Renowned artist Usher discusses his Las Vegas residency, Super Bowl performance, world tour, and his upcoming album 'Coming Home' in this entertaining podcast. He reflects on his 25-year music career, talks about his beginnings in the industry, and shares personal experiences working with LA Reid and artists like Puff Daddy and Devontay Swing. Usher invites listeners to celebrate with him in Las Vegas and teases upcoming music releases.
Usher discusses his successful Las Vegas residency and upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance, highlighting the cultural significance of live R&B music
Usher reflects on the impact of his hit album 'Confessions' and the importance of articulating emotions in his music for a relatable experience
Deep dives
Usher Reflects on His Career and Recent Success
Usher discusses the current peak of his career, including his successful Las Vegas residency and his upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance. He talks about his passion for performing live and how it has reignited his creativity and motivated him to release new music. Usher also emphasizes the importance of celebrating R&B music and live performance, highlighting the cultural significance of his Vegas residency. He reflects on his early career and the influential figures he worked with, such as Puff Daddy and Babyface. Overall, Usher's journey as an artist has been shaped by the wisdom and guidance of industry veterans, and he continues to evolve and create music that resonates with his audience.
The Evolution of Usher's Sound and Confessions Album
Usher discusses the evolution of his sound and the impact of his hit album 'Confessions'. He talks about how his collaboration with producer Jermaine Dupri resulted in a personal and powerful record that explored the complexities of love and relationships. Usher highlights the importance of articulating emotions and conflicts in his music, providing a relatable and authentic experience for his listeners. He also acknowledges the influence of R&B artists from the 90s in shaping his style, emphasizing the sophistication and longevity of the genre.
Usher's Artistic Influences and Collaborations
Usher reflects on the significant collaborations that have shaped his career, including working with legends like Quincy Jones and Devante Swing. He discusses the inspiration he finds in the wisdom and guidance of older artists and the importance of listening to the elders in the industry. Usher also highlights the impact of working with innovative producers and songwriters like Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and Babyface. He credits these experiences with expanding his artistic horizons and teaching him how to create music that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth.
Usher's Current Inspiration and Future Directions
Usher shares that his current inspiration comes from both conflict and balance in his personal life. He acknowledges the ongoing struggles and passion that fuel his creativity, exploring themes of love, toxicity, and human experiences. He expresses his commitment to delivering meaningful music that resonates with listeners, providing them with an emotional journey and a way to process their own feelings. Usher also hints at his upcoming projects, signaling a continuation of his career and his dedication to creating impactful and timeless music.
Four decades into his career, Usher is at the peak of his powers. In the year since he was on Broken Record, Usher became the king of the Las Vegas strip. According to Billboard, he grossed over $100 million dollars during his beloved Vegas residency.
To celebrate his much anticipated halftime performance at this year's Super Bowl, along with his upcoming arena tour, and the release of his new album “Coming Home,” here's Justin Richmond's conversation with the one and only, Usher.