Justin Bieber’s music wasn’t always the polarizing subject it is now. Despite selling millions, it’s become customary — almost mandatory — to mock the Canadian’s brand of R&B flecked pop.
However, Grammy nominated artist Ed Sheeran recently sent a ringing flare of approval around the world for Bieber’s as yet unheard new material.
Despite previous rumors about the pair co-writing for Bieber’s Believe Acoustic album, at the time Sheeran said he didn’t think a collaboration would work.
However, it looks like the Brit troubadour stayed in contact with the 19-year-old and has even been sent previews of Bieber’s upcoming music .
The two recently exchanged supportive messages on Twitter that will certainly touch off curiosity about Bieber’s new output. The “Boyfriend” singer has kept fans updated with intermittent tweets about the music he is writing while on his ‘Believe’ world tour .
“@edsheeran hope you liked the new tunes, “ he wrote to Sheeran on April 4.
The “Give me Love” singer replied : “ @justinbieber very cool direction you’re taking the new stuff.”
Sheeran’s endorsement may come as a surprise to Tyler, The Creator, who told Billboard that he thought Bieber’s tunes could be better. The rapper revealed that he submitted a Frank Ocean co-written song for the Believe album, but it didn’t make the cut.
“I’ve got so many beats and songs, but no one’s giving me a chance yet,” the Odd Future frontman said . “I want to take Justin Bieber for a month and just lock him up in a cage where we sit and make music. He’s one of the most successful people in the world, but his music could be so much tighter.”
Meanwhile, Bieber has been getting support of a different kind from Hollywood actor Will Smith.
The After Earth star and his wife spoke to Extra about the media’s treatment of the singer and called for a less hysterical view of his behavior at a L.A premiere for Free Angela and All Political Prisoner s.
Describing Bieber’s bad press as a “war” on young artists, Smith added :
“When somebody is 19 years old they are going to do what they are going to do, just like we did. For me, the most important thing for him to know anytime he can call and I’ll come, whatever happens.”
With Will and Jada Smith, Sheeran and an ever growing cast of supporters in his corner, perhaps Bieber will survive the storm after all.
[ Image via Featureflash / Shutterstock.com ]