Chris Brown talks 2009 Rihanna beating: 'I was arrogant and hotheaded'

Despite his infamous Grammys eve beating of Rihanna that left the singer bloody and bruised, Chris Brown says he and his on-again girlfriend are back in a good place.

In a surprisingly candid (albeit not incredibly remorseful) radio interview with Ryan Seacrest Tuesday, Brown opened up about the 2009 incident, saying he was "arrogant and definitely hotheaded," and the fact that he was a teenager at the time doesn't excuse his violent behavior.

"I could put that on my age, but that would just be making an excuse," the "F.A.M.E." singer said. "I think for me that at age 18, 19, I was capable of writing and producing songs, so I'm also capable of making the right choices. Being at that young age, I can tell you I was arrogant and definitely hotheaded. Everybody has a temper, but for me it was not knowing how to control it when I thought I had the world in my hands."

As for the lesson Brown learned from the assault, the 23-year-old said he realized "you can lose it all."

"And I'm not just saying fame or stardom because that's not what it's about. I'm talking about dignity [and] integrity. You know, you lose yourself in a way."

Things have been relatively smooth for the couple since they rekindled their teenage romance a few months ago, but Brown says he "didn't know" whether Rihanna would forgive him.

"I just tried my best to be the best man I could be over the years and just show her how remorseful and sorry I was for the incident and that time was probably the worst part of my life and being that she has and she's a wonderful person I'm eternally grateful and thankful," he said.

SEE PHOTOSChris Brown

When Seacrest raised the issue of Brown's reputation and fans he lost over the past few years, including those who can like his music but can't like him as a person (myself included!), the singer didn't seem eager to win anyone over.

"People are entitled to their opinions," he said. "I can't go around blaming. It's all about my responsibility and me growing up as a man," he said. "So I think now that I'm becoming older, and trying to mature in this life under the public eye at all times, I have to focus on doing the right thing and being more of a humble individual."

Maybe he's trying, but based on the tantrum he threw earlier this month over a $10 valet fee, Brown has a long way to go on the road to humility. He also spoke in detail about that incident, saying that he gave the attendant a $100 bill upon arriving at the charity event, and that the attendant was pushing for more money as Brown left, which is what the singer says caused the blowup caught on tape.

On the status of his relationship with Rihanna, Brown told Seacrest  "It's still like we're kids."

SEE PHOTOSRihanna then and now

"I try not to be too grown and be like, 'Lets have candlelight dinner every night.' I try to make sure everything is fun. It has to be fun and it has to be genuine."

What do you think? Will Chris Brown and Rihanna last as a couple? Did she do the right thing by taking him back? Tell us in the poll below.