Chris Brown opened up about his time in jail and his highly publicized relationship with ex-girlfriend Rihanna in a candid new interview for Billboard.

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The New Flame singer, who left jail in early June, said he missed his family most while he was behind bars and revealed the lessons he learned from the experience.

"My maturity level has risen as far as my realizing what's important. Realizing that I'm human like everyone else. At the end of the day, it's just a humbling experience. You're more appreciative of everything else that's on the outside," he said. "I'm just more appreciative of the things I'm blessed with and the things I do: music, being able to take care of my family, being able to see my friends and family."

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While the media follows his legal troubles, Brown's relationship with superstar Rihanna is also constantly rehashed. The two confirmed their relationship back in 2008, but broke after an altercation that occurred at a pre-Grammy party in 2009. They briefly rekindled in 2012, but now Brown is dating Karrueche Tran. Brown feels that people will continue talking about their former relationship for as long as they are in the spotlight.

"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," he said.

Brown's new album, X, drops on Sept. 16.

Tags: Chris Brown Rihanna