When you’re large like Usher Raymond, living the life and calling shots in music, film, and even professional basketball, you must wield controversy as a weapon. With that in mind, Complex sought to disarm him, sending the infamous O.G.-crazy-white-rapper-turned-gonzo-journalist R.A. the Rugged Man to catch the consummate professional off-guard. Find out about how Usher is “keepin’ it gangsta” in his new movie, whatever happened to the “Confessions” baby, and, well, how he keeps his colon clean. Father, forgive us.

Photography by Mark Mann

Sounds interesting, but let’s talk about something else for a second. I heard you get a monthly colonic to clean out your colon. Is that true?

Usher: Nah man. I mean, yeah, I had a colonic before but not no shit like that. Not no monthly thing. Hell no. Someone who travels a lot like I do, while you’re on the road, flying over to Africa and eating meats in certain places, you don’t always eat the way you should and a lot of waste builds up in your body. That’s why I did it.

Doesn’t that procedure include having a tube inserted into your rectum? It all sounds pretty painful, brother.

Usher: It ain’t no shit you gonna be proud of, I’ll tell you that.

Okay, well, something to be proud of is that you’re a part owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers. How involved are you in that?

Usher: You know, I try to make it to as many games as possible and I try to be available to help the team in any capacity necessary, whether it’s talking to players or going to meetings. I plan on being more involved in the future, though. It’s been really exciting to watch the franchise grow. We’ve got LeBron, and he’s the future of the league. The Cavs are gonna be the team to beat.

Speaking of LeBron, his contract is up in two years. He’s been making some major appearances alongside another notable musician-turned-NBA owner. Do you think Jay-Z’s gonna try to steal him for the Nets?

Usher: It seems like he might try, right? (laughs) Nah, it’s all good. I think LeBron isn’t gonna go anywhere. We’re all about keeping him-and all of our players-happy. It’s funny with me and Jay and Nelly all becoming owners of franchises at the same time. People always say things, but we all got love and respect for each other.

You mentioned your record label earlier. Between that and the Cavs, you’ve had to be much more of a coach than a player recently...

Usher: That’s the hard thing about running the label. I’m learning that I can’t do everything for everyone. My artists have to be self-motivated, and they have to step up and take responsibility for their careers. Like, I have a guy group and I was with them until 8 a.m. yesterday morning helping them practice their dance moves, but I can’t always be there working all night with them. I have my own career.

Is it tough for you to step back?

Usher: Yeah, well, I have the problem that parents have. I can’t tell my artists all the things that I learned the hard way, just like your parents can’t tell you all the mistakes they made, ’cause if you really wanna learn, you gotta make those mistakes yourself. But it’s my label, so it’s hard for me to watch them make any mistakes.

Let’s talk fashion. You’re known for being a stylish guy. What’s the flyest outfit you got in your wardrobe?

Usher: Flyest shit I got? Everything I try to wear is custom made, at least as far as shirts. If I wear name brand, it’s usually jeans. I like Seven jeans, Paper Denim and Cloth. I don’t rock ridiculous oversized jeans. It’s about time for we as young black men to tailor it up, put a little shape in our jeans.

Do you have any fashion advice for average cats that aren’t selling 10 million records? Something affordable?

Usher: It all depends on where you live, man. There’s a dozen ways to do Dickie suits and look cool. Just wear the right Chucks if you out in Los Angeles. You out in NY, then wear a pair of Timbs. In the summertime, a tank top with a T-shirt off hanging over and a baseball cap tilted to the side. You know, all together your outfit probably cost you about $50 to $80. Home // CELEBRITIES // COVER STORY // Usher