In a recent interview with Shannon Sharpe, multi-talented artist Usher delved into a discussion about the state of R&B music and his aspirations for the genre. When asked to present his "Rushmore of R&B singers," Usher named Donny Hathaway, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, and Marvin Gaye. However, he acknowledged the controversy of including Michael Jackson as an R&B singer, emphasizing his impact on the genre as undeniable.
Usher went on to highlight that the primary concern lies not in being recognized as the number one king of R&B, but in establishing a lasting kingdom for the genre. Drawing a parallel to other music genres like country or hip-hop, Usher emphasized the culture and monetization surrounding them. He expressed his desire for R&B to possess the same weight and influence in the music industry.
"I want a kingdom," Usher declared. "I want us to have the same potency in hip-hop. When you think of hip-hop, you think of the lifestyle, the fashion, the culture. I want R&B to have that same impact."
Usher reflected on his own journey and acknowledged that he is not the only one who has put in countless hours of hard work. While he recognizes himself as a king in his own right, he emphasizes the need for unity within the R&B community to build a kingdom that can rival other genres in terms of influence and cultural significance. You can hear more above.
Source: Youtube
