That’s music superstar Usher talking to Cigar Aficionado Magazine on everything from Justin Bieber, ‘The Voice’, smoking, the music business and then some. Here’s a bit:
On former protégé Justin Bieber, who has run into trouble lately: “We’re all God’s children. I can only imagine. I mean, it’s a crazy journey at any age. Who knows what would have happened to me or if I’d even be having this conversation from this perspective.”
On his famous 8-pack abs: “I was always athletic and, you know, everyone wants something they’re known for. But I was 5-foot-8. It wasn’t going to be basketball or football. So it was my abs.”
On coaching Josh Kaufman, the winner of NBC’s “The Voice:” “I get bragging rights as the one who won, after six seasons of it ping-ponging back and forth between Adam and Blake.”
On “Yeah,” his multimillion selling song from his 2004 album, “Confessions:” “It was not an automatic hit, at least to me, which is funny considering how massive it turned out to be. When I first got the song, it came from a producer who always gave everybody the same sound. The demo he gave me sounded like the same thing he was giving to everybody else. So I asked him if he could redo it—and when he did, it sounded like something that would be a hit record.”
On how the Internet has killed the music industry: “The Internet has killed the music industry. People don’t wait in line anymore at a Target or a Tower Records for a new CD to be released; they just download it. When you see companies like Blockbuster and Tower going out of business, you know the industry has changed.”
On what inspired him to make universally appealing music: “I was 8 or 9 and I was enjoying Michael Jackson and so was my mother. And so was my grandmother. How’s that possible? That, to me, represents success: when you manage to be part of the conversation with all ages.”
On his cigar-smoking style: “I like the smell and taste of a good cigar. It’s a great fit that truly celebrates the occasion. And there’s nothing better, when you’re in a space where you’re being creative. There’s something about savoring a moment, rather than wracking your head to find a creative solution. I’m too young to consider myself a connoisseur. I just enjoy smoking cigars. And I’m not blowing smoke up your ass.”