Usher Discusses New Album ‘Raymond v Raymond’

New York, NY – Usher has been one of the greats for a long time coming now. After 45 million units sold, his stats can go down in history as being one of the greats in contemporary R&B. With his new album, ‘Raymond v. Raymond,’ already released to the world, we await the new numbers for this album on next week’s Soundscan results.

Before those results are tallied though, MTV News recently sat down with the newly single Usher, who is back on his grind with the same Usher vibe. Usher spoke on the release of his new album that he is quite ecstatic about, putting him back into the limelight and back on top of his game.

These were his comments when MTV News inquired about his legendary status in the R&B world:

“I’m Usher, the one and only. For me, I think [Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye] — they figured out what they were as they were going, by inspiration as well. Philanthropy is one thing all of them did in some way — rather, it was allowing their music to speak to where they were and what they had to say, from Michael to Stevie Wonder to Marvin. The one thing they all had is the ability to last forever. Two of them are now gone, Michael and Marvin, their music will last forever, and that’s something I hope to accomplish.”

He continued speaking about the reasoning behind the release of the album and what he incorporated into it:

“Part of the reason why I did this album was so you can understand the full spectrum of who I am as an artist. My life has been kinda played out as a journey and going through different chapters, with the albums representing the chapters. It’s the sixth album for me. And when I look back to the people that I admire, I admire people who take you on a journey to where they have been, musically, places they have gone; the culture of that time that affected them, the cultural movement. All of that, they figured out a way to encompass it in the music they made. That’s what this album is.

This album means so much to my career. I think this is the one time where I’m able to put it all in, emotionally and the good times — super-freaky and then also super-emotional. Raymond v. Raymond, artistically, is one of my greatest pieces of work, not only just because of the content but also the people whom I got involved in it: T.I., Will.I.Am, Nicki Minaj.”

And for those of you who think that Usher has lost his swag, he’s here to let you know:

“A lot of people may have felt like I lost my swagger, let me tell you something: I play long-balls, so now we back. This one is it: Raymond v. Raymond!”

At press time, ‘Raymond v. Raymond’ was released today (March 30) after months of anticipation. His singles: ‘Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home),’ ‘There Goes My Baby,’ and ‘Lil Freak’ is already blazing on radio rotations across the globe.

On the real, this album has quite a few bangers that does put him back at the top of his game, but just like his recent LP ‘Here I Stand,’ ‘Raymond v. Raymond’ still hasn’t lived up to his 2004 release of the ‘Confessions’ LP, cause on the real, that joint was amazing. ‘Confessions’ was 10 million sold in the U.S. alone, now we await the results of this recent LP.

T.I. Hit with Stipulations after Release

Atlanta, GA – It has been a year since the undisputed ‘King’ turned himself into authorities to serve his one year and a day term. A year later he is finally free, or is he? Apparent stipulations within his release has put T.I. upon different restrictions that would still have him answer to a probation officer with a strict curfew. Interestingly enough though, the curfew has not put a stain or conflict in his recording schedule, especially as of late.

According to T.I’s attorney, Steve Sadow, TIP’s original 366 day term was cut short in December when he was released to a halfway house. For past 30 days, T.I. has been home with a strict 11pm curfew or 1am if he recording. His restriction even limits him from sleeping anyway but his own home. For the next three years, he will be under a ‘supervised release,’ basically probation, with only permission to travel by his probation officer if need be. He must also complete 400 more community service hours originally stated in his plea. Throughout it all, T.I. ended up serving 10 months and a day from his original 1 year and a day sentence.

Most recently though, T.I. has been in the studio recording some major tracks with some heavyweight artists, the King has returned. He recently recorded verses for Usher on his new album ‘Raymond v. Raymond’ on the track the entitled ‘Guilty’ as well as on Jamie Foxx’s recently leaked track ‘Winner’ which also features Justin Timberlake. At same time, T.I. is also working on his follow up to ‘Paper Trail,’ which as of now is still untitled. His new single ‘I’m Back’ is already receiving heavy radio rotations.

At press time, Grand Hustle and Atlantic are looking for an August 24, 2010 release of the seventh album from T.I.

A lot of people are questioning his return to the game as of late, reading different blogspots and debates, people are wondering if TIP can regain his thrown at the top of the spotlight. Even with his new movie ‘Takers’ co-starring Idris Elba and Chris Brown, his spot is still being debated. What do ya’ll think? ‘Takers’ has been set to be released on August 20.

World Premiere Video of Usher featuring will.i.am – ‘OMG’