Don't Waste My Time (Usher song) explained

Don't Waste My Time
Cover:Usher_Don't_Waste_My_Time_Single_Art.jpg
Border:yes
Type:single
Artist:Usher featuring Ella Mai
Recorded:2019
Producer:
Chronology:Usher
Prev Title:Come Thru
Prev Year:2019
Next Title:SexBeat
Next Year:2020

"Don't Waste My Time" is a song by American singer-songwriter Usher featuring British singer-songwriter Ella Mai. The song was first uploaded to SoundCloud on November 19, 2019, although it was officially released by RCA Records on December 13, 2019 to online music stores and streaming services.[1] The song was written by the artists alongside Vedo, Christopher Allen Jones, and producers Jermaine Dupri and Bryan Michael-Cox. The song takes inspiration in part from "I Like the Way (The Kissing Game)" (1990) by American R&B quintet Hi-Five and "Show You the Way to Go" (1976) by American family group the Jacksons.

Background and release

Usher has been in the studio working on the sequel to Confessions.[2] In March 2019, he posted a picture of himself in the studio next to a whiteboard with the words "Confessions 2" and a blurred out tracklisting. The following day Jermaine Dupri, who produced the original Confessions went live on Instagram and previewed new music. This is following his last collaborative album A, with Zaytoven. YouKnowIGotSoul exclusively premiere 'Don't Waste My Time" through SoundCloud.[3] It was released for digital download on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play and online streaming services, Tidal, Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube on December 13, 2019.

Music video

The music video for "Don't Waste My Time" was directed by LeSean Harris. It was released on March 25, 2020.[4] It features cameos from Snoop Dogg, Jamie Kennedy, Eric Bellinger, Jermaine Dupri, Evan Ross, Christian Combs, and Justin Combs[5] As of June 2024 the video has over 50 million views on YouTube.[6]

Live performances

Usher, Ella Mai, and Jermaine Dupri performed the song for the first time on BET's SOS: Saving Ourselves - A BET Covid 19 Relief Special, benefiting African American Communities Impacted By Coronavirus on April 22, 2020.[7]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal.[8]

Charts

Chart (2019–2020)Peak
position
New Zealand Hot Singles (Recorded Music NZ)[9] 19
South Africa (Radio Monitor)[10] 49

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Usher Releases New Song 'SexBeat' Featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris. Rated R&B. Samuels. Keithan. April 10, 2020. September 11, 2020.
  2. Usher Collaborated With Ella Mai, and It's as Smooth as You'd Expect: Listen. Billboard. 2020-01-07.
  3. Web site: Usher & Ella Mai Come Together For New Song "Don't Waste My Time" (Exclusive Premiere) - YouKnowIGotSoul.com. 2019-11-19. en-US. 2019-12-15.
  4. Web site: Usher Keeps the Party Rocking in "Don't Waste My Time" Video with Ella Mai . 25 March 2020 .
  5. Web site: Usher and Ella Mai Throw a Party in the Video for "Don't Waste My Time" . .
  6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIRv5zWbv_g Usher - Don't Waste My Time (Official Video) ft. Ella Mai
  7. 7 Highlights from BET's 'Saving Our Selves' Special . .
  8. Web site: Don't Waste My Time . December 13, 2019 . Tidal . December 13, 2019.
  9. Web site: The Official New Zealand Music Chart .
  10. Web site: Radiomonitor .