He did influence pop R&B and yall know it. Y'all just love being messy bitches and bottoms. Give the guy his props. As far as Climax being inspired by him is subject to debate, whether Usher jacked his musical style, idk. But he came with a sound that was totally his own. He mixed together Michael Jackson, Prince and packaged it in a contemporary fashion that sells. He did something that Usher could never, even though Usher may be the better vocalist.