Usher and H.E.R. have delivered a steamy, artsy strip tease in the visual to their new collaboration, “Risk It All.”
Released on Wednesday (December 27), the track serves as the second single from the soundtrack to The Color Purple, which arrived in theaters on Christmas Day (December 25). The track was produced and written by H.E.R. – one of the stars of the film – alongside songwriter Jimmy Napes, with the visual directed by Dave Myers.
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In the clip, the 8701 singer almost bares it all, rocking nothing but a pair of briefs alongside his equally scantily-clad co-star, who rocks a strapless corset and black shorts.
Along with Usher and H.E.R., The Color Purple soundtrack also includes music from the likes of Megan Thee Stallion, Missy Elliott, Keyshia Cole, Timbaland and many more.
H.E.R. was one of the many special guests who stopped by to see Usher’s Las Vegas residency before it came to a close earlier this month. The busy singer/songwriter/actress managed to catch the very last day, which Mary J. Blige was also in attendance for.
Performing the last of his 100 shows at the Dolby Live — Park MGM on December 2, the R&B legend became visibly emotional as he performed “Without You.”
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In a fan-shot video, Usher can be seen dropping to his knees and covering his face as he is surrounded by his backing dancers. He then starts crying and turns away from the sold-out crowd before saying: “God bless you, I love you.”
Footage captured him serenading both H.E.R. and Mary earlier in the night as well.
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Celebrating the 25th anniversary of his debut album My Way, Usher’s Las Vegas residency has created multiple notable moments since it began in July 2022.
The most headline-worthy came this past June when he serenaded Keke Palmer, causing some drama with Palmer’s now ex-boyfriend Darius Jackson.
In response to the viral clip of Usher singing to Palmer, Jackson wrote on social media: “It’s the outfit tho.. you a mom,” taking issue with the actress’ black jumpsuit and see-through dress.
Jackson was subsequently slammed for his criticism of Palmer’s outfit, but he later doubled down on his remarks by saying: “We live in a generation where a man of the family doesn’t want the wife & mother to his kids to showcase booty cheeks to please others & he gets told how much of a hater he is.
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“This is my family & my representation. I have standards & morals to what I believe. I rest my case.”
Palmer has since accused Jackson of abuse and been granted sole custody of their infant child. Jackson denies the allegations.
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Usher has serenaded various other famous women during his residency, including Doja Cat, Janelle Monáe and Tiffany Haddish.
Speaking to GQ earlier this year, Usher said his concerts are aimed at giving his female fans a good time.
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“I really wanted to give women something to look forward to, something to come here to Las Vegas with their friends for,” he explained. “They’ve been saving up all year and were able to manage to get away from their kids or get away from their problems.”
Next year, Usher will headline the halftime show at Super Bowl LVIII which is also set to take place in Las Vegas.
