In June, T-Pain, and subsequently Usher, made headlines following a now-viral clip from Netflix’s “This Is Pop” series, in which the “Buy You A Drink” singer claimed that one of his battles with depression was sparked by a criticism from the R&B crooner.
As previously reported, T-Pain recalled being on a plane when the Grammy Award winner summoned him to his section. During their brief conversation, T-Pain claimed that the “Let it Burn” singer accused him of ruining that artistry of music because of his use of the voice-altering technology Auto-tune. T-Pain said he was confused by the judgment because to him, “Usher was my friend.” The 36-year-old revealed, “that is the very moment, and I don’t even think I realized this for a long time, but that’s the very moment that started a four-year depression for me.”
While on a press run for his Las Vegas residency, Usher was asked about T-Pain’s allegations that he essentially sent him into a depression. The star revealed that he and the singer had a conversation after he made his remark.
“I’m happy that T-Pain said something — I’m not sure if it was before or after our actual conversation after I heard what was said,” the actor told Billboard. However, Usher said he was hurt upon learning that his words may have led to T-Pain’s “hardship in life.” “I wouldn’t wish that on any person,” he added.
The “42-year-old maintained that his remarks were made without malicious intent, but noted that “when or if people get pieces of it, they can always have some other interpretation.” He added, “But we’ve spoken since, and we’re good.”
Still, Usher wasn’t the only one with something to say about how the sound of music has progressed. Recently, the “Bartender” singer made some observations of his own after seemingly being stormed with demos from up-and-coming artists. In a hilarious clip shared to his social media on July 13, the songwriter begged industry hopefuls to “do some different music.”
“We have all the sh-t that you’re doing,” the singer said, noting that the material he was sent sounded like music that’s already on the radio and streaming platforms. “We have it. Lil Uzi is already doing it, Lil Baby is already doing it, DaBaby is already doing it. It’s literally two n–gas with Baby in their names and that’s already doing all the music that you want.”
The Tallahassee native garnered support from fans for his analysis, including legendary producer Dr. Dre, who wrote in the comments section of the clip, “Shoutout to @tpain!! I’m here laughing my f-ckin ass off, but he’s right.” He added, “I know and feel exactly what you’re saying.”
