Record sales don't reflect an artist's relevancy according to Usher in his recent Breakfast Club interview.
Seems Usher is all too aware that his new album 'Hard II Love' is only set to sell in the 20K range. "You can love an artist and they may not sell a whole lot of records or either, they may sell a whole lot of records and be irrelevant." That's interesting. Not a particular sentiment I agree with, but still interesting. I think Usher would be singing a completely different tune if he was still doing the same numbers as 'Confessions' in 2016. Usher believes it's more an investment of the fans. His point? You may have a hit record but that doesn't necessarily secure longevity. You have to put in the work. In Usher's case, giving fans the best live experience is a priority. And having seen Usher in concert myself, this is where he excels in the most. My problem with Usher is his constant trend hopping. It kind of ruined his legacy. It is what cost him his hardcore fanbase. You know the folks that actually went out and purchased 'Confessions'? I brought that album the very day it came out. When he did a 360 and turned to EDM music and then trap, people became turned off. Not to mention he started singing about strippers and all sorts of crap. Releasing substance music was of no great importance to him anymore.