With record sales of 24 million in the US alone, it’s fair billing christeningUshera music royal.
It’s fitting, then, that the singer covers the newest edition ofBillboardmagazine wearing a crown. After all, his kingly achievements have established him in the history books and his performance style has been adapted and modified by the likes ofChris Brownand (regardless of current predicament) Justin Timberlake.
And yet, the 36-year old finds himself on tricky terrain these days.
In a trait common to major names in 2014, Mr Raymond seems to be making the transition from releasing diamond-certified albums and near-annual #1 hits to struggling to even land gold certifications.
Indeed, the star’s most recent opus – 2012’s‘Looking 4 Myself’- has sold 504,000 Stateside, according to Nielsen SoundScan — 800,000 fewer than the LP prior (2010’s‘Raymond vs. Raymond’).
And while this Fall was to bring with it his triumphant return, the campaign‘Good Kisser’led LP was brought to an abrupt halt and its release bumped to an undisclosed date next year.
Speaking to Billboard, the performer explained his reason for the delay. He also opened up on the way wardness of his mentee Justin Bieber.
On Delaying Album His Album:
“I just ain’t ready,Meaning I have more that I want to say and more that I want to do. My process is pretty different. L.A. Reid will tell you, it takes two albums to make one with Usher.”
On Justin Bieber:
“Our relationship is more man-to-man now, He’s making his own decisions and it’s important to show support. I can say I’m not happy with all the choices my friend has made, but I’m supportive of him. I try my hardest to give as much positive reinforcement as I can. I’ll punch him in the f—ing chest when I need to, and give him a hug and kiss when I need to. It’s more than just mentoring. I love the kid.”
On His New Tour, The UR Experience:
“
Most tours cater to the specific launch of a project — not this time. The focus this time is the music. Going all the way back to the beginning.” {Source}
There’a a lot of “spin” at play here – which we’ll leave to you to dissect (or overlook). What we will re-iterate is that, as history has shown time in and out with superstar names such as Usher, they’re always just one big hit away from a comeback. We just hope the stars align for him sooner rather than later.