Usher to Release 8 New Songs on 'Versus' on August 24th

On the heels of his successful, critically-acclaimed current album Raymond V. Raymond, Usher is gearing up to release Versus, an extension of R V. R with eight new songs on August 24th. On that day Usher fans will also have the opportunity to purchase Raymond V. Raymond (The Deluxe Edition) which will contain all songs from Raymond V. Raymond as well as Versus. The new set will include his current R&B hit "There Goes My Baby" and collaborations with Bun B, producer Polow Da Don and others.

Versus is a conceptual sequel and final chapter of Raymond V. Raymond -- an album in which Usher uses music to explore the dichotomies of his life as a newly single man/father.

The lead single from the new set is "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love" featuring Pitbull and is produced by the inimitable Max Martin -- who has worked with some of the top pop artists in the world including P!nk, Katy Perry and Britney Spears. "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love" will be delivered to radio stations world-wide this coming Monday morning. Shortly after, "Hot Tottie" produced by the hitmaker Polow, will be delivered to radio on August 9th.

Released late spring of 2010, Raymond V. Raymond reclaimed Usher's dominance on the charts, debuting at No. 1 on Billboard's Top 200 Albums and R&B Albums charts spawning five hit singles: "Papers," "Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)," "Lil Freak" featuring Nikki Minaj, "There Goes My Baby" and the pervasive summer smash, "OMG" featuring will.i.am. Additionally, Raymond V. Raymond held the No. 1 spot on Billboard's R&B Album chart for seven weeks and since has sold over six million tracks and ringtones combined.

Usher's ninth No. 1 single, "OMG," has had over 3 million tracks and ringtones to date and held the No. 1 spot on the Hot 100 Singles chart for four weeks in a row. The song hit No. 1 on the Nielsen RingScan chart and continues to chart in the Top 10 for its tenth consecutive week. "OMG" enjoyed international success as well, reaching No. 1 on the iTunes chart in both the UK and Australia. Usher's world domination extended through Canada (No. 1 airplay & Gold album), Ireland (No. 1), New Zealand (No. 1 airplay) and Sweden (Top 10 CHR).

This July, Usher will perform highly anticipated concerts in Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Philippines, Beijing and Macau. On July 11th, at Wukesong Arena in Beijing, Usher will be joined by Asia's top R&B star Wang Leehom for a joint performance.

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SOURCE: Jive Records

CONTACT: Wendy Washington of Jive Label Group, +1-212-833-6886,
Wendy.washington@sonymusic.com, or Amanda Silverman of 42 West,
+1-212-774-3683, amanda.silverman@42west.net

Web Site: http://www.jiverecords.com/
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