Sean “Diddy” Combs recently ignited a conversation among Rhythm & Blues artists and fans about the state of the genre in 2022. After Diddy suggested R&B is dead, Usher Raymond responded to his former mentor. “So, when I do hear people, even like Puff saying, ‘R&B is dead,’ he sounds nuts to me. It sounds crazy especially knowing he was a pioneer in understanding and beneficiary of it,” Usher told SiriusXM personality Bevy Smith. Usher’s interview with Bevelations also included a conversation about the “King of R&B” title. Bevy Smith suggested the Chattanooga-raised, Atlanta-based musician is ready to sit on the throne, and Usher agreed.“If you call me that, I’ll definitely carry it. I’m gonna tilt my crown knowing that I’m standing on the shoulders of all of the icons of our time,” responded Usher.