During a two-decade career, Usher, 36, has sold nearly 24 million records in the United States alone, won eight Grammy Awards and, with 2004's Confessions, scored the top-selling album of the 2000s. He has acted on Broadway (Chicago in 2006), starred in movies (he'll play Sugar Ray Leonard opposite Robert De Niro in the forthcoming Hands of Stone) and coached two seasons on NBC's The Voice, winning the second time around. He has a profitable perfume line and owns a small piece of the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers. (Just to be clear: Last season, Usher did not lobby his buddy LeBron James to come home, because that would be against NBA rules.) He has played the Super Bowl and Michael Jackson's funeral, and discovered Justin Bieber, provided him with the Usher playbook and set him loose upon the world.
He talks about Justin Bieber and his new music
Quote:
"Our relationship is more man-to-man now, He's making his own decisions and it's important to show support. I can say I'm not happy with all the choices my friend has made, but I'm supportive of him. I try my hardest to give as much positive reinforcement as I can. I'll punch him in the f---ing chest when I need to, and give him a hug and kiss when I need to. It's more than just mentoring. I love the kid."
Usher was one of the few males to reach legendary status. While his peers (well Beyonce) was able to - he fell flat after "Confessions" and sold out with disposable pop EDM music to gain hits again. He should have a much more respected career, but he is just an R&B icon to me.
"Our relationship is more man-to-man now, He's making his own decisions and it's important to show support. I can say I'm not happy with all the choices my friend has made, but I'm supportive of him. I try my hardest to give as much positive reinforcement as I can. I'll punch him in the f---ing chest when I need to, and give him a hug and kiss when I need to. It's more than just mentoring. I love the kid."
i think artists releasing music should always feel like they have something to prove- otherwise what's the point? if someone were retired then okay, but active artists should always be pushing themselves and not get complacent.
This mentality is toxic for the industry. Everyone has something left to prove despite how long they've been in the game. If Madonna, who's been in the game twice as much as Usher with triple the success, gets shaded for coming back with mediocre material, so should Usher
Usher was one of the few males to reach legendary status. While his peers (well Beyonce) was able to - he fell flat after "Confessions" and sold out with disposable pop EDM music to gain hits again. He should have a much more respected career, but he is just an R&B icon to me.
actually...Usher's peers were the likes of Ginuwine, Tyrese, and the likes
what other R&B male singer from the 90s are even as big as Usher???
R.Kelly and who else???
Usher managed to make it through the 2000s and into the 2010s which is not easy to do
