Maithili Raelle Brings Usher’s Classic R&B Sound Into a New Era With ‘Used To Love’

Written by: Tracey Khan

A rising R&B star is making a major statement by honoring one of the genre’s legends. At just 22 years old, New Jersey-raised singer Maithili Raelle is turning heads with her breakout single “Used To Love,” which samples one of Usher’s iconic hits, “You Remind Me.”

The milestone has become a career-defining moment for the young artist, with the song surpassing 350,000 streams and introducing audiences to her soulful vocals, emotional storytelling and unique perspective as an artist from the Indian diaspora.

“It’s honestly surreal,” Maithili said. “I can’t even believe it. Every day, I check it and it’s still going up. I’m still getting such a good response, so I feel very grateful.”

The road to releasing the record was unexpected. Maithili said the song was not originally intended for her, but a studio session changed everything when producers played the track.

“They weren’t supposed to play it,” she said. “They played it, and we were like, ‘Hold on, go back.’ We listened to it eight times in a row.”

After immediately connecting with the song, Maithili and her team began the process of getting the Usher sample cleared, a moment filled with anticipation.

“We were on the edge of our seats waiting,” she said. “And it happened.”

The clearance allowed Maithili to blend the nostalgia of classic R&B with her own modern sound, creating a record that connects generations of music lovers.

Beyond her solo work, Maithili has continued to expand her artistic reach with collaborations, including a feature with Kyle Rich from 41. She said the collaboration came together naturally after the two connected over a creative idea that incorporated Bollywood-inspired elements.

“He had never done something like that before,” she said. “We just vibed, and it came together.”

Born in Pennsylvania and raised in NJ, Maithili grew up surrounded by music. Her parents introduced her to Bollywood classics, ’70s and ’80s pop hits and a variety of sounds that shaped her artistic identity. At age 5, she began studying classical Hindi music, building the vocal foundation that would later influence her career.

“Music is like a diary with underlying messages that we can all relate to,” she said.

As an artist from the Indian diaspora, Maithili is passionate about representing her culture while pursuing a career in R&B. She credits her family for supporting her journey from music as a hobby to a professional dream.

Maithili is preparing to release her next single, “I Choose Me,” followed by an upcoming EP later this year.

Through her music, she hopes to create moments of connection and escape for listeners.

“If I can take you to another world for two minutes, then I would be so happy,” she said.