Usher wants to show that it’s okay for men to be emotional, especially in these times of civil unrest.

Men are often raised to hold in their emotions as they are told that crying isn’t manly. Usher wanted to change that narrative with his new single “I Cry” as he shares how he’s been affected by the recent events. On Instagram, Usher uploaded the cover art, illustrated by his son Naviyd, along with a message about why he felt compelled to produce the song.

“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,” Usher wrote. The singer also stated that while he was under quarantine and watching the death of George Floyd, he “became very connected to the wider universal feeling of hopelessness.”

“I became very depressed thinking about all the sons who have lost their fathers to police brutality, social injustice and violence; the daughters and mothers too. So I returned to this song and realized it was intended for this time, so I finished it and here it is.” Stream “I Cry” by Usher and share your thoughts on this one.

—HNHH