He’s been belting out hits since childhood, and Usher’s talents have inspired several charting artists who came after him. The R&B icon is still making records and releasing singles—but these days, he’s wearing the crown of the R&B King of Las Vegas. His residency has received rave reviews, including many from his peers. It’s reported that fans will still have the opportunity to catch the “My Way” hitmaker in Sin City as 15 more dates have been added to his residency.
To further promote his time in Vegas, Usher recently caught up with GQ. He chatted about the show and the various stages of his career, including recent years that he has called “frustrating.” Usher said, “It’s not Hip Hop enough, it’s not current enough, it’s not TikTok savvy, it’s not memeable. That sh*t can be frustrating for an artist who is all about passion. I literally want to go and sing and perform for audiences.”
Usher Names His “Toxic R&B” Album
However, he isn’t dismayed. “I’m feeling inspired again, to now launch new music and also to continue to keep this phenomenon going,” Usher noted. “It’s just really been about [a] celebration of entertainment, celebration of the standard that was set by these incredible guys who inspired me.” These entertainers include Michael Jackson, Gene Kelly, and Prince.
One of his most celebrated albums is Confessions, his 2004 chart-topper that spawned several classic singles. Usher recognizes the project’s influence and how audiences continue dissecting its impact. “The conversation, the music, the entertainment, the dialogue, the energy around it. The toxic R&B of it. Because [it] was the birth of toxic R&B.”
Usher Defines “Toxic”
He then offered an explanation. “Yo, but by the way, toxic was just being honest,” he added. “It’s how you choose to say it.” Confessions, for the singer, was about being truthful regarding relationship and the issues that come from making ill-thought-out decisions. Now, “toxic” holds a different meaning. “Toxic now is like: I’m f*cked up and I’m just sayin’ I’m f*cked up, and that’s it, with no remorse,” said Usher.
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