Usher was a major force in helping get Justin Bieber’s pop star journey off the ground, as he and Scooter Braun created the label Raymond Braun Media Group (RBMG) to sign Bieber and manage his career. Justin Timberlake was also pursuing Bieber at the time, and Usher looked back on this “bidding war” in a new People interview.
He explained:
“When you are at the top of your game, some of the greatest things will be presented to you, and it was, I think, right after [my album] Confessions that I was introduced to Justin Bieber and Scooter Braun. I presented Scooter an offer that I felt like he couldn’t resist. […] We built a friendship, but this would obviously create a partnership that would span us forever, and it was a bit of a bidding war between me and Justin Timberlake. […] I was like, ‘I’m not certain that I could understand each and every producer that this artist could benefit from, but what I can tell you is I’m going to give you my passion, and I’m going to give you every bit of what I have to offer.’”
For the record, there seem to be no hard feelings toward Timberlake from Usher, as he said, “I’ve always wanted to do a record with Justin, and I have reached out many times, but we’ve never managed to make it happen.”
It’s often expected for music legends to wane in popularity decades into their careers. However, Usher is one of the artists defying expectations, and his ninth album, Coming Home, is a testament to his status as the King of R&B. Hitting the streets ahead of his sultry, sweaty Super Bowl halftime performance, Coming Home reverts Usher back to his peak stardom of the 2000s. Remarkably, while distinctive in a newer sound, it’s a perfect blend of the old and the new.
As a result, Usher crafts a unique lane with Coming Home. The 45-year-old ATL crooner is more confident than ever while channeling the sex appeal of his younger days with much ease. During his spellbinding Vegas residency last year, Usher “steal yo’ girl” Raymond reminded the world why it would be a great disservice to compare him to anyone else in the game. He is evidently in his own lane, and just like wine, he’s only gotten more delicious with age.
Taking away from his signature sensuality, Coming Home is a culmination of the Usher’s legacy. When he sings about sex, he does so with enough intensity that it’s rather easy to swoon. However, the love songs scattered across the album prove one thing — Usher’s madly in love. After it was reported that he had privately tied the knot with music executive Jennifer Goicoechea, it became clearer. There are talks of wanting to be “a better man,” and “doing it right this time” that show forth his commitment to remaining faithful to his wife.
The quality of the music is also assuredly more sexually charged than ever, although his romance could potentially divert the listener’s attention. Therefore, even though Usher might not be singing to anyone else, it’s hard to remove oneself from the equation, almost as though the bachelor is still as present as the married man. This feels almost identical to his iconic Confessions album, where the average listener ignores the album’s plot, to immerse themselves in Usher’s own world. This ability to capture the audience is why, 30 years later, Usher still has us by the neck.
The King Of R&B Takes Necessary Leaps
Right at the center of Coming Home is passion, which Usher translates effortlessly into his craft, vocal abilities, and unmistakable arousal. Between baring his heart and soul out, he leaves his body on the line as well. The breakup anthem for mature lovers, “Good Good,” reunites him with Summer Walker for an easy standout on the project. He also chooses his features for their respective buzz. Particularly, Nigerian singer and producer Pheelz contributes production, writing, and vocal credits, introducing Usher to a more diverse Afrobeats sound. Their collaboration, “Ruin,” which is also co-written with South Africa’s Manana, is perhaps the best track on Coming Home.
Concurrently, on Coming Home, Usher proves he can stand on his own two feet and still make a major splash. With his flexible vocals, the R&B maestro is bold, nasty, vulnerable, and raw when he’s riding solo. “Stone Kold Freak,” “BIG,” “I Am The Party,” and “I Love U” maintain Usher’s versatility, proving he’s a Jack of all trades. Closing out the album is the remix of “Standing Next To You,” a collaboration with BTS’ Jungkook. Evidently, there’s no better way to describe the single, other than a sugary, pop-disco number that features two unlikely collaborators. Furthermore, Usher finds a similar comfort on the track, which is reminiscent of his union with none other than his idol, Michael Jackson.
Altogether, Usher keeps his place in R&B alive with Coming Home. The album also marks his most successful debut on the Billboard 200 in over a decade. As the artist preps for his Past Present Future World Tour, it’s clear that Usher’s determined to dominate the 2020s with newfound vigor. With all the uncertainty surrounding older acts attempting to make a powerful return, Usher breezes on by to the top. Altogether, talent and legacy unite for the legend, but this feat was no overnight endeavor. Through careful planning, a masterful combination of nostalgia and futurism, and strategic performances, Coming Home has the world longing for some more Usher, one of the last true R&B heroes of our time.
Tameka Foster attended to watch her ex-husband Usher perform at The Super Bowl. Speaking with Page Six, Foster revealed Usher put her name on the list.
“One of the perks of having Usher as an ex is going to the Super Bowl,” Foster said. “It’s facts.”
She added, “It was phenomenal. I had a good time. I had so much fun at the game. The halftime show, of course, was amazing.”
Tameka Foster also spoke out about the Confessions singer’s new marriage. In a conversation with TMZ, Foster says she thought he was already married.
“I stopped keeping up with that king of thing,” Foster said. “He’s a good dad, that’s what I care about. And a dope performer. Did you see the halftime show?”
Usher and his girlfriend, Jenn Goicoechea, exchanged vows in a surprise wedding ceremony in Las Vegas this past Sunday. Usher, who recently graced the cover of PEOPLE, shared exclusive images of their intimate celebration.
“We can confirm that Usher and Jennifer Goicoechea took the next step in their relationship and did get married on Sunday night in Las Vegas surrounded by close friends and family,” a representative told PEOPLE. “They both look forward to continuing to raise their children together surrounded by love and thank everyone for the well wishes.”
BELLAMY BREWSTER/PEOPLE
Following Usher’s electrifying Super Bowl halftime performance in Las Vegas, the duo went to Vegas Weddings’ drive-thru tunnel, The Fast Lane, for the ceremony. In the heartwarming photos, Usher is seen beaming at Goicoechea, who holds a bouquet of red peonies and white roses, perfectly complementing the romantic ambiance of the day.
You can see all of the wedding pictures below.
Usher in Love! Exclusive Wedding Photos from the Star’s Surprise Post-Super Bowl Ceremony with Jenn Goicoechea https://t.co/k5chYl6CfT
Pop icon Usher has recently made headlines with candid revelations about his past relationships, shedding light on heartbreak and public scrutiny in a revealing interview. Now he’s talking about his marriage to Tameka Foster and how people may not preferred her dark-skin color.
In the interview with People Magazine, Usher opened up about his emotional journey, admitting that TLC rapper Chili, also known as Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, broke his heart when she turned down his marriage proposal. Reflecting on their fan-beloved relationship that ended in the late ’00s, Usher expressed the pain he felt after Chili declined his proposal, highlighting the impact it had on him personally.
But Usher’s romantic woes didn’t end there. The Grammy-winning artist delved into his marriage to stylist Tameka Foster, which faced intense scrutiny from fans and the public. Usher acknowledged the strain that outside pressure put on their relationship, particularly due to disapproval from his female fans.
Facing backlash for his relationship with Foster, Usher felt isolated and attacked, leading to a period of emotional closure. He expressed his frustration with the judgmental attitudes of some fans towards Foster, speculating that her dark skin may have played a role in the negative reception. However, he emphasized that such speculations were not his concern, focusing instead on doing what he felt was right for him.
“She was a dark-skinned woman, and maybe they didn’t want to love her in a way because of maybe some reason that had to do with themselves,” he hypothesizes, “I don’t know. Or maybe she was not the best reference because of how she handled herself. That’s not for me to be concerned about. I did my part and what I thought was right.”
In a past interview with Essence, Usher and Foster opened up about the challenges they faced as a couple in the public eye. Despite the adversity, Usher described their bond as a “true love story,” highlighting their ability to navigate obstacles together and speak as one voice.
Ultimately, Usher followed his heart, but his marriage to Foster did not stand the test of time, leading to their divorce in 2009. Reflecting on his past relationships, Usher’s candid revelations offer a glimpse into the complexities of love, heartbreak, and navigating public scrutiny as a celebrity.
In a star-studded affair, Usher and Rémy Martin hosted the COMING HOME album release party at Red Martini Restaurant and Lounge in Atlanta, GA. The event drew special celebrity guests, including Nelly, LA Reid, Ludacris, Big Tigger, and more.
Following a remarkable performance and the debut of his album, Usher brought the festivities back to his hometown of Atlanta. Attendees were treated to an exclusive listening experience, accompanied by a selection of curated Rémy Martin cocktails, as they celebrated the culmination of Usher’s musical journey and recent wedding.
The event served as a testament to Usher’s enduring influence in the music industry and his deep connection to Atlanta’s vibrant cultural scene. With Rémy Martin as the perfect complement, the celebration highlighted the intersection of artistry, community, and unforgettable experiences.
Usher has unveiled his ninth studio album, COMING HOME, marking another milestone in his illustrious career. The album boasts collaborations with Burna Boy, Summer Walker, 21 Savage, Pheelz, Latto, H.E.R., and The-Dream, showcasing Usher’s versatility and enduring appeal in the music industry.
Released via mega, a music collective co-founded by Usher and L.A. Reid in partnership with gamma, COMING HOME is set to make waves in the music scene. gamma, an artist-first multimedia platform led by CEO Larry Jackson and President Ike Youssef, will exclusively distribute and market all music released by mega, further expanding Usher’s reach to fans worldwide.
Featuring hit singles like “Good Good” with 21 Savage and Summer Walker, which topped Billboard’s R&B Digital Song Sales Chart upon release, COMING HOME promises a dynamic listening experience. The album has already gained traction on various streaming platforms, including Spotify’s Are & Be and Apple Music’s R&B Now playlists.
“COMING HOME is an ode to going back to your roots, whatever or wherever that may be. I’m COMING HOME to where I’m comfortable in being exactly who I am right now. My hope is that you identify with the new album no matter where you are or what you’re going through, too”, states USHER.
“USHER’s latest album, COMING HOME, is a testament to his artistry and evolution as a musician. With each track, he invites listeners on a journey of self-discovery and reflection. USHER’s unparalleled talent shines through in every note, making COMING HOME a must-listen for fans old and new”, adds L.A. Reid.
“I am so proud of USHER not only as a world class entertainer, but also as someone that I’ve counted as a friend since we were teens. As a friend that has now fearlessly taken his career into his own hands,” said gamma. Co-Founder & CEO Larry Jackson. “With this new ninth studio album, he’s bravely unplugged from the matrix of the establishment and become one of the most powerful and important independent artists in the world. And doing it on his own terms. I have such deep admiration and respect for how he’s charting this chapter of his career, and all of us at gamma. could not be happier to count him as a partner as we work closely with mega to turbo charge this incredible moment at hand.”
To commemorate the album’s release, iHeartRadio will host a National World Premiere event featuring a 25-minute takeover across its network of Hip-Hop and R&B stations. Usher will share insights into the album’s creation process and the inspiration behind the music, offering fans an exclusive glimpse into the making of COMING HOME.
Leading up to Usher’sSuper Bowl Halftime Show performance earlier this month, there was a lot of speculation about whether Justin Bieber, who has been associated with Usher since early in his career, would join in on the festivities. Usher’s performance turned out fantastic, but Bieber did not end up taking the field.
Now, Usher has confirmed that he did in fact ask Bieber to take part, and shared his perspective on why he didn’t.
In an interview on The Breakfast Club, Charlamagne Tha God asked Usher why “things didn’t work out” with Bieber, and Usher responded, “You know what? They did work out with Justin. I honor and recognize that my brother… I think that it might have been that fact that he’s just wanting to tell a different story right now, and I understand that. But we did have a brief conversation, and we’re gonna do something else in the future. But no love lost or anything like that.”
He continued, “I think that it’s a lot of pressure for the Super Bowl, obviously, for me to put together a show, so I reached out to everybody. Justin wasn’t the only person that I actually spoke to about doing the Super Bowl. But the moment was maybe for later. He’s gonna play the Super Bowl, I’ll go ahead and give you that, in the future.”
Last week, fans of sports, music, and pop culture at large gathered to watch the Super Bowl. During the game itself, Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas City Chiefs played the San Francisco 49ers in an exciting back-and-forth game. The teams needed overtime for Kansas City to eventually win the game and take home their second consecutive Super Bowl win. But music fans were more focused on what happened between the two halves of the game during Usher’s massive halftime show.
The R&B legend unpacked some of the biggest hits from his decades-long career much to the delight of fans. He also had an array of guests involved which included Alicia Keys. The pair performed “My Boo” together, though the most talked about moment didn’t have much to do with either of their singing. It was a moment when Usher hugged Keys from behind in a moment that felt a bit too forward to many for two married artists. One person who was unsurprisingly quick to share their thoughts on the move was Boosie Badazz. Now just a few days later he’s doubling down on his comments criticizing the singer’s forwardness. Check out his new comments below.
In a new video, Boosie is getting a haircut discussing the situation. “That is a man’s wife, bro. You cannot put your genitals on the back of a man’s wife. Cause everywhere I go they’ve been on my ass, and I’m gonna stand up for what I say ’cause I’m a real one,” he says in the video. He goes on to claim that the interaction was unplanned.
“First of all, it wasn’t planned because of the reaction on her face… If it was planned, she would have had time to ask her husband was this okay. I feel like both of them would’ve said no because they know how social media will take something like that.” What do you think of Boosie Badazz take on Usher and Alicia Keys’s Super Bowl moment? Do you think he’s right about the singer stepping over the line? Let us know in the comment section below.
Usher is making headlines once again, but this time it’s not for his chart-topping hits or electrifying performances. Last week, the Grammy-winning artist shocked fans when he eloped in Las Vegas with Jennifer Goicoechea, the mother of his two youngest children. In his first interview since tying the knot, Usher delves into his past and opens up about the deep love he once shared with fellow music star Chili, from the iconic group TLC.
According to a report by People magazine, Usher, now 45, reminisced about his journey to stardom and the profound connection he had with Chili during their relationship from 2001 to 2004. Reflecting on his early days in the music industry, Usher recalls moving from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Atlanta at a young age to pursue his dreams. He released his debut LP at just 15 years old and achieved his first hit album, “My Way,” at 18. Usher’s magnetic charm and seductive persona weren’t just marketing tactics – he admits, “I was always charming the older ladies.”
It was during this time that Usher crossed paths with Chili, who was seven years his senior. He describes himself as her “No. 1 fan” and credits her as his “superstar.” Their relationship became the subject of public fascination, especially after Usher’s 2004 album “Confessions” featured songs that hinted at the aftermath of their highly publicized romance.
Usher reveals that his admiration for Chili began long before they met, recalling how he idolized her as a child and even adorned his walls with her posters. However, despite their undeniable chemistry, their relationship ultimately came to an end in late 2004.
“I was a young man, and she had very specific rules that didn’t work for me,” Usher explains. “We were missing each other. I really did want to have a different type of relationship where she was there with me, and she couldn’t be.” He admits to proposing to Chili, but she turned him down, leaving him heartbroken.
“I went through a great deal of pain after that, not trusting women or wanting to open up,” Usher confesses. He acknowledges that he hurt Chili as well, but the rejection left a lasting impact on him. Despite the pain, Usher’s recent elopement with Jennifer Goicoechea signals a new chapter in his love life.
No one can stop talking about USHER right now. But it is for good reason. The legendary R&B superstar has had a lot of important and exciting things going on in his life. If you were one of the few people who were not watching the Super Bowl this past weekend, he was the Halftime Show performer. To help celebrate that, he dropped his new album COMING HOME. Because of everything going on with him, everyone is reaching out for interviews. People got a hold of him and they talked about all the events in his life and one other unique topic. USHER was asked about Justin Timberlake and his willingness to work with him on new music.
It kind of makes sense why this question came up. Timberlake is an icon in his own right and was step for step with USHER in the early 2000s. Both had massive hits and even though they were/are fairly close no music has come out of their friendship. But, many painted them as rivals and USHER was asked about that. He shut that down according to AllHipHop, saying, “I’m in competition with no one other than myself… I’ve been motivated by people like Justin. I think that he has a legacy that should be respected and not compared to anybody else.”
Justin Timberlake, Nelly and Usher during *NSYNC Challenge for the Children IV – Closing Party at Planet Hollywood at Planet Hollywood in Orlando, Florida, United States. ***Exclusive*** (Photo by James Devaney/WireImage)
In fact, USHER doubled down by saying he has always wanted to work with JT. “I’ve always wanted to do a record with Justin and have reached out many times, but we’ve never managed to make it happen. I think that he’s an amazing performer.” Maybe that window of opportunity is open right now. Justin does have his new album, Everything I Thought It Was, on March 15, so maybe they can eek out a collab before it drops.
What are your thoughts on USHER revealing he always wanted to work with Justin Timberlake? Do you think they can make something happen in time for Justin’s upcoming album? Is this a good idea for them to collaborate? What are your opinions on USHER’s Super Bowl show? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news la surrounding USHER and Justin Timberlake. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the world of music.
Fresh off his Super Bowl halftime performance, Usher is developing an upcoming scripted television project based on his music and Black love. As reported in Variety, the drama series, currently untitled, is in development with “Universal Content Productions (UCP), a division of Universal Studio Group.” Executive producing the series is Mad Massive Entertainment’s Selwyn Seyfu Hinds and Katie Zucker with KMei Productions’ Kenny Meiselas.
The description came in as focusing on “Black love in Atlanta and individuals looking to find a place to call home.” Variety added from the logline “The series will explore music, style, sex, romance and secrets that threaten to tear relationships apart.”
Usher said in a statement, “My 30-year catalog has resonated with so many people no matter where they were in their lives,” he said. “I’m happy to be working with UCP to bring the music to life. I hope the series resonates with you the way my music continues to.”
Usher is keeping busy as he wraps up his Las Vegas residency, poised to hop onto his “Past Present Future” tour that kicks off Aug. 20 in Washington D.C. The R&B icon is also the new male face of SKIMS, a Kim Kardashian brand and he just dropped Coming Home, his ninth studio album. Good for you, Mr. Raymond.
