Here’s the Deal With Those Usher and The Weeknd Feud Rumors

Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images

From Cosmopolitan

  • The Weeknd believes Usher’s song “Climax” drew inspiration from his first mixtape.

  • Usher, Petty King, posted a video of himself singing “Climax” in response to The Weeknd’s comments.

  • The Weeknd later replied that people took his words out of context, basically saying he and Usher aren’t feuding.


I didn’t think I would log on this morning to see The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) firing a shot at Usher, but that is exactly what it seemed like when his interview with Variety went live today. As you may know, Abel released his third studio album, After Hours, late last month to critical acclaim—good for him!—which probably got him reminiscing on the impact of his career-launching mixtape, House of Balloons...and how it may have influenced an Usher track.

House of Balloons literally changed the sound of pop music before my eyes,” Abel said in a not-so-humblebrag. “I heard ‘Climax,’ that Usher song, and was like, ‘Holy f*ck, that’s a Weeknd song.’” In case that doesn’t seem controversial enough, there’s more! “It was very flattering,” he added. “I knew I was doing something right, but I also got angry. But the older I got, I realized it’s a good thing.”

In case you’re wondering what the song even sounds like in the first place, here ya go:

So obviously, these comments got back to Usher, who then used it as an opportunity to show off his vocal agility and throw a little fun shade at Abel. Usher posted this video of himself singing “Climax”—belting the falsetto notes perfectly while lying down, might I add—and pretty much left everyone who watched it shook.

Then out of nowhere, Diplo commented on the matter since he was responsible for cowriting and producing “Climax.” Although he didn’t outright admit that Abel was telling the truth, Diplo did say he was a fan of Abel’s sound and wanted something similar for Usher’s song. “The production on ‘Climax’ lends itself to House of Balloons era @TheWeeknd,” he wrote on Twitter. “When I heard those early records, they blew my mind—soulful in their silences and a spacey iconic voice that felt uniquely internet. The idea of R&B having dark edges was what I wanted to bring to @Usher.”

To that, Abel replied, “Of course media blows things out of proportion and takes things out of context. Usher is a King and always an inspiration so it was flattering to hear what him and Diplo did on ‘Climax.’ XO.”

So, uh, I guess it’s safe to say this non-feud feud is over. Now, please excuse me while I stream After Hours for the millionth time, thanks.

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