Chris Brown takes over at the 2011 BET Awards

By The Music Scoop
JR Staff Writer

Last night, Chris Brown returned to the top of the R&B game. It was a night Brown hopes he will never forget. Spending the night at the 2011 BET Awards, surrounded by legends in black entertainment, Chris Brown stood out. The Virginia singer performed his hit, "She Ain't You," and won several awards.

Chris Brown officially made himself the king of R&B when he won the BET Award for 'Best Male R&B Artist.' Brown has released several hits, starting with "Deuces" last summer, and currently still ongoing with "She Ain't You." Chris Brown truly showed his talents when he rapped on "Look At Me Now."

In a collaboration with Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes, the song made sure Chris Brown was undeniable. Last night, he was honored for all of his hard work. "Look At Me Now" gained him the award for 'Best Collaboration' and 'Viewer's Choice.' There was much celebration for Chris Brown and his camp, last night.

Truly showing he is a force to be reckoned with, Chris Brown beat out veteran, Usher, and the ever-popular, fellow Virginia native, Trey Songz, for the 'Best Male R&B' award. It was during last year's BET Awards when Chris Brown performed his Michael Jackson tribute and won the crowd over.

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LaToya Jackson talks Michael Jackson's death in New Book

By Mr. Hollywood
JR Staff Writer

The death of Michael Jackson was the last thing many expected to hear mid-day of June 25, 2009. Jackson had been tortured by the media for over fifteen years. At one point, he was considered the greatest entertainer of all-time. But, his friendship with underage children almost cost him everything.

Following the death of Michael Jackson, his family began speaking out. For the most part, the family blamed Jackson's doctor, Dr. Conrad Murray. It was under the watch of Murray that the "King of Pop" died. Upset fans also blame the doctor, who has since lost his license.

Now, LaToya Jackson, the older sister of Michael Jackson, is expressing her pain through a new book. Her book, which is coming out next week, discusses the last days of Michael's life, in which he was planning to make major changes. According to LaToya Jackson, Michael was planning to remove several people from his life.

LaToya Jackson also said Michael had only agreed to do ten shows, as opposed to his major "This is It" tour, which was to span the entire world. The elder Jackson said she has been suspicious of Michael's death since she first learned the news. Following his death, she found his bedroom torn to shreds and found notes that confirmed he was preparing to rid certain people from his life. Jermaine Jackson is also preparing a book, his will be released in September of this year.

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Chris Brown proud of "F.A.M.E.'s" success, collaborates with SWV

By The Music Scoop
JR Staff Writer

Many felt as if Chris Brown had sabotaged his career after the fight with Rihanna. Radio stations stopped playing his songs and fans lashed out. Two albums deep, Chris Brown was used to going double platinum. His 2009 effort failed to even land him a gold plaque.

Sensing he had to change things up, Chris Brown embraced his role as the bad guy. On the mixtape level, Brown released several songs. Among the songs he released was "Deuces," the one that landed him at the top of the charts. With a hit single, without trying, Chris Brown began recording a new album.

Chris Brown prepared to release F.A.M.E. early in 2011 and re-released "No BS." Along with an album version of "No BS," he also recorded "Look At Me Now," the first breakout hit from the album. Early in 2011, Chris Brown had three hit singles in radio rotation and he was far from done. In the middle of the spring, he released "She Ain't You," a Michael Jackson sample, with influences from SWV's own Jackson sample of "Human Nature."

Following the success of his album, Chris Brown spoke about how things have changed for him. Looking back on where he was and where he is now, Brown said he is proud of the success. His album has been out for five months and he has had four hits off the album, so far. While "She Ain't You" is not receiving the same type of play as his other singles, it is still receiving incredible buzz. Capitalizing off the mid-1990s sound, Brown reached out to SWV for a mash-up of their version of Jackson's sample with his.

The "She Ain't You (remix)" was released last week and features SWV.

Listen to "She Ain't You (remix)" by Chris Brown ft. SWV below:

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Chris Brown leads BET Awards nominations

By The Music Scoop
JR Staff Writer

One year ago, fans and critics agreed Chris Brown's career was over. When Brown arranged to perform at the 2010 BET Awards, no one predicted what would happen next. Right before the awards ceremony of 2009, the legendary Michael Jackson died. The pain of his death was still prominent one year after his death.

Before he was caught up, Chris Brown was considered by some as the next Michael Jackson. Nearly all male R&B singers who dance end up with his comparison. But, Brown's 2007 video, "Wall 2 Wall," helped these comparisons along. All of this went out of the window when Brown was labeled an abuser.

However, when Chris Brown did the tribute performance for the late Michael Jackson at the 2010 BET Awards, he won his fan base back. Following the performance, when he broke down and cried, he had an even bigger base. This was the catalyst which led to Chris Brown re-establishing himself in the game, coming back bigger than before.

What a difference a year makes with Chris Brown now leading everyone in BET Awards nominations. This year, Brown is up for 'Best Male R&B Artist,' 'Video of the Year,' 'Best Actor of the Year,' and three more nominations. Lil Wayne follows a close second with five nominations.

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Chris Brown gets into it with Joe Budden

By The Music Scoop
JR Staff Writer

Back on top of the R&B world, Chris Brown is no longer viewed as the ultimate good boy. While he is a nice person, Brown is known to fly off the handle when pushed. His flying off the handle is what landed Brown in the doghouse with many fans.

Chris Brown's comeback began last summer at the 2010 BET Awards when he did a tribute to Michael Jackson. Brown has been among the many male R&B singers compared to Jackson. When he cried at the end of the performance, he won the fans back over.

Since this performance, Chris Brown has been back in the good graces of the fans. Now, the Virginia singer is considered to be the bad boy of the R&B game. Recently, this bad boy persona was put to the test when he was seemingly dissed by rapper, Joe Budden.

Over the years, Budden has been known for mouthing off about various topics. At one point, Joey was considered the most-hated rapper in the game. Recently, he said he may have to do a Michael Jackson tribute in order to win over fans. Brown read the comments via Twitter and he replied, blaming Budden for his situation and mocking his 2003 hit, "Pump it Up."

Joe Budden quickly replied and said the comments were not aimed at Brown. Insisting he was a fan, the rapper said the comment was directed at the ignorant fans.

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Jennifer Hudson says her baby is a little Michael Jackson

By Mr. Hollywood
JR Staff Writer

Currently, Jennifer Hudson is happier than she has been in a few years. Immediately after she accomplished her biggest dreams, the Chicago entertainer found herself with the biggest tragedy one could imagine. Her mother and nephew were brutally murdered for no apparent reason.

In the months before the mass murder, Jennifer Hudson had landed a record deal with J Records. The label quickly released her debut album. Her album spawned the summer hit, "Spotlight." The album sold very well and Hudson was nominated for several awards.

But, in the time since October 2008, Jennifer Hudson has been trying to maintain. In 2009, she became engaged to her boyfriend David "Punk" Otunga, of "I Love New York" fame. Months later, Hudson revealed she was pregnant with her first child, David Otunga, Jr. Her son is now a little over a year old.

Jennifer Hudson is currently celebrating her strong relationship with Otunga, Sr. and the release of her second album. Aside from this, she has gone through a dramatic weight loss with Weight Watchers and has been a model mother for her son. Spending time with him, Jennifer Hudson recently revealed she may have the second coming of Michael Jackson on her hands. In an interview with MTV, Hudson said he loves music and often breaks out into dance.

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Snooki removes all Ne-Yo songs from her iPod

By Mr. Hollywood
JR Staff Writer

"Jersey Shore" star, Snooki, was excited when she was approached by Rolling Stones to appear on the cover. On the magazine, Snooki sat on a rocket. She said she was surprised the renowed magazine featured her on the cover. Initially a rock magazine, Snooki was excited because she is not musically-inclined.

Recently, Ne-Yo has been vocal about the way a lot of things have turned out. When Sony decided to release a new Michael Jackson album and feature current stars, Ne-Yo spoke out. Along with will.I.am, Ne-Yo felt Michael Jackson would have never worked with those artists if he were alive.

Upon discovering Snooki would be on the cover of Rolling Stones, he spoke out again. Ne-Yo said he thought the magazine was about music stars, not reality stars. The comments made by Ne-Yo quickly traveled through the internet, posted on several different websites. It was not long before Snooki, a Ne-Yo fan, discovered what he said and was ready to respond.

Snooki said she is sad that Ne-Yo does not support her being on the cover. Their beef is official, as Snooki is no longer a Ne-Yo fan. She said she has deleted all of Ne-Yo's songs from her iPod, including a few of the songs he wrote. Ne-Yo penned the 2006 Beyonce hit, "Irreplaceable," which was one of Snooki's favorites. Upon deleting the song, Snooki said Ne-Yo is not irreplaceable.

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Kanye West in Paris for Fashion Week

By Mr. Hollywood
JR Staff Writer

Apparently, Kanye West has taken some time out of the studio to enjoy life. Last year, West experienced an incredible comeback. The comeback was complete when Kanye West's album was certified platinum. Not only was the album a platinum success, but was also met with critical acclaim.

Months after the album was released, Kanye West announced he was working on another project. This project, with the help of Jay-Z, is called Watch the Throne. The collaboration album is the first time Jay-Z has shared a mic with Kanye as his equal.

Promotion for this album barely started when Kanye West announced he was working on his sixth studio album. Before the end of this year, Kanye West wants to release yet another solo album. In addition to all of this, several of the artists signed to G.O.O.D. Music have planned release dates for their albums. With all of this stress, Kanye West has decided to take a break.

The Chicago entertainer was photographed in Paris attending the Fashion Week. Kanye West is being fitted for outfits for his upcoming tour. His new outfits will be inspired by the late Michael Jackson, one of the biggest idols of Kanye West. Currently, Kanye is testing out the Michael Jackson look at the Paris Fashion Show and is looking for outfits to purchase.

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Chris Brown was to meet Michael Jackson the day he Died

By The Music Scoop
JR Staff Writer

Two years ago, Chris Brown was going through the biggest problem he had ever faced. The singer had made a big mistake and the entire world was watching. Prior to his incident, Chris Brown was well on his way to becoming a legend. Many were trying to make him into the next Michael Jackson.

Most R&B artists, regardless of gender, try to model themselves after Jackson. When artists reach a certain level, Michael Jackson usually met them. Brown, along with Jamie Foxx, were supposed to meet with Michael Jackson during the summer of 2009. Earlier in his career, Chris Brown had met Michael Jackson.

Michael Jackson could sympathize with Chris Brown and his woes with the media. Jackson had been watching the news, while he prepared to make some. Since becoming a father to three children, Michael Jackson spent most of his time with them. The children wanted to see their dad be the superstar he used to be, so Jackson built up the energy to put together one more comeback.

Around the time of his comeback, Michael Jackson wanted to meet with Chris Brown and Jamie Foxx. The news of Jackson wanting to meet with them had Brown excited. But, before he was able to meet with his idol, Chris Brown was met with some bad news. As he was preparing to meet with Jackson, the singer died a very public death. With his hero dead and already being in a bad place led to Chris Brown slipping deeper into his funk.

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JR Valentine's Day 2011: Michael Jackson - "Rock with You"

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Kanye West determined to be the next King of Pop

By Mr. Hollywood
JR Staff Writer

Before he even made it big in the rap game, Kanye West had dreams of dominating the music industry. From an early age, West's biggest influence was Michael Jackson. Early in 2004, Kanye West's big break finally came. While he grew up in hip hop, Kanye West admitted he was heavily influenced by Michael Jackson.

Michael Jackson has been hailed as the most creative genius in the history of entertainment. Not only was he a gifted singer, but he was also a gifted composer. But, by the 1990s, the industry wanted someone new. For years, there has been the search for the person to fill Michael Jackson's shoes.

Over the years, Usher, Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, Ralph Tresvant, and many others have been hailed as the next Michael Jackson. All of those men have been influenced by Jackson. Usher, arguably the most successful out of them all, has admitted he tried to be like Michael Jackson when he was younger. But, over time, Usher has developed his own style and is a legend in his own right.

Kanye West has been hailed as one of the greatest producers of the new generation. In 2004, he released his first rap album and has since become known as one of the best rappers in the game. After mastering rap, West created a successful R&B album in 2008. Kanye West has proven he can accept any challenge thrown his way and he plans to continue rising. His first love is still hip hop, but Kanye West continues to evolve his style.

Even before Michael Jackson's death, Kanye West wanted to go down in history as the greatest artist in history. But, after the death of Jackson, Kanye West became more aggressive in gaining the title. The work on his latest album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, proves this. West has stepped up his lyrical levels and has even made strides with his singing abilities. Before he is done with the game, Kanye West is determined to become the next King of Pop.

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Akon hit with $125,000 lawsuit

By Mr. Hollywood
JR Staff Writer

As he has been working on his fourth album, Akonic, Akon has been busy with other projects. The Senegal native has been included in two major comebacks in the past few months. Before his death, Michael Jackson was planning his comeback tour, which was to be followed by a comeback album, but this was stopped by his death.

Upon hearing some of the material, Sony Music realized it was too good to go to waste. The label recruited Akon to helm the new album from Michael Jackson. Akon brought on many other celebrities to help finish the album. The lead single, "Hold my Hand," features Akon and was used as promotional material for the album.

Aside from his work with Michael Jackson, Dr. Dre called upon Akon to help him launch his Detox album. Akon provided the chorus for his hit single, "Kush." Behind the scenes, Akon has done plenty of work with Dr. Dre, as he works closely with many artists affiliated with Interscope Records. With his popularity at a high, fans in Singapore wanted to see him in person.

Before even negotiating, Akon was paid $125,000 upfront to perform in Singapore. After accepting the money, Akon cancelled the show. Despite cancelling the show, he did not return the money to A&M Entertainment. The company has filed a suit against Akon's promotional company, demanding their down payment back after Akon did not perform, as promised.

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Dr. Conrad Murray pleads "Not Guilty" to charges surrounding Michael Jackson's death

By Mr. Hollywood
JR Staff Writer

The dust has finally settled, for fans, following the untimely death of Michael Jackson. But, for the people close to him, things are just getting started. Following the death of the King of Pop, Dr. Conrad Murray was blamed for the death.

Immediately following Jackson's death, Murray was charged with involuntary manslaughter. Dr. Murray was among many doctors who had been giving Jackson drugs. Sadly, it was under his care when he had died.

With the death in his name, Michael Jackson's family has blamed Conrad Murray. He offered his condolences to the family through the media. Soon after his public statement, he was served with his papers.

Finally, Murray's trial is set to begin and he has offered a 'Not Guilty' plea to the courts. Despite breaking the law, Dr. Murray insists he was only trying to help Jackson overcome insomnia, as the singer was not able to go to sleep on his own.

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Chilli reveals Romantic Relationship with Michael Jackson

By Mr. Hollywood
JR Staff Writer

Ever since her breakup from Dallas Austin, the media has been very involved with Chili's love life. She has had failed relationships with a number of men, including Usher and Floyd Mayweather. Last year, she partnered with VH1 in order to find love. "What Chili Wants" is currently in the middle of season two.

While the media has been involved in Chili's romantic life, it is nothing like how they have been involved in Michael Jackson's overall life. It is the main reason he is no longer here today. Every move Jackson made was analyzed by the media. Many outlets tried to portray him as a homosexual child molester.

There are many fans who say he did not molest the young boys, but that he was a homosexual. Michael Jackson always insisted he was straight, but it appeared as if all of his defenders were paid off. But, recently, there is breaking news about his romantic life. Despite having the three children, many people assumed Jackson had them artificially.

Recently, Chili revealed Usher was not the only R&B king that she had a relationship with. After her breakup from Usher, Chili said she began spending time with Michael Jackson. She said they had a couple of dates and they kissed. Chili admitted she was madly in love with Jackson and that he had deep feelings for her, too and they would have been together if he were still alive. She revealed that she went to see Michael Jackson before his death and they shared a passionate kiss then, too.

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Usher makes a Bold Statement

By The Music Scoop
JR Staff Writer

Last year, Usher proved he still had it after his divorce with the successful Raymond v. Raymond album. The song was full of hits and Usher solidified his position as a force in the game. In the months since the death of Michael Jackson, the media has been looking for someone to take the throne.

Many people considered Ne-Yo to be Usher's biggest competition for the longest time. However, while both of them were on hiatus, Trey Songz emerged as a force. Despite being a rapper, Kanye West has set his sights on breaking through the rap scene as the King of Pop.

While Kanye West has been the only person to openly say this, others have just stepped their game up. Ne-Yo made a movie out of his videos and improved his steps. Trey Songz has remained in the studio, dropping repeated hits. Even with no album planned, Trey Songz is still working hard to bring something new to the table.

With all of the attention on the likes of Chris Brown, Trey Songz, Ne-Yo, and others, Usher came back and reclaimed the spotlight. Earlier today, Usher made a bold statement that is likely to turn heads. He said he plans to create a new genre of music on his future albums. Usher said his new genre of music will revolutionize pop music. This is what Usher is betting on, as he has named the new genre Revolutionary pop and he even has a new haircut, the fauxhawk, to go along with the change in style.

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Willow Smith listed as Will Smith's employee

By The Music Scoop
JR Staff Writer

Last year had an incredible finish for Willow Smith as she recorded a hit single and landed a record deal with Jay-Z. With Jay-Z behind her, Smith posted a major hit with "Whip My Hair." The song has gone on to become an anthem, but now the pressure is on her to continue making hits.

Many feel she will crack under the pressure because of who her parents are and the hit single she has already released. While many people feel this way, Willow Smith knows she can do it. She is focusing on going back to the studio and putting together a full album.

While she has made noise for being signed to Roc Nation, Smith is also signed to Spooky Girl, Inc. Spooky Girl, Inc. is a new label put together by Will Smith for Willow. Outside of his successful film and music career, Will Smith is expanding his business portfolio. For tax purposes, Will Smith has his daughter listed as his employee as opposed to his dependent.

Spooky Girl, Inc. is a new venture owned by Will Smith and Willow Smith is the first artist signed to this new venture. Technically Will Smith is the boss over this company and Willow Smith works for it by making music. There are some who have written Willow Smith off as a one hit wonder and others who are trying to compare her to Michael Jackson. For those comparing her to Jackson, his father treated him more like an employee than a child and Will Smith has come out and said he is his daughter's boss.

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Chris Brown to complete Comeback in 2011

By The Music Scoop
JR Staff Writer

Almost two years ago, Chris Brown made a major mistake and it almost cost him his career. Early in his career, Brown was one half of the favorite teen couple with Rihanna. It appeared as if the two were madly in love. While Rihanna says they were, their relationship was proven abusive early in 2009.

Following their public fight, both Chris Brown and Rihanna's respective careers suffered. Brown was used to topping the charts and going platinum regardless. But, the fans were heavily against him in 2009. His album, Grafitti, was released in 2009 and it was blackballed.

Chris Brown said the radio only played Lil Wayne's verses of his single, "I Can Transform Ya." He also said stores, such as Walmart, were purposely misplacing his album so fans could not find it. With all of the negative press and Brown seemingly slipping, his album suffered low sales. While his first two albums were multiplatinum successes, Grafitti was not even gold certified.

Until this summer, it appeared as if Chris Brown's career was officially over. He had no album planned until next year, as he releases albums every other year. Despite not having any music planned, Chris Brown decided to repair his career. He went to the mixtape scene and recorded the In My Zone mixtape and he unleashed his true feelings. Among the songs on the mixtape was "Deuces." The song basically explained his relationship with Rihanna and how he was over the drama.

Late in the summer of 2010, "Deuces" began to receive radio play despite being a mixtape song. Because of its popularity, Chris Brown filmed a video for the song. The video began to receive circulation on all of the video channels. Without having an album out, Chris Brown soon had the number one single in the country and the people suddenly loved him again. Even though he made a big mistake, the media has been looking for someone to build a legacy similar to Michael Jackson and they feel Chris Brown is still that person.

While he regained his fan base with one single, Chris Brown plans to put them to the test next year. He is heading back to the studio to put together a full album. If it sells, he will know exactly where he stands with the people and his comeback will be complete.

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Ciara still mourning Michael Jackson's death

By Mr. Hollywood
JR Staff Writer

Last year, Michael Jackson shocked the world when he died in the early stages of summer. His death impacted the entire world as people mourned from all around. Even celebrities publicly mourned the King of Pop. In the time since, the media has been eager to dub the next male R&B artist the next Jackson.

Early in her career, Ciara received numerous comparisons to the younger Jackson, Janet. Her dance moves are comparable to those of Janet Jackson and they sing at the same tempo. While she was flattered by the comparisons to Janet Jackson, Ciara said she has to accomplish a lot more before she can think that high.

While she is not on the level of either Jackson, Ciara modeled a lot of her style after Michael. Due to her talent, Michael Jackson reached out to Ciara several times. Both had hoped to collaborate, but the untimely death of Michael Jackson stopped this from happening. Before his death, Ciara had the chance to get to know Michael Jackson and was very fond of him.

When she learned of his June 2009 death, Ciara was devastated like the rest of the world. But, as time has moved on, people have moved on to different topics. Despite the world moving on and working on her new music, Ciara still breaks down in tears. She grew very close to Michael Jackson and she admitted that she is still mourning his death a year and a half after it happened.

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50 Cent featured on new Michael Jackson album

By The Music Scoop
JR Staff Writer

When Michael Jackson died, people in the music industry were able to put their differences aside for a little while. 50 Cent is a rapper with many feuds, but on June 25, 2009, none of these feuds were active. Before his death, 50 Cent admitted Michael Jackson reached out to him.

Michael Jackson was eager to make a comeback for years and he had reached out to 50's archrival Ja Rule years before. No matter the situation, Michael Jackson only wanted to create music. 50 Cent admitted Jackson reached out to him in an effort to broker peace between him and Game.

Because the two rappers were making hits early in 2005, Michael Jackson wanted to work with them. Despite their hatred for each other, 50 Cent and Game had undeniable chemistry. Michael envisioned himself brokering peace and capitalizing off this chemistry. But, stubborness got in the way and peace never came and Michael Jackson died.

50 Cent, a man who does not have many regrets, says not working with Michael Jackson is a major regret in his life. But, his longtime friend, Akon, has helped 50 Cent gain a second chance. As the executive producer of the album, Akon has offered 50 Cent a spot on the new Michael Jackson album.

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Usher prepares "OMG Tour" and talks Michael Jackson

By The Music Scoop
JR Staff Writer

This year has been great for Usher as he has dominated yet another summer. Beginning in the winter, he gave the world "Daddy's Home," and he continued well into the spring. "Lil' Freak" ushered in the warm weather and he slowed things down with "There Goes My Baby."

While all of those songs were hits, the summer was not defined until the release of "OMG." Usher posted yet another number one single and solidified himself as the king. Even months after its initial release, the song still receives significant radio play. Now, Usher has decided to capitalize off his success.

Usher has arranged for an "OMG Tour." Of course, the tour is named after his chart-topping hit. But, Usher said he wants the people to literally think "Oh, my God" after seeing him perform. In many ways, Usher is being compared to the new Michael Jackson. Ever since his untimely death last summer, people have been looking for an artist to fill that void.

Growing up, Usher was a big fan of Michael Jackson's and he inspired his career. Usher hopes to make similar achievements to what Jackson did. However, he will not push himself the way Michael Jackson did because that is one reason he died. Right now, Usher considers himself to be relatively young, but when he gets older, Usher said he will not be touring. Later in his career, Usher still wants to put out music, but he will not be going on tour following the releases.

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