Usher Names Which Of His Albums Was The "Birth Of Toxic R&B"

BYErika Marie2.1K Views
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 07: Usher reacts from the sidelines as he watches a game in which LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer, surpassing Abdul-Jabbar's career total of 38,387 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena on February 07, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Many of you probably already know which album Usher chose.

He's been belting out hits since childhood, and Usher's talents have inspired several charting artists who came after him. The R&B icon is still making records and releasing singles—but these days, he's wearing the crown of the R&B King of Las Vegas. His residency has received rave reviews, including many from his peers. It's reported that fans will still have the opportunity to catch the "My Way" hitmaker in Sin City as 15 more dates have been added to his residency.

To further promote his time in Vegas, Usher recently caught up with GQ. He chatted about the show and the various stages of his career, including recent years that he has called "frustrating." Usher said, "It’s not Hip Hop enough, it’s not current enough, it’s not TikTok savvy, it’s not memeable. That sh*t can be frustrating for an artist who is all about passion. I literally want to go and sing and perform for audiences.”

Usher Names His "Toxic R&B" Album

ACCRA, GHANA - SEPTEMBER 24: Usher performs on stage during Global Citizen Festival 2022: Accra on September 24, 2022 in Accra, Ghana. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Global Citizen)

However, he isn't dismayed. “I’m feeling inspired again, to now launch new music and also to continue to keep this phenomenon going,” Usher noted. “It’s just really been about [a] celebration of entertainment, celebration of the standard that was set by these incredible guys who inspired me.” These entertainers include Michael Jackson, Gene Kelly, and Prince.

One of his most celebrated albums is Confessions, his 2004 chart-topper that spawned several classic singles. Usher recognizes the project's influence and how audiences continue dissecting its impact. “The conversation, the music, the entertainment, the dialogue, the energy around it. The toxic R&B of it. Because [it] was the birth of toxic R&B.”

Usher Defines "Toxic"

He then offered an explanation. “Yo, but by the way, toxic was just being honest,” he added. “It’s how you choose to say it.” Confessions, for the singer, was about being truthful regarding relationship and the issues that come from making ill-thought-out decisions. Now, "toxic" holds a different meaning. “Toxic now is like: I’m f*cked up and I’m just sayin’ I’m f*cked up, and that’s it, with no remorse,” said Usher.

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About The Author
Erika Marie
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.
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