I Cry (Usher song)


"I Cry" is a song by American R&B artist Usher. It was released as a standalone single on June 26, 2020. After witnessing the death of George Floyd, he was inspired to finish recording the song. Usher, who is a father to two sons, wanted to show that men are allowed to be emotional, especially during the toughest of times. Usher's proceeds from the record will be donated to LISC, which will help Black-owned small businesses and Black-led community organizations.

Background and release

Usher began using his platform to speak out on social justices in 2016 with his record "Chains" featuring Nas and Bibi Bourelly. The song and video addressed racial injustices and police brutality using interactive media.
Following the death of George Floyd, Usher and fellow R&B singer Trey Songz joined a Black Lives Matter protest in Los Angeles, California. On June 26, 2020, Usher shared a statement with the song release on his twitter and instagram platforms encouraging men to show their emotions, especially after the death of George Floyd. He stated, "This song was inspired by wanting to teach my sons that it is ok for a man to feel emotions deeply and to cry. Like many men, I was raised to believe that we have to be 'tough' and not show our vulnerability, which I don’t want to teach them". He continued: "While I was shut in during the pandemic and watching the death of George Floyd, the ongoing slaughter of Black men and women, the protests and the events that unfolded, I became very connected to the wider universal feeling of hopelessness".

Live performances

Usher will debut "I Cry" for the first time June 27, 2020 at the.

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal.