Usher

Jet, August 27, 2001

Returns With New CD `8701' And Tells What He Likes In A Woman

Superstar Usher has returned to the top of the charts with 8701, his first studio CD in four years, and says he wants "to shine a light on R&B music."

"As an R&B artist, I think it's time for us to stand up and do something different from the norm," Usher told JET during a recent visit to the Johnson Publishing Company headquarters in Chicago.

"Instead of talking about thugged Out, I'm trying to really shine a light on R&B. Those great performers like Marvin Gaye, they really paved the way for us to have an opportunity to have something big. Now it is time to take R&B to another production level. This album will allow me to tie all of those things that are authentic and soulful, yet new and hip, together."

Usher, who became a top-selling superstar with his 1997 7-million-copyselling CD My Way, cites Michael Jackson, James Brown and Donny Hathaway among his biggest influences.

"You will hear a feeling that I've captured from listening to Marvin Gaye's records, James Brown's records, Donny Hathaway's records and from Michael Jackson's records. So once you turn on the record, you will say, `that sounds like something that Michael might have done.'"

He reveals the CD's title, 8701, is his "evolution as an artist."

He grew up in Chattanooga, TN. "But that opportunity to really become a star wasn't there. But I had all of the grooming to move to Atlanta, get a record deal with LaFace Records and begin to pursue my career. I have had much success throughout it. I've learned, made decisions, made mistakes. Now I'm in a position to make decisions for myself as a writer, as a producer, as a stylist, as an overseer, as a director, as an executive producer ... Here we are in 2001-87 to 01. 8701 is evolution; 8701 is versatility."

Signed to LaFace in 1993, Usher's Self-titled debut album (certified gold) with primary production by Sean "Puffy" Combs was released a year later, spawning the Top 10 hit Think of You.

In 1997, he released the smash My Way with the hits, You Make Me Wanna and Nice & Slow. He went on to appear on the TV sitcom "Moesha," first as a guest star and later as a character. In 1998, he made picture debut in The Faculty and also appeared in the film, She's All That. He later starred in the 1999 film Light It Up. He toured with superstar Mary J. Blige and with Janet Jackson on her much-acclaimed Velvet Rope tour.

His new album features the No. 1 hit U Remind Me and I Don't Know with an appearance by Sean "Puffy" Combs.

Working with his longtime producer Jermaine Dupri as well as Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Babyface, She'kesperee and the Neptunes, and new producers Edmund "Eddie Hustle" Clement and Mike City, Usher has created a CD that "has songs that we can all relate to."

8701 includes such standout tunes as Twork It Out--"a very sexual, erotic song that's all about chilling with your partner. Twork It Out is basically Sexual Healing part 2. Marvin Gaye once again comes alive in my spirit. It's that sensual, sexual next level of Usher. I am 22 years old, so I've experienced a little bit, loved a little bit," he smiles.

He calls U Got it Bad--"an Usher signature tune." He notes, "It's that formula that Jermaine Dupri and I created on the last album. It's that sound once again that you've heard."

The CD was delayed for several months because a few of the tunes were leaked to Napster, the Internet-based company that came under fire earlier this year for allowing people to download free music, he explains.

"Programs like Napster exploit us. It allows us to lose control of how we give the record to the fans, to the consumers."

Usher returned to the studio and worked on new songs. "When you have created a formula, you have something to go off on, you can go right back to it or you can choose to go opposite of it."

The former teenage heartthrob admits that a lot has changed in the last four years. "I am a grown man. I have turned into a more mature heartthrob. At the same time I still have a motivating force that keeps me going--Jesus Christ. I always say that this is the reason that all of this is possible. I still feel in a sense like a role model, but I am being true to who I am."

He notes, "It is hard to see yourself as a heartthrob, just to know that you have this sexiness about yourself that is confidence that pulls women and attracts women. That's cool. I work at it. You have to keep your body looking right. I work at keeping myself well-put-together. But to consider myself a heartthrob is what it is. They call it that. Hey, I guess that's my character."

In recent months, he and TLC singer Rozanda (Chilli) Thomas have become a constant twosome, making their fans wonder if they are indeed a couple.

"She's a gorgeous woman, beautiful," he grins. "Incredible person as well. We're really good friends. They've (media) seen us in EBONY at Toni's wedding," he laughs. "They are sort of matchmaking. A while ago, Janet and I took a picture and they were like `Oh, there's Janet and Usher doing something.' Anytime I take a picture with any artist, I am immediately attached with her. I have friends. I think beautiful women are good to have around you," he laughs again.