was spotted with a group of adoring teen girls in New York City earlier today (July 14).

The 22-year-old singer, who is in the midst of a battle with Star magazine over his reported use of homophobic slurs, was all smiles as he stopped to pose with a group of exited ladies outside his posh overnight pad.

hooking up - in the studio!

The possible collabo comes after Demi's visit to "On Air with Ryan Seacrest," where she dished about a duet on her forthcoming album - hinting that it's with a male R&B star, but stopping shy of revealing who it is.

Enjoy the pictures of Chris Brown with fans in New York City (July 14).