The Weeknd stepped forward to clarify his remarks about inspiring Usher’s 2012 single “Climax.” After Diplo — who produced the song —admitted that he drew from the sonics on House Balloons, Weeknd jumped online to pay homage to Usher and state there was no beef.
“Of course media blows things out proportion and takes things out context,” he said. “Usher is a King and always an inspiration so it was flattering to hear what him and Diplo did on climax. XO”
Of course media blows things out proportion and takes things out context. Usher is a King and always an inspiration so it was flattering to hear what him and Diplo did on climax. XO https://t.co/GdLX4xD58a
— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) April 9, 2020
In a Variety cover story on Wednesday, the Toronto crooner had revealed he felt slighted when he heard “Climax” for the first time.
“’House Balloons’ literally changed the sound pop music before my eyes,” he said. “I heard ‘Climax,’ that 2012] Usher song, and thought ‘holy fuck, that’s a Weeknd song.’ It was very flattering, and I knew I was doing something right, but I also got angry. But the older I got, I realized it’s a good thing.”
Usher seemed to take it all in stride at first. The singer joined in on the #ClimaxChallenge, showing f his unparalleled vocals while lying on the sa. On April 9, however, he spiced things up when he tweeted, “Have you ever seen the moon bark back at the dog?”
Usher takes to his Instagram stories to sing his hit song “Climax” after The Weeknd claimed he copied his style in the song. pic.twitter.com/NWVVEuLPo0
— Pop Crave (@PopCraveMusic) April 9, 2020
Have you ever seen the moon bark back at the dog?
— Usher Raymond IV (@Usher) April 9, 2020
“Climax” originally hit No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and took home a GRAMMY for Best R&B Performance.