music.wikisort.org - Composition

"I Cry" is a song by American R&B artist Usher. It was released as a standalone single on June 26, 2020. Originally a demo, the murder of George Floyd inspired Usher to finish recording the song.[1] Usher, a father to two sons, wanted to show men they could be emotional, especially during difficult times. Usher's proceeds from the record will be donated to The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), which will help black-owned small businesses and black-led community organizations.[2]

"I Cry"
Single by Usher
Released	June 26, 2020
Recorded	2020
Length	3:39
Label	Brand Usher
Songwriter(s)	Usher Raymond Nasri Atweh Jeff Gitelman
Producer(s)	Nasri Jeff "Gitty" Gitelman
Usher singles chronology
"California" (2020) "I Cry" (2020) "Bad Habits" (2020)

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 murder 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 murder 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 [COVID-19] 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".[3]

Live performances

On June 27, 2020, Usher performed "I Cry" at the Global Goal: Unite for Our Future.[4]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal.[5]

Release history

Region	Date	Format	Label
United States	June 26, 2020	Digital download streaming	Brand Usher RCA

References

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