"Climax" is a song by American R&B singer Usher. It was released on February 22, 2012, by RCA Records as the lead single from 2012 studio album Looking 4 Myself. The song was written by Usher, Ariel Rechtshaid, Redd Stylez, and Diplo, who also produced the song. Usher and Diplo worked on the song for two months as part of their collaboration for the former's album. The song is a quiet storm slow jam with electronic influences, and lyrics about the turning point of a relationship. According to Usher, the song is primarily about the complications of a relationship, despite the lyrics' sexual overtones.

As a single, "Climax" debuted at number 81 on the Billboard Hot 100, with 31,000 digital units sold in its first week. It peaked at number 17 and charted for 20 weeks, and also reached number one on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, becoming Usher's 12th number-one single on the chart. "Climax" was well received by music critics, who commended its musical direction, Usher's singing, and Diplo's production. Rolling Stone and Entertainment Weekly named it one of the best singles of 2012. In 2013, "Climax" won Usher a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance.

"Climax" was written by Usher, Redd Stylez, Ariel Rechtshaid, and Diplo, who also produced the song. Diplo introduced the song's concept to Usher, who was working with him on a new album. Usher wanted to expand his music's style and depth by working with Diplo. Diplo recounted the experience in an interview for The Guardian, saying that "I had explained to him about a moment I had with a girl where I felt like I could die with her and be content, but I didn't and life moved on, and that point in my life was over. It was a sad feeling but it was beautiful. He was relating with me about the idea and how many times you think things are perfect and feel that way but they can pass." They discussed the concept throughout the song's development and how it relates to Usher's life, as Diplo "tried to help realise these lyrics and feelings." After conceiving some melody lines, they wrote the song in about an hour.

...
Wikipedia