Some fans were quick to declare R&B “dead”, while Usher continued to oppose this narrative. And with Grammy-winning stars like SZA, Victoria Monét and Coco Jones on the rise, the R&B official feels the genre is in a great place moving forward.
In a new one Advertising sign Covered by Gail Mitchell, Usher hails the next generation of R&B artists and says that anyone who ever doubted the genre is gone.
“I'm very happy that there is a new crop of R&B artists who care about being authentic in what they create, inspired by artists of the past,” he said. “Everyone who has ever told me that R&B is dead sounds crazy. Especially when I know that the origins of R&B are found in all other types of music.”
“My thing is, I never felt like R&B was dying,” Usher doubles down before detailing R&B's evolution in the ever-changing landscape of the music industry in the age of streaming. “I think it just needs expansion. We're moving towards a model where people see clips — TikTok, Instagram and stuff — and when fans take it, they take it and do something with it. But if we start thinking about it like that and create from that place, the standards for R&B will change. You won't be able to compare it in an old-versus-new way. It's just going to be what it is.”
The hitmaker offers another interesting take on R&B, which he believes needs a commercial revamp so fans can enjoy more tangible items associated with the genre.
“It's about creating trade in other areas. Lovers & Friends is a successful R&B festival that gives you a place to go and celebrate the songs we make,” he added. “We need things that you associate with R&B and that you can buy. Like with hip-hop — glasses, clothes, cars, jewelry, sneakers… accessory things that people can access. R&B needs and has the potential to have those things as well.”
February is shaping up to be a banner month for the “Yeah” singer, as Usher will release his ninth studio album. I'm coming homeon Friday (February 9).
“Each album offers a piece of where I was in my life and what I felt I wanted to share. But this is the first time I've ever felt so comfortable being where I am,” she says Advertising sign of his upcoming release from prison. “I am 100% in my own skin. And after 30 years, it shouldn't even be a question of whether this will be bigger than anything in my past. … I don't think of this album in comparison to anything other than what it is: uniquely his own.”
Two days later I'm coming home arrives, Usher's historic weekend will continue when he takes over Sin City to perform at the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show in Las Vegas on February 11 at Allegiant Stadium on CBS.
Read Usher's full cover story here.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/usher-slams-anyone-says-rb-dead-1235601666/