Usher survived “The Breakfast Club” on Monday. While he avoided Charlamagne, DJ Envy and Angela Yee tried their best to grill him about everything from pole dancing to female hygiene.
During the 30-minute interview, he revealed that his album is still not done (He’s worked on 40 songs) and discussed his place in R&B. Even though he’s been in the industry for 20 years, he still doesn’t feel like a veteran.
While he’s been candid about his personal life in the past, don’t expect to hear that on his upcoming album UR.
“This album is probably not going to be about my personal life,” said Usher, who has collaborated with Drake, Nicki Minaj, Pharrell, and Skrillex.
On November 1, Usher will launch his “UR Experience” tour with opening act August Alsina. He shared his support for the “No Love” crooner and revealed that the two have become friends. “Thank God nothing happened too severe,” he said of August’s recent health scare.
Plus, find out if he’s seen his ex-wife Tameka Raymond on VH1’s reality show “Atlanta Exes” and how he remains grounded.
On his new album: “I’m bringing all of my fans together. I want to bring everybody together in one room and celebrate. I’ll probably be finished with it while I’m on tour and then just start introducing certain records.”
On choosing August Alsina as his opening act: “It is a bit of mentoring, but also too a bit of recognizing that he’s at a place where he’s growing and I just want to give him another experience, and also to be supportive.”
On R&B’s new generation: “I’m happy that I’ve been able to pave the way for up-and-coming talent like Chris [Brown] and August Alsina and Trey Songz. Being able to be that mentor for all of the guys is great. Looking back at the last 10 years, every artist that is relevant, I’ve had some kind of exchange with.”
On staying humble: “I don’t have to brag about who and what I am. I let my stats and my career do that. I’m just happy to be able to continue to be here doing it. A lot of the artists that I started with, they’re gone. Part of it is the humility, is always growing, is keeping your ear to the street.”
On his Drake collaboration: “That’s one of the songs that’s really fun.”
On his ex-wife Tameka Raymond: “I have not seen [‘Atlanta Exes’].”