Usher is hard at work on his next album. Set to work with fellow hitmaker Taio Cruz, the two already cooked up some magic with their David Guetta anthem “Without You,” and it seems they are hoping to recapture that spirit for Usher’s follow-up to 2010′s Raymond v. Raymond.

“I saw Usher a few times, but I spoke to him at length at David [Guetta]‘s house when we were in Ibiza [Spain],” he told MTV News in L.A. after his Jingle Ball set. “He has very specific ideas of where he wants to go musically and sound-wise.”

Given that Usher has never shied away from exposing a bit of himself in his music, while also keeping the party going, Cruz wants to make sure they can connect the mind, body and soul for this next release. “He always wants there to be the soul in there,” he explained. “I’m kind of, not the opposite, but I’m always like, ‘Let’s get straight to the point and be really clear with the message and be simple.’

“So we try to match those two worlds together: being soulful and, at the same time, catchy,” he added.

Cruz can’t yet discuss what they’re working on: Besides “Without You,” he said, “Everything else is secret.”

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Usher has given his thumbs up to shows like The X Factor and The Voice, saying they can get voices heard.

Usher, who performed as a guest on The X Factor in the UK last year, said: “I think they are very entertaining shows and a great creative outlet for aspiring artists.”

Usher, who joined his first band when he was 11, admitted hopefuls have to be prepared to put in the work if they want to have a successful career.

“Get out while you can! But seriously, it’s not an easy ride,” he advised.

“You need to be committed and in it for the long haul. There is no secret to staying on top, there is passion and there is relevance – which is what this next portion of my career is all about.”

Usher, the ambassador for Belvedere (RED), still has a wishlist of musicians he would like to collaborate with.

“I always look forward to working with the kings and queens of each genre. I’d also like to work with artists who inspired me to make music too – David Bowie, U2, Prince to name a few,” he said.

While there are “very exciting collaborations” on his upcoming album, he is keeping his cards close to his chest by teasing: “You’ll have to wait to find out!”

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Interview 1

Interview 2

 


 
Click the pic to view the interview.

 

 
Usher has sold more than 65 million albums and has been nominated at numerous award ceremonies including the BRITS, MTV Video and Europe Music Awards, Billboard and the Grammys but says what spurs him on more than anything is motivating others.

He explained: “I tend to do things that are motivating for others and continue to be creative, open-minded and believe in my dreams. At this stage, doing something for the good of others is bigger than an award, bigger than a new album or new bling.”

However, while he loves making music, Usher’s favorite way of relaxing and getting new inspiration is going to art museums all over the world.

He told Britain’s HELLO! magazine:” I love to travel and see the world, taking in art museums. I really enjoyed the Louvre when I was there not so long ago. I just love to talk to people as much as I can, talking about what’s going on in their life and what they’re experiencing.”

Also, Usher is finding it tough to get his two kids, Usher Raymond V and Naviyd, to go to bed because they have taken on his ”late-night personality”.

He admits bed time can be difficult because his sons would love to stay up all night if he let them.

“What parent doesn’t have a hard time when their kid doesn’t want to go to bed? But I’ve been practicing. I’ve got a routine down pat with them – we read books, say our prayers and then it’s lights out for bed, after which they might ask for a glass of water or milk. You might think that the standard is a bit different for a rock star dad!

“My boys have inherited my late-night personality and would love to blast their music and jump on tables if I let them.”

While Usher has sold more than million albums worldwide in his career, he cites fatherhood as his greatest achievement.

He said: “Given the adversity I’ve had in my life, I’m just happy to be alive, kicking and loving life the way that I am. But really my proudest accomplishment is having my sons.”

 

 
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