The chants in Mr. Raymond’s number one single remind the singer of Blighty’s soccer fans…

A report in today’s Daily Star has revealed the interesting news that US R&B superstar Usher was inspired by the chants sang by English football fans on the terraces. He hoped that fans from the UK would appreciate the ‘chant-laden’ chorus and so far his wish has been granted, as it topped the UK singles chart last week.

In an interview, the king of R&B told the tabloid, “The chants were born in France and sampled by will.i.am, but as soon as I heard them, I thought, This sounds like an English football game’.” He continued, “To me the song sounded like the UK. I had high hopes you guys would make the connection and you did.”

Usher also spoke highly of collaborating with co-founder of the Black Eyed Peas will.i.am. “Working with will.i.am was an exciting process,” the turtle faced crooner gushed. “He’s got this brand new sound and I knew as soon as I heard the record that we’d knocked everything else off the park. It sounds like nothing else out there.”

In recent weeks we’ve had a number of high profile US stars get vocal about their interest in the beautiful game, what with the rumoured Diddy takeover at Crystal Palace, the speculation that surrounded Jay-Z about possibly recording an official World Cup anthem, and now this football-terrace-inspired-R&B record. Whatever next? Maybe 50 Cent will submit a shock application for the Liverpool manager position should the reds miss out on Champions League football next season and Benitez ups and leaves for Juventus.

Words by Liam Tootill

Tags: Hip Hop, R&B, The Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Will.i.am