The 'After Hours' star previously said in an interview that he was slightly angry after listening to Usher's 2012 song for the first time, noting that it sounded similar to his music.

• Apr 10, 2020

AceShowbiz - The Weeknd has set the record straight after making headlines for his remarks about Usher's song "Climax" in a recent interview. The "After Hours" star previously said that he was slightly angry after listening to the song for the first time, noting that it sounded similar to his music. Now that his comments gained public attention, The Weeknd put the blame on media.

Following the interview with Variety, Diplo, who helped write "Climax", explained on Twitter, "the production on Climax lends itself to House of Balloons era @theweeknd. when I heard those early records they blew my mind - soulful in their silences, and a spacey iconic voice that felt uniquely internet. the idea of R&B having dark edges was what I wanted to bring to @usher."

In response to that, The Weeknd took to his Instagram account to share further insight into the situation. "Of course media blows things out of proportion and takes things out of context," so the Canadian star wrote on Thursday, April 9. "Usher is a King and always an inspiration so it was flattering to hear what him and Diplo did on climax. XO."

Despite the praise, Usher didn't seem to be impressed. The "My Boo" singer appeared to shade The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, in a cryptic tweet. "Have you ever seen the moon bark back at the dog?" so he wrote.

The tension started after The Weeknd seemingly credited himself for Usher's 2012 song from his abum "Looking 4 Myself". In the latest cover story for Variety, the 30-year-old singer expressed his belief that his 2011 debut remix "House of Balloons" was used by the 41-year-old musician for his 2012 single. " 'House of Balloons' literally changed the sound of pop music before my eyes," he said. "I heard 'Climax', that [2012] Usher song, and was like, 'Holy f**k, that's a Weeknd song.' "

The "Starboy" singer admitted that hearing his signature alternative R&B style in the "Yeah!" hitmaker's music initially made him mad. "It was very flattering, and I knew I was doing something right, but I also got angry," he gushed. "But the older I got, I realized it's a good thing."