Usher encourages his son to “be great” as he hopes to pursue a singing career

Usher used a moment in the spotlight to pay his last respects to someone very close to him.

The “Yeah!” hitmaker took home the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) Voice of the Culture Award during the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Celebration on Thursday, June 27, in London’s West Hollywood.

In his acceptance speech, 45-year-old Usher particularly praised his 15-year-old son Naviyd Raymond, who wants to become a singer himself.

Usher said he was thrilled that Naviyd and another of his sons, Usher “Cinco” Raymond, were able to be there when he accepted the prestigious award. He said he felt “delighted by the people who make this industry what it is, and encouraged by the incredible songwriters, producers and creators.”

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He noted that one of his sons in attendance was “fully adamant about becoming an artist,” and that while he wanted his son to be prepared for greatness, he also wanted him to remember the “humble beginnings we had.”

“When we play in an industry where many genres have influenced many other genres, it takes a back seat,” Usher continued.

“If anything, I encourage him to understand that to claim to be able to start on that line, to start his journey, may come with condemnation because there is a certain comparison, but you know what?”

The eight-time Grammy winner then turned to Naviyd and encouraged him to “be great.”

“I want you to be great, so I give you the best, and I’ve been through hell to make sure you have an incredible start,” Usher said. “I love you, son, and I just want you to be great. I want you to be like them. I want you to be like us.”

Usher also paid tribute to his son Usher. “And of course, it’s very difficult for the boy that was named after me, Usher,” he said of the 16-year-old. “But Cinco, I love you too, man. I’m so glad you’re here.”

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“Both of you, you and Naviyd, allow me to do what I love, and no matter how much I commit to you, you allow me to stay true to the cause I discovered at your age.”

The Voice of the Culture Award isn’t the only major honor Usher will receive this year. The 2024 Super Bowl halftime headliner is set to take home the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 BET Awards on Sunday, June 30.

The Confessions The hitmaker is also nominated for album of the year, best collaboration and best video, as well as best male R&B/Pop artist at the upcoming ceremony.