By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices

I'll take a diplomatic approach to the wording of this one.

R&B heart-throb Usher (last name Raymond) has not only professionally parted ways with his momager Jonetta Patton -- he also severed ties with his longtime publicist Simone Smalls.

She issued the following statement:

"Change is good! I developed and executed an amazing public relations campaign that aided in Usher's transition from teen R&B singer to pop superstar. He became one the biggest modern day global superstars and talent brands under my guidance. I'm just moving in a direction professionally that will not allow me to dedicate the same undivided attention I gave him for nearly a decade. I pass the baton to whomever works with him next, because the foundation that I laid out for him should assure them continued success. Usher and I still remain friends."

For nearly a decade, the 30-year-old New York native helped build the image the world knows and love (or loved) as Usher. She's the Vice President of Susan Blond, Inc., a New York City-based public relations firm that has represented a bevy of big name over a twenty year history.

Smalls doesn't seem like she will be fazed by the executive shuffling.

Her client roster includes Teresa Earnhardt and Max Siegel, CEO and President of No.1 NASCAR franchise Dale Earnhardt Inc., hitmaking singer/songwriter Ne-Yo, rapper Lil' Jon, pop artist Sean Paul and R&B diva Keyshia Cole, film director Franc. Reyes and lifestyle and apparel brands.

Now how's that?

SEE THE BV NEWSWIRE'S FULL COVERAGE OF THIS HERE.