Chris Brown has had a crazy past few years, to say the least. The platinum-selling singer has been through hell and back several times and has trouble avoiding trouble. But aside from that, Breezy has turned the corner (for the most part) and is gearing up to release his long-awaited 6th studio album X. For the first time since leaving jail this past June, Chris sat down with Billboard for an in-depth interview. Read some quotes below:

Did you spend time writing while you were in jail?

No. You know, jail isn’t a place of many creative spirits. But as far as my creativity, I put it on hold until I got out. Jail is more of a regimen and a structure. I’m more of a free spirit when it comes to creating music, painting and art. So when I got out, I was very excited to get into the studio. I didn’t have any ideas or concepts; they usually come as I go [in to record]. I was drawing and sketching most of the time, biding time.

What was the daily routine like?

A guard wakes you up; you eat. You stay in your cell most of the time, basically 24 hours a day. Maybe on Mondays you go to the roof inside of a cage and have a phone call. It’s isolation. You have time to focus on what matters, on what to do and what not to do.

You’ve moved forward, and Rihanna says she also has moved -forward. Do you see a day when your relationship won’t be brought up at all?

When we’re not relevant anymore, that might be the case. As long as you’re doing something good, people will always bring up old stuff or negative stuff because they don’t want you to surpass a certain level or elevate. But as long as you have your head on straight, it shouldn’t matter what people want to say.

Do you feel positive about the outcome of the Washington, D.C., assault hearing?

I just feel positive about life in general. Whatever happens will happen, and God has me. I’m going to keep my faith and be focused on my family, friends, fans and music. And from there just be the best Chris Brown I can be.

Read some more highlights from the interview with Billboard and purchase the latest issue here.