The Weeknd Insists That He Never Had Beef With Usher: "Most Down To Earth Guy"

Following his comments about Usher's single "Climax," The Weeknd called up the veteran singer to clarify what he meant.

BYErika Marie
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Two artists who rarely, if ever, find themselves entangled in music beef are The Weeknd and Usher. They're two highly accomplished entertainers who are beloved by fans far and wide, so months ago when The Weeknd had a few comments about Usher's sound, people ran with it and pitted the artists against each other. “I heard ‘Climax,’ that Usher song, and was like, ‘Holy f—, that’s a Weeknd song'," he told Variety back in April. "It was very flattering, and I knew I was doing something right, but I also got angry. But the older I got, I realized it’s a good thing.” 

Pascal Le Segretain / Staff / Getty Images

Later, Usher issued a short-lived "#ClimaxChallenge" to show off his singing skills while The Weeknd returned to Twitter to say his comments were taken out of context. In a recent interview with Esquire, the XO Records mogul doubled down that his previous comments weren't given with malicious intent and he wasn't trying to speak ill of the R&B singer.

“I hit him up to apologize and tell him that it was misconstrued," The Weeknd told the publication. He was annoyed that anyone would think that he had ulterior motives. "He’s one of the reasons why I make music. Definitely. No, no, I have nothing bad to say about Usher. The sweetest, most down-to-earth guy ever.”

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About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.