Usher has spoken about his relationship with Diddy, who introduced him to sex in his teenage years and was instrumental in his career. Despite the age difference and tough times, Usher credits Diddy as one of his mentors and part of the reason he made it as far as he did in the industry. In a 2004 profile with Rolling Stone, he recalled feeling lonely and isolated during his time in New York, where sex was so hot that he was introduced to a different set of s**t. He also mentioned that Diddy was responsible for monetizing culture and creating something "colorless" for those who transition culture and ideas into something tangible. However, despite the age discrepancy and the tough times of his early career, Uscher maintains his admiration for Diddy's legacy.