R&B singer Usher Raymond recent connected with SoulCulture Media at his album preview on Thursday, March 22, 2012. In addition to discussing his new yet-to-be titled album, Raymond talked about fatherhood and future collaborations in the music industry.
On his new album:
“There’s a new world in music and culture out there – you’d be surprised at the type of things that I’ve been inspired by… Even if you just look at the choice of producers that I’ve selected to work with on this album, it’s a clear indication that it’s not just your typical run of the mill. I feel like – and this is a statement that’s true of life – if you’re able and willing to take a risk then you’ll receive or even reap great benefits or rewards that come with it. So that’s what this album is – it is a step. It’s all about growth and really rising.”
On fatherhood being the inspiration for one of the songs on the album, ‘Sins of the Father’:
“The inspiration of [the song] is, why do we sometimes deal with things that we don’t understand? Our past can lead us down a road because we didn’t even know it. The time spent with a father will teach you a certain understanding of live and how to cope and deal with things. The lack of a father being there can also teach you how to deal with life – and that’s what ‘Sins Of The Father’ is about.
I’m adding to the statistic that there are fathers out there who are there for there children, who are there to raise them, who understand that they have to take that time and really make sure that they make that connection. And understand that these kids are future adults – they’re not kids – so if you don’t give them the time and attention they need now, then they’ll be running around and somebody else will be knocking them upside the head or they’ll be incarcerated. That song in itself is kind of a testament to the father that I became.”
Future collaborations with Adele?
“I think the world deserves an Usher and Adele record. That’s what I think. That would be the other UK connection that I think everybody would be really fond of and enjoy.”
