Since releasing his debut album in '94 at the age of 15 to his eight Grammy nominations, Usher has established himself as the King of R&B. Ahead of his concert at Wukesong Stadium this Sunday, we talk to the maestro about music, business and the Cavaliers.

As a worldwide pop and R&B icon, how do you hope to influence Asian pop culture. How has it influenced you, if at all?

I couldn’t do this album and not come to Asia, after all the support from my Asian fans. They have so much cool stuff over in Asia, not just clothing but also, you know, cultural things, technology, you know, some of the greatest stage pieces I’ve ever seen I noticed in and got from Asia. So I really look forward to coming and touring all of Asia reconnecting with my fans and leaving my mark on the culture there.

How have you been received by fans in China?

You know, I have never been to China but I have seen that I do have followers either online or at my website, so I guess I always think about what it will be like when I finally get a chance to get there, because I’ve seen many pictures, and I can only imagine how much better it is in person. And I look forward to coming to see you guys, to perform for you.

If you were the manager of the Cleveland Cavaliers, would you think Lebron James and Yao Ming would be a good idea?

I’m the owner of the Cavaliers, but I really don’t have too much of an opinion about it, you know, well, maybe a personal opinion about additions to be made to our organization that will make it better. When I think of how incredible Yao Ming is, I think that he would be a great addition, but I don’t see how that would work with Shaq and Yao Ming and Ilgauskas and all them, you know it’s a lot of tall dudes. It would be a really, really tall team.

Do you feel pressure to surpass the mega-success of the Confessions album which spent 40 weeks at number 1 and sold nearly 20 million copies worldwide?

I don’t get in to much pressure. When it comes my way, you know, there is always a solution, don’t let it worry you, don’t let it wear you down. For the most part, you know, pressure busts pipes, but it also makes diamonds.

“OMG” is your latest number 1. How does it feel to be at the top, seven album releases, 45 million albums sold and 5 Grammy awards later?

It feels good and I am excited to come out and do this tour on top of that excitement and energy and the success of this new album.

What new perspective have you gained on the music industry now that you are head of US Records?

If it don’t make dollars it don’t make sense.

You know, music is my life, but taking on the business roles has made me realize that Brand Usher is the future. I think around 2004/2005 I really started to view myself differently as an artist and a business. While I’m compelled to do these creative things – and I’ll never let go of that emotion – the other side is that there are so many other things I have to offer as a business man, as a brand in terms of taste and in terms of culture. I think that I am able to convey that through my branding and my work as the head of US Record.

You’ve worked with many recording artists. Which musician or choreographer, past or present, would you like to collaborate with?

On this album, working with my writer Rico love, and also working with Jim Johnson for the first time, it was incredible, we made an amazing record. It was also a real pleasure, as it always is, to work with Will.i.am!, because he is so open minded and I feel like he really understands how to capture the culture of the moment.

Your sound and the themes in your music have changed over the years. What has stayed the same?

Classic music lives on forever, is the one thing that resonates with me in every album that I make. Rather people get in now, or get it later, enjoy it now or enjoy it later. You know, I mean there is no date on it, there is no sell by date, although it is sold by a date but you know, it is a new experience every time somebody gets it. Its almost like when I was young and I’d hear Stevie Wonder or I’d hear a song that I’d never heard by Donny Hathaway, or a song that Miles Davis had done and it was kind of like a real special piece. It hits me like it was my first time ever hearing it when I heard it although my parents and friends or whoever was playing it for me, they had heard it before but that’s the magic with music. That it lasts forever.

After being in the music industry for so long, how do you stay driven? Have you ever thought about leaving the business?

The inspiration for my music is lifestyle, you know, you go through something and get to something. To be able to share that experience with my fans, hopefully it’ll touch you in the way that it did me, you know, enough to be compelled to even write about it.

Out of all of your hit singles, which is your favorite to perform? To sing in the shower? To set the mood?

Off the new record, one of my favorite tracks, because it’s unexpected, is “There Goes my Baby.” I love this track, when I hear it, you know, it’s like a power ballad, it reminds me of something out of the '80s, just like an ultimate power ballad.

DETAILS

What: Usher

Where: Wukesong Stadium

When: Sunday, July 11

How Much: RMB280-1080