Justin Bieber is giving Chris Brown his flowers.
On Friday (May 3), the pop superstar posted an Instagram image “The Legendary Equation” over photos Michael Jackson and Tupac Shakur, suggesting the combination the late legends results in Chris Brown.
“MJ plus 2 Pac equals CB,” the image reads.
Bieber went on to praise Brown in the post’s caption. “everyone wants to wait til people die To give them the credit they deserve,” he wrote. “I’m calling it now when CB passes away after a long full life, you will miss what you had in front you the whole time … trust me watch you will see.”
He also seemingly referenced Brown’s 2009 assault Rihanna, adding, “the people who have over looked this mans talent because a mistake he made.. you need to reevaluate! Love you @chrisbrownficial.”
A grateful Chris responded in the comments, posting a series red heart emojis. He also thanked Bieber for his kind words. “I LOVE YOU MAN! THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING IN ME,” said the “Wobble Up” singer. “YOUR STAR SHINES SO BRIGHT AND YOUR HEART IS UNMATCHED! YOU ARE A KING BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY YOU WERE PUT HERE TO INSPIRE AND CREATE ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES BRO! IM WITH YA TILL THE WHEELS FALL OFF AND WHEN THEY DO … WE GONE GET SOME NEW WHEELS.”
Fellow celebrities including Nick Cannon and Sean Kingston were in agreement. “big facts lil bro CB legendary,” said Kingston, while Cannon claimed that he made the original “Legendary Equation” image. J Balvin left the 100 emoji and Marlon Wayans added, “Celebrate the legends while they still breathing. Let’s get back to love.”
But not all Bieber’s followers agreed. Some fans shared their disapproval. “Shame on you. Repeated incidents violence and sexual assault are not ‘a mistake’. Just because he’s talented doesn’t mean he should be given a free pass to harm others,” wrote one fan, while another added, “You’ve actually lost your mind bruv.”
Bieber and Brown have collaborated in the past on tracks including “Next to You” and the remix to “Up.” Bieber is also featured on Chris’ upcoming album Indigo.
Earlier in the week, Bieber called out Eminem for “dissing” younger MCs and claimed he doesn’t understand modern rap. “I just like Em’s flow but don’t like that he’s dissing new rappers,” he wrote on Instagram Stories. “I like the new generation rap he just doesn’t understand it.”