles behind the music industry’s facade.
FAQ
Who is Kevin McCall?
Kevin McCall is an R&B singer-songwriter and producer who co-wrote hits for Chris Brown in the early 2010s, including “Deuces” and “Strip.”
Why is Kevin McCall crying on a podcast?
On the “Back On Figg” podcast, McCall broke down while revealing he’s on food-stamps and still awaiting payment, allegedly $25,000, from songs he co-wrote with Chris Brown.
What songs did Kevin McCall co-write with Chris Brown?
He co-wrote “Deuces” (2010) and “Strip” (2011), among others that generated significant commercial success.
What’s the royalty dispute between Kevin McCall and Chris Brown?
McCall claims Chris Brown owes him about $25,000 in unpaid royalties for four songs they worked on together, despite Brown continuing to tour performing those songs.
What did Young Thug say about Kevin McCall’s situation?
Young Thug offered publicly to pay McCall the $25,000 he claims he’s owed, stating Chris Brown is “a real one” and suggesting the debt could be settled.
How does this reflect broader issues in the music industry?
McCall’s story exposes how songwriters may be credited for major hits yet still face unpaid royalties, highlighting the financial vulnerabilities behind the scenes in music.
What is Kevin McCall doing next?
He released new music this year and is attempting to rebuild his career, deal with the financial stress, and support his daughter, while the public dispute remains unresolved.