Usher and Tameka Welcome Their Second Son

ESSENCE.COM Dec, 16, 2009

The Raymond household got an early Christmas present as Usher and Tameka welcomed their new baby, Naviyd Ely Raymond, around 2:33 A.M. on Wednesday. The baby weighs in at 5 pounds and 13 ounces, according to Usher’s rep Simone Smalls of Simone Smalls Public Relations. In September, the Grammy-winning singer and celebrity stylist confirmed they were expecting a second son together following the birth of Usher Raymond V in November 2007.

“Tameka and the baby are doing fine,” said Smalls in a written statement.

Usher exclusively introduced his namesake to the world on the cover of ESSENCE in August and shared how fatherhood gave his life new meaning and joy. “When your child looks at you, there’s nothing phony,” he said. “There’s nothing fake about it. It’s pure love.”

In September 2007, the couple married in a private Atlanta ceremony among family and friends while Tameka was five months pregnant. This makes the second child for Usher and fifth for Tameka, CEO of Swanky Image Group and Hides and Dungarees Denim Collection.
Usher wrapped his One Night Stand tour in support of his fifth album, “Here I Stand,” in November and continues to work on his upcoming lingerie collection, a follow-up to his UR fragrance line. The ATL pop phenom is also co-owner of Atlanta wine bar The Grape as well as the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers. He also works closely with his foundation, Usher’s New Look, which empowers youth in inner-city communities.