Usher has spoken out about his protégé Justin Bieber…and he has some tough love for the diminutive Canadian.
Bieber (J-Bib) is, at this point, more famous for his offstage antics than he is for his onstage persona and chart success. The little guy hasn’t had a hit single in well over a year, and his last album, a tepid remix affair, was panned critically and ignored commercially.
Indeed, 2014 has been the “Year of the Bib” for the 20-year-old tyke, whose actions have become more childish than ever.
And mentor Usher has noticed.
Speaking to Billboard, the 36-year-old father of two shared some love for J-Bib, but made his general displeasure no secret.
Our relationship is more man-to-man now. [J-Bib] is making his own decisions and it’s important to show support. I can say I’m not happy with all the choices my friend has made, but I’m supportive of him. I try my hardest to give as much positive reinforcement as I can. I’ll punch him in the f—ing chest when I need to, and give him a hug and kiss when I need to. It’s more than just mentoring. I love the kid.
In the same interview, however, Usher did acknowledge the limits of his own influence on other people.
One place that influence seems limitless is at the box office, where Usher remains a huge draw. His 2014 world tour, in advance of the forthcoming album UR is packing folks in like the sardines of yore. Check a comprehensive list of dates at the man’s web site, and get whatever tickets are still available.
