Usher Revels in Singledom on 'Versus' - Exclusive - The Boombox

Diana Levine

Most artists look at least a year betwixt the passing of their albums. Not Usher. The 31-year-old crooner closed out the summer with a new project titled 'Versus,' which comes just five months later his sixth opus, 'Raymond v. Raymond,' hit store shelves. The nine-track offering continues where 'Raymond v. Raymond' left off.

Usher revels in his singledom with lyrics full of sexual braggadocio. Take for example the opening track, 'Love 'Em All,' which finds the other "one-kinda-girl kinda guy" embracing his inner "free-to-get-at-every-girl kinda guy," as he sings, "There's plenty of me to make sure I pleasure all of these girls in this club." According to the singer, his new album doesn't veer far from his six album's path. "To be fair with you, there's not a big difference between 'Raymond vs. Raymond' and 'Versus,'" Usher tells The BoomBox while sitting inside New York City's DriveIn Studios. "But if there was a difference I'd say it's more of what you receive. I worked on roughly about 40 songs making ['Raymond v. Raymond']. Of class I couldn't put all of those songs on the inaugural album but I wanted to bring something back."

As for the Jay-Z and Ester Dean-assisted follow-up track, 'Hot Tottie,' Mr. Raymond understands the claim may get his fans. For those unaware of where the word derived, here's a quick lesson: a "hot toddy" is a mixed drink, usually consisting of alcohol, which is served hot. The Grammy Award-winning artist put his own twist on the libation's meaning. For Usher, its an alluring woman. "Before you see what 'Hot Tottie' is, you got to read the metaphor which it comes from," he discloses. "I'm so cold, I'm cool. So If you're that cold, the sole thing that will make you better is a hot tottie. It's a metaphor." While 'Versus' isn't loaded with features, the R&B powerhouse hand-picked one collaborator whose career he's had a deal in developing: Justin Beiber. The 16-year-old jack-of-all trades, who appears on the remix to 'Someone To Love,' is carrying the torch Usher's passed his way with impressive ease. "When I met Justin. I guess the way that we came together was bound and sort of an organic occurrence," says Usher. "Given the fact that I too started at a rattling immature age, I felt like I would be capable to serve him see what it is to do that work of success. 'Cause he only had this natural, star talent. Let's put away the fact that he had a big voice, he played the guitar, drums, bass and could turn the piano and talk at the same time. I mean, that takes extreme talent and he taught himself. I only felt like he was a prodigy. I'm just really glad to be capable to mentor, guide, direct, produce and introduce him." With over 45 million albums sold worldwide, there's no one better than Usher to prove him the way.