Usher Raymond IV, known simply as Usher, has a career spanning over two decades. Although he’s changed quite a bit since his debut in the early 1990s, his longstanding status as R&B’s heartthrob hasn’t wavered once. Recently, the crooner raved about how the K-pop group Blackpink has inspired him, even potentially converting him into a stan of the genre. But it is highly unlikely that one particularly steamy segment incorporated into his live show was taken from the group.
In a viral video, one concertgoer captured the “Hey Daddy” singer serenading a fan while seductively feeding them strawberries. While it isn’t explicitly clear where this steamy session went down, it is safe to assume that this consensually kinky interaction went down at his Usher: My Way Las Vegas residency.
The lucky lady is lost in her trance as the Grammy Award-winning vocalist walks directly up to her as the volunteer for the segment.
But not everyone in the room was as excited as she was. After the video began to gain steam online, users began to screenshot a few jealous gentlemen in the crowd.
I need to know why does Usher hate us in the uk so much like Sir Sir I beg please stop punishing us! Whatever the Brit’s did too you ain’t my fault concert is needed!
This isn’t the first time the singer took a break between songs to bestow some love onto a woman in the audience. A few weeks ago, rapper and mogul Queen Latifah attended to show to celebrate her birthday, and Usher stopped his set to gift her with a dozen red roses.
All winter long, our favourite artists have been bringing the heat to our R&B Season playlist to keep listeners warm. Now that spring is right around the corner, singers are continuing to put in work as the masses prepare for yet another Hot Girl Summer. Usher is clearly aware of what’s to come over the next few months, as he didn’t hold back on his comeback single, “GLU.”
After the Texas-born vocalist teased the tragic (and a music video starring Lori Harvey) on social media, fans became all the more eager to hear what Usher has in store. He made his presence felt this New Music Friday (March 17), singing about plenty of salacious bedroom antics on the must-hear release. “You done made it messy / I guess that means you qualified,” he teases the lady in his life. “How the f*ck you choke then don’t choke / Then do it both from the side? Hey.”
HNHH R&B Season Update
Elsewhere on our R&B Season update, we have some noteworthy collaborations for your listening pleasure. First up is Rory’s link-up with reggie and Jay Electronica on “Enough.” Following that comes TDE superstar Doechii’s latest, which finds her collaborating with Florida’s own Kodak Black. The single is called “What It Is (Block Boy)” and marks an impressive musical start to 2023 for the artists.
The former single finds The Joe Budden Podcast alum tapping into his musical talents, proving to the world he’s more than just a wise guy. “Enough” marks his second single, and it proves that with continuous hard work, there’s only room for him to grow in the industry. In the accompanying music video, Rory also gets a chance to tease his acting chops for viewers.
Our final R&B Season-worthy find of the weekend comes from 6LACK, whose long-awaited album will hit DSPs later this month. Following releases like “Talkback” and “Since I Have A Lover,” the Baltimore native wears his heart on his sleeve on “Fatal Attraction.” After hearing his latest, fans can’t wait to hear what the recording artist has in store for his project.
Stream our R&B Season playlist exclusively on Spotify below. Afterward, let us know which tracks you’ll be adding to your own rotation in the comments. If you’re in need of more release recommendations, find them on our Fire Emoji update here.
If anyone’s still entertaining the previous “R&B is dead” debate, Usher is doing his part to remind them that the genre is alive and well. After a lengthy hiatus from releasing new music of his own, the Texas-born performer returned this Friday (March 17) with “GLU,” a song that he’s been teasing on social media for some time now. Prior to the single’s release, he also hinted at a Lori Harvey-featured visual, though that has yet to land on YouTube at the time of publication.
Usher’s latest arrival finds him hitting plenty of high notes over production by the Avila Brothers, Lil Jon, and Sean Garrett. “I just love that glue, ooh / That slides down you whenever we start touchin’,” he croons on the sensual chorus. ” It gets all on you, all on me from f*ckin’ / That’s when that glue done got you.”
Usher Makes His Highly-Anticipated Return with “GLU”
Back in 2020, the “OMG” hitmaker had a few big hits, such as “Bad Habits” and “I Cry.” Earlier this year, he also teamed up with Tyga for “California” from Songland, and connected with Lil Jon and Ludacris for “SexBeat.” His last project came in 2018, alongside Zaytover. Called “A”, it boasts popular tracks like “ATA” and “Peace Sign,” as well as “Stay At Home” featuring Future.
It remains unclear if Usher has plans to release an album anytime soon, though he has been hard at work on other ventures. Just last month, the 44-year-old proudly announced 15 more dates for his Las Vegas residency, which has attracted plenty of celebrity attendees so far. Elsewhere, he’s been collaborating with L.A. Reid on a new label partnership he seems particularly excited about.
“It’s gonna be [a record label] and then some,” the artist told Angie Martinez late last year. To be able to be back in each other’s lives [is great]. I feel he has been a viable commodity to so many people in so many industries. And so many incredible entities. But now to be able to come together and have ownership in what we’re building for our future [is awesome].”
Stream Usher’s “GLU” on YouTube above. Afterward, tell us your thoughts and if you’re excited about the icon’s impending comeback in the comments. Make sure to check back on Sunday (March 19) for more release recommendations on our weekly R&B Season playlist.
Quotable Lyrics:
You done made it messy I guess that means you qualified How the f*ck you choke then don’t choke Then do it both from the side? Hey
Usher has officially dropped his first single in three years, “GLU.” The new single is written and produced by Sean Garrett, Lil John, The Avila Brothers, and Usher.
The new single brings the reunion of Usher and L.A. Reid, recapturing the magic of Usher’s classic and Diamond-certified album Confessions. Usher’s untitled ninth studio album will arrive this spring via Larry Jackson’s gamma.
“I’m beyond excited to have Usher now as a part of the gamma. family! He is the last black artist this century to have an album go diamond, which is a massive accomplishment. As exemplified by his hugely successful Vegas residency, it is once again reinforced that he is not only an incredible vocalist and performer, but a true showman at the top of his game. ‘GLU’ showcases his singular vocal talent and timeless appeal,” said Larry Jackson, Co-founder & CEO, gamma.
You can hear the new single below, and be sure to catch Usher at his Las Vegas residency. New dates have just dropped.
North Carolina’s premier hip-hop and R&B multi-day event, Dreamville Festival, is backed with a stacked lineup. Organized by rap star J. Cole’s record label, Dreamville, the two-day outdoor festivities will be headlined by Usher, Drake, Burna Boy, and himself. The powerhouse event bill justifies Cole’s message on Twitter prior to the announcement.
“Bout to drop the hardest festival lineup ever Dreamville Fest sheeeeeeeesh [crying laughing emojis],” wrote Cole. However, with such heavy hitters, many are wondering how much are Dreamville Fest 2023 tickets.
According to the event’s official website, tickets will be divided into five separate groups, general admission, general admission+, junior varsity VIP, varsity VIP, and most valuable player VIP. All packages cover both days, but they include different perks.
General admission packages start at $249, general admission+ packages start at $499, junior varsity VIP packages start at $749, varsity VIP packages start at $999, and most valuable player VIP packages start at $1,499.
Tickets for Dreamville Festival 2023 are on sale now. To purchase tickets, click here. View the official flyer below.
Continue reading for the lineup (listed in the weighed order in which the acts appear on the flyer).
Saturday, April 1
Usher
Lil Durk
Ari Lennox
City Girls
Sean Paul
EarthGang
Jessie Reyez
Key Glock
Sir
Lute
Omen
Marqus Clae
Victony
Sunday, April 2
J. Cole
Drake
Bruna Boy
Summer Walker
J.I.D.
Glorilla
Bas
Waka Flocka Flame
Mario
Ayra Starr
Baby Tate
Cozz
Jordan Ward
Reuben
Vincent
Dreamville / Twitter
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Rap superstar J. Cole’s record label’s annual namesake music festival is back. After being canceled in 2020 amid coronavirus concerns, last year, the festival expanded much to the pleasure of avid supporters. The multi-day lineup continues this year, as Dreamville Festival 2023 will be held on both April 1 and 2 at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, North Carolina.
This year’s festival will be headlined by Usher (on Saturday, April 1), J. Cole, Drake, and Burna Boy (on Sunday, April 2). Of course, Dreamville acts will grace the stage. Both Ari Lennox and JID’s respective tours will wrap up at the end of next month, giving them both plenty of time to prepare for their Dreamville Fest sets.
Minutes before dropping the lineup, Cole teased, “Bout to drop the hardest festival lineup ever @Dreamvillefest sheeeeeeeesh [crying laughing emojis].”
Bout to drop the hardest festival lineup ever @Dreamvillefest sheeeeeeeesh 10 minutes away
Whereas Bas is still in a full-on album preparation mood, releasing single, “Diamonds,” in late January. Fellow Dreamville Records signees Earthgang and Omen are slated to perform on the festival’s opening day.
Other notable acts on the lineup include Lil Durk, City Girls, Sean Paul, Sir, Summer Walker, Jessie Reyez, Baby Tate, and GloRilla.
View the full lineup below.
Dreamville / Twitter
Tickets for Dreamville Festival 2023 are on sale now. To purchase tickets, click here.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
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
ACCRA, GHANA – SEPTEMBER 24: Usher performs on stage during Global Citizen Festival 2022: Accra on September 24, 2022 in Accra, Ghana. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Global Citizen)
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.
(SPOILERS for this week’s Bel-Air episode will be found below.)
Bel-Air is back for season two and things aren’t as wholesome as any of the show’s characters would’ve hoped to start. The season one finale was highlighted by Will’s decision to leave the Bel-Air mansion after he learned that Phil, Viv, and his mom lied about Will’s father. Though it was done out of love and protection, Will felt betrayed by the most important adults in his life. Thankfully though, what started as a family divided to begin episode one of Bel-Air season two, ended as one reunited as Phil put his pride aside to apologize to will and invite him back into the house. Elsewhere, love is in the air for Jazz and Hilary!
The aforementioned events in the first episode of Bel-Air season two are soundtracked by songs that help to accentuate the emotions behind each scene. You can find a list of them belong as well as details about the scenes that the records soundtracked.
Nipsey Hussle — “Last Time That I Checc’d” Feat. YG
Nipsey Hussle’s “Last Time That I Checc’d” off Victory Lap checks in around the 01:24 mark. A short time later, we see Will who wakes up in a slightly messy room — one that is notably not in Uncle Phil’s massive Bel-Air mansion — to get dressed for the day. He heads out into the city to start his day. We later learn that the room is in Jazz’s house in South Los Angeles.
MIKNNA — “Angel City”
MIKNNA’s record plays faintly in the background around the 3:02 mark as Will orders some breakfast at a local restaurant. A man named JB meets him there and he gives Will some money that was made off some a deal they had. We later find out that JB is helping Will secure basketball matchups for money.
Bryce Green & 81Maantra — “Boom”
We hear Bryce Green & 81Maantra around the 06:18 mark as Will and Carlton are driving to school together. Carlton lets Will know that Phil and Viv are worried about him, but Will’s rather large stash of cash has Carlton worried about what Will is doing to make money.
Easy McCoy — “Deja Vu”
At around the 07:15 mark, Easy McCoy’s “Deja Vu” briefly plays as the Bel-Air title flashes on the screen. This record is the theme song for Bel-Air.
The Royal Chief — “See Me Now”
The Royal Chief’s “See Me Now” plays around the 10:09 mark while Will and Carlton walk through the halls of their school. Carlton explains what’s changed with his school friends and also throws out the idea of him and Will becoming the school’s latest dynamic duo. Carlton may also have a new crush, a girl named Yazmin, on his hands.
BOSCO — “Easy” Feat. Smiles Davis & Royal Bait
BOSCO’s song can be heard around the 13:25 mark. At this point of the episode, Hilary meets with Ivy as they begin their run as the leaders of the content creator house. It’s also here that Hilary learns about her responsibilities as a manager and the true dynamic of her business relationship with Ivy.
Freddy Bam Bam — “Need You”
Freddy Bam Bam’s “Need You” plays softly in the background around the 15:04 mark when Hilary vents to Jazz about having to fire two men from the influence house. Afterward, they discuss their relationship status and whether or not it’s time to place an official label on it, something Hilary isn’t in a rush to do.
Last Verse — “Semper”
At around the 28:34 mark, Will walks onto an outdoor basketball court in Venice as Last Verse’s “Semper.” It’s there that he hopes to meet a scout named Doc in order to form a relationship and further his basketball career.
Via The Great — “Champion”
Via The Great’s “Champion” plays around the 31:45 mark and it soundtracks Will’s pick-up game against a much bigger guy named Big Dre. Things start off slow for Will, but he eventually picks things up and wins the game.
City Girls — “Good Love” Feat. Usher
The party begins around the 37:14 mark. It’s Ashley’s official 13th birthday party and it gets underway with City Girls’ “Good Love” being the record that everyone dances to. While most of the attendees are dancing together and having a great time, Hilary stands at a distance jealous of Jazz dancing with Ivy.
Manus — “On Top” Feat. Turbo9
Manus’ “On Top” plays around the 38:21 mark as Phil overlooks the water deep in thought. Carlton comes up to him and gently confronts him about running away from the issues and tension between Phil and Will. A short time later, Phil asks Will to speak with him.
Saweetie — “Bo$$ Chick”
To round out the music at the end of this episode, Saweetie’s “Bo$$ Chick” plays around the 42:55 mark. Saweetie herself makes an appearance to sing happy birthday to Ashely and gives her well-wishes on a new year of life. Will makes the tough decision to put things on pause in their relationship.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
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(@Mrs_Jumpman23) March 27, 2023
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WOLF SZN
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(@meraki_severusX) March 27, 2023
so much like Sir Sir I beg please stop punishing us! Whatever the Brit’s did too you ain’t my fault
concert is needed!
Fire Fe Dem
(@sassyb2be) March 27, 2023
(@longlegzK) March 27, 2023
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