Usher returns with “Don’t Waste My Time,” a new single that pairs him with British singer-songwriter Ella Mai for a meeting of two established voices in contemporary R&B with a polished, contemporary edge. The track marks Usher’s first single as his own original song since the 2018 collaborative studio album A, giving the release added significance after his 2019 appearances on DJ Black Coffee’s Lalala and Summer Walker’s Over It.
Ella Mai brings a strong collaborative presence to the track, following the success associated with her breakout hit Boo’d Up. Her involvement gives “Don’t Waste My Time” an appealing two-voice dynamic, while the song’s central idea suggests a direct approach to relationships and emotional priorities. The pairing feels natural within the modern R&B space, connecting Usher’s return with Mai’s established identity.
Co-produced by Bryan-Michael Cox and Jermaine Dupri, Don’t Waste My Time benefits from a creative team with a clear connection to the song’s R&B foundation. Most importantly, the release feels like a genuine return to original material for Usher, rather than another guest appearance. With Ella Mai alongside him, the track opens a fresh chapter while keeping the focus on collaboration, chemistry, and a confident return to the spotlight.
