ATLANTA – Usher is experiencing rain.

This is not the figurative “making it rain” common in nightclubs – water is genuinely cascading from the ceiling directly onto Usher’s lap.

As we talk about the sacrifices in his career, he suddenly jumps up from the couch in his dressing room at State Farm Arena. The sprinklers positioned perfectly above him have started to spray.

“This is a first for me,” he laughs, as he rushes to get a towel while I quickly grab cups from the credenza in a frantic attempt to catch the dripping water.

For Usher, who is 45 years old, making the best out of this unexpected shower is part of his charm.

Over the past couple of years, fondly known as the Usherssance by fans, he has entered a brilliant new chapter in his 30-year career. His viral success in Las Vegas revived interest following the pandemic. His NPR Tiny Desk performance reignited fans’ love for his music. He wowed audiences during the Super Bowl 58 halftime show, showcasing his skates, impressive physique, and celebrity friends. Usher also got married in a Vegas chapel, released his ninth album, shone at the Met Gala, received honors at the BET Awards, and announced a concert film shot last fall in Paris.

Now, Usher is getting ready for his Past Present Future tour, an extensive 58-show venture set to kick off in his hometown of Atlanta.

However, the overflowing sprinkler isn’t the only concern. Rumors about Usher dealing with pain, delayed rehearsals, and dancers needing recovery time are swirling as the days tick down to the anticipated first concert. Just hours before the show, Usher sends out a statement announcing a postponement to “give my body a chance to rest and recover.” The next day, he pushes back the remaining Atlanta opening shows due to a neck injury. Usher understands that this hurdle is temporary, and he will be back with fans at his best, which he proves when he performs in Washington, D.C., a week later.

Reflecting on the past: Usher considers his choices

“I’ve made many sacrifices throughout my life and career. I don’t regret them, but now I can be quite particular about what I want to focus on and will stay true to that,” he shares with YSL News in a candid series of discussions.

These choices “have granted me knowledge, wisdom, and success. I dedicated my time and energy to music and my craft, and as a result, I lost many people who are no longer around, and I wish I had spent more time with them.

“There are events I would have cherished experiencing – but didn’t because I was occupied – like birthdays or moments where admired individuals received accolades.”

Currently, he aims to be present for everyone, agreeing to as many requests as possible, which often leads to little rest and sleep.

During the moments he does manage to catch a few Z’s, Usher reflects that he might have slept poorly on his neck. Just two days before the tour, his holistic wellness therapist applies pressure to his upper body while he participates in a virtual vocal lesson. As he reaches for the keyboard before him, eyes shut and vocalizing scales, he winces when she presses against his shoulder. “That’s the spot,” Usher comments.

Nick Cooper, Usher’s vocal coach, joins via video call. “Keep breathing, champ,” he encourages while the therapist works on Usher’s neck. “Dig in there, champ.”

“Paintball turned out to be a bad idea, honestly,” Usher admits, referencing a recent bonding activity with his family and some of the tour crew. “I should be fine by tomorrow.”

But tomorrow doesn’t bring the relief he hoped for. At least not as fans expect to see him.

Usher Remains Driven by a Strong Passion

Usher launched his music career at the young age of 15 with his debut self-titled album, but it was his 1997 release “My Way” that truly changed the R&B slow jam scene with hits like “Nice & Slow” and “You Make Me Wanna,” as well as the title song which drew inspiration from Frank Sinatra. Following that, his 2001 album “8701” featured a trio of hits named after the letter “U”: “U Don’t Have to Call,” “U Remind Me,” and “U Got It Bad.”

His album “Confessions,” which has recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, marked his peak in chart success, producing timeless tracks still played at various gatherings. Hits such as “Yeah!,” “Confessions Part II,” “Burn,” and “My Boo” remain fan favorites.

Usher has explored a variety of musical styles, collaborating with artists like David Guetta and Marshmello in the EDM space, as well as Latin stars like J Balvín and Romeo Santos, before venturing into Afrobeats with Burna Boy and K-pop with Jung Kook in his latest work. He has shared the stage with numerous artists, including Beyoncé and H.E.R., and even played a role in Justin Bieber’s rise to fame.

Usher reflects, “I’ve always felt driven by passion, but that passion evolved into a competitive spirit where I believed I needed to exert effort to gain recognition. I didn’t just get what I have handed to me.” He acknowledges the support from his talents, record label, and promotional resources, but states he has constantly felt the need to prove himself.

Even as an industry veteran, he carries an underdog mindset.

“Usher adjusted the Vegas show until the very last moment,” says his wife Jenn Raymond. “He is relentless.”

Earlier that day, dressed in oversized charcoal overalls and a fitting ‘U’ necklace, Jenn joined their little ones, Sovereign, 3, and Sire, 2, in a game of “red light, green light” during Usher’s fitting. The sound of tiny feet dancing across the wooden floors mixed with joyful children’s laughter filled the otherwise quiet studio. Usher eventually joined in, attentively following his daughter’s instructions.

Usher also has two older sons, Usher “Cinco” Raymond V, 16, and Naviyd, 15, from his past marriage to Tameka Foster. Balancing the demands of a tour resembles the challenges of parenting—it’s all about managing chaos, organizing schedules, handling interruptions, and making choices. He admits his children keep him grounded, noting their lives are likely busier than his own.

“Today, Naviyd started his sophomore year and Sovereign kicked off preschool. To be honest, I didn’t see them off this morning, but I made sure to be there when they got back. I picked Sovereign up and I didn’t want to miss that moment for her.”

He perceives himself as “no different from any other parent, albeit with a slightly more grand situation at play. It can get quite complicated trying to balance everything.”

While he strives to be present, Usher is also focused on his future.

“My vocal approach and range have evolved so I can meet the demands of my goals. I’m consciously planning for the long haul. I want to be able to sing even in my 60s and 70s; ideally, I want that option to perform for my grandchildren,” he shares.

Usher Balances His Status as a Sex Symbol with Emotional Depth

During this tour, Usher is frequently seen shirtless.

This reveals a brief moment as he considers outfits for a promotional photo shoot, showcasing his well-defined abs.

Though Usher is known for his poignant heartbreak songs, he also possesses a strong sex symbol allure. He expresses his emotion openly, combining his physical presence with vulnerability. He embodies desires such as love, lust, seduction, and honesty.

His openness has played a significant role in his career. Growing up, Usher Raymond IV did not have a close bond with his father, Usher Raymond III—a detail he revealed during his heartfelt BET Awards Lifetime Achievement Award speech. He expresses this relationship in the narrative of his tour. Usher has shared his “Confessions” about personal relationships and struggles with his fans. After experiencing a dip in his career in the mid-2010s and facing personal challenges, including his divorce from Grace Miguel in 2018, he took a break before deciding to return to Las Vegas to reconnect with his passion for entertaining.

“At some point, I lost sight of my passion while striving for the top spot, and the pursuit of being number one overshadowed my love for music,” he reflects. “It wasn’t until I stepped back that I realized”

Usher expresses his excitement about recent successes, stating, “It’s really just a reflection of my passion for what I’ve been doing.”

Curate and connect: Usher’s future plans

It may not be precisely 7 o’clock, and we’re not cruising in a convertible, but it is just after 3 p.m., and I’m sitting in the passenger seat as Usher drives himself, his wife, and me to the arena. As he drives, Usher shares his thoughts on the rapid transformation of the city, mentioning his role in it.

“There’s about 40 acres of previously unused land that used to be just parking. But I’m planning to build a theater right here,” he says, gesturing towards The Gulch across from the arena and Mercedes Benz Stadium. This new 5,000-seat venue will allow Usher to host performances and have artist residencies, and the goal is to create a landmark with cutting-edge design and technology inspired by cities like London, Paris, Berlin, and Las Vegas.

“I performed at the Super Bowl, but surprisingly, there are still people who may not recognize my name or who I am,” he shares. “So for those who don’t know me, I might need to approach them differently. Perhaps it’s not just through my music; maybe I can design a unique experience for them.”

Usher gets excited as he talks about future possibilities, including the prestigious EGOT—a collection of Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards. He has appeared in films like “In the Mix” (2005) and “Hands of Stone” (2016) and made his Broadway debut in “Chicago” back in 2006.

With a desire to act and produce television shows or movies, Usher shows a willingness to take risks in creative ventures.

“I dislike restrictions, and I’ve spent too long living within limits. Now, I want to break free from those boundaries and revisit opportunities I didn’t get to explore,” he explains.

Usher’s energetic spirit and keen insight promise a unique tour experience

Everyone agrees: if given the chance, Usher could go on for hours, constantly improving and refining his craft.

“He has the same drive as a 19-year-old,” remarks Shawn “Shizz” Porter, Usher’s long-time friend and barber for 21 years.

At precisely 9:44 p.m. on the Monday before his tour kicks off, Usher is backstage rehearsing with his dancers on the Atlanta Hawks practice court for “Good Kisser,” a dance number that includes a snippet of Aaliyah’s “Rock the Boat.” He’s energetically directing the dancers, showcasing his signature footwork.

The following evening, Usher is in so much discomfort that he cannot participate in the final dress rehearsal. His creative director, Aakomon Jones, takes his place on stage. Meanwhile, a handler walks his goldendoodle, Scarlett, down the arena aisle. Usher and his wife Jenn watch from the stands, arms crossed. Sitting next to a team member with a laptop, he’s deep in thought, watching the performance unfold on stage.

He remains still, not nodding or mouthing the lyrics, instead observing with a slightly furrowed brow, analyzing everything.

“I’m acutely aware of the disparities between white and Black artists, and the differences between young artists who emerge from specific cultural backgrounds that eventually gain recognition,” he notes. “As time passed, I naturally became more prominent and relevant. Now, I’m experiencing in real time what I dream of and how I envision things.”

Despite the chaotic lead-up to the tour, Usher is poised for this moment. His innovative production will take his audience on a journey through the past, present, and future—all while radiating positivity.