Usher pushes “Raymond vs. Raymond” album back

Initially, Usher was supposed to release his sixth album this year. This year has been one of tragedy for the R&B star. Right at the very beginning of 2009, he lost his father to a heart attack. Then, he and his wife, Tameka Foster, separated. All of this has been the inspiration for him recording his album, Raymond vs. Raymond.

For this new album, Usher is working with Jermaine Dupri, Ne-Yo, Anthony Hamilton, The Neptunes, and Adam Levine. The first single, “Papers,” was released in early October. There has been no confirmation, but there has been plenty of speculation that the album was about Usher’s relationship with his soon-to-be ex-wife.

The album’s title was initially set to be Monster, but Usher decided to change it to Raymond vs. Raymond. The title is play on the upcoming divorce of Usher from his wife, Tameka. For this album, Usher has recorded about 25 tracks. It is unclear which ones will be on the album, but he is going back in to record more.

Initially, the album was supposed to be released in December, but now has no set date. However, the album can be expected to be released before the end of 2010. The album will be released under LaFace Records.