If you’ve followed Usher’s career for more than a minute, you know the man is big on legacy. He didn't just name his firstborn Usher Raymond V because he liked the sound of it. He did it because he’s the fourth, and he wanted that line to keep moving. But honestly, for a kid born into one of the biggest dynasties in music, "Cinco" (as everyone actually calls him) is kind of a mystery.
While his younger brother Naviyd is out here critiquing Usher's vocals and leaning into the "star" lifestyle, Cinco has always felt a bit different. He’s the one who survived a terrifying near-death accident that literally changed the trajectory of his parents' relationship. He’s also the one living with a chronic condition that requires more discipline than most adults have.
Basically, being the namesake of a global icon isn't just about red carpets and VIP passes. For Usher V, it’s been about resilience.
The Pool Accident That Almost Changed Everything
You might remember the headlines back in August 2013. It was one of those "stop everything" news cycles. Cinco was only five years old at the time, playing in a pool at Usher’s Atlanta home. He saw a toy stuck in the drain and, being a curious kid, dove down to get it.
His arm got sucked in.
It’s the kind of nightmare that keeps parents up at night. His aunt, Rena Oden, and a housekeeper tried to pull him out but couldn't. It actually took two contractors working at the house, Eugene Stachurski and Ben Crews, to dive in and finally pry him loose.
Cinco was unconscious. They had to perform CPR right there on the pool deck. Usher wasn't even home when it happened, but he made it back in time to ride in the ambulance.
The fallout was intense. Tameka Foster, Usher’s ex-wife, immediately filed for emergency custody, arguing that the environment was dangerous. It was a messy, public battle that played out while the kid was still recovering in the ICU. Ultimately, the judge sided with Usher, but the trauma of that day stayed with the family. Usher later told People it was one of the hardest days of his life—comparing the fear he felt to the pain Tameka went through when she lost her other son, Kile Glover, in a boating accident just a year prior.
Living With Type 1 Diabetes
Most people don't realize that Cinco deals with a lot behind the scenes. When he was six, he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
This wasn't just a "watch what you eat" situation. It was a total life overhaul. Usher has talked openly about the "bravery" it takes for a child to prick their finger every single day and constantly monitor their insulin.
What the diagnosis changed:
- Co-parenting dynamics: Usher and Tameka had to get their act together. Managing a chronic illness requires a level of communication that their previous legal battles didn't exactly foster.
- A New Normal: The "life we knew changed," Usher told Essence. Everything from travel to snacks had to be meticulously planned.
- Advocacy: It’s why you see Usher supporting organizations like JDRF. He isn't just a celebrity face for the cause; he’s a "D-Dad" (Diabetes Dad) who’s seen the highs and lows firsthand.
Honestly, it’s probably why Cinco isn't as "online" as other celebrity kids. When you're managing a health condition like that, you're focused on reality, not just the "gram."
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Why He Prefers "Cinco" Over Usher
There’s a reason he doesn't go by Usher. Can you imagine the pressure? Your dad is a guy who has sold 80 million records and basically owns the R&B genre.
Usher Terry Raymond IV (the dad) is very sentimental about the name. He told TheCelebFactory that it’s about building a legacy. He even said he’d love for there to be an Usher VI one day.
But for now, the 18-year-old is carving his own path. He turned 18 in late 2025, marking a huge milestone for a kid who spent so much of his childhood in and out of headlines for things beyond his control. While his brother Naviyd has expressed interest in the music industry, Cinco seems content being the "quiet one" in the Raymond crew, which now includes younger siblings Sovereign Bo and Sire Castrello.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Raymond Kids
The biggest misconception is that these kids are just "spoiled celeb brats."
If you look at the timeline, Cinco’s life has been defined by some pretty heavy stuff. He lost a stepbrother at age four, nearly drowned at five, and was diagnosed with a lifelong illness at six. That’s a lot of "real life" before you even hit middle school.
Usher has been vocal about wanting to be the father he didn't have. He wants his kids to feel "accepted" and "supported," things he felt were missing from his own childhood. You see that in how he celebrated Cinco’s 16th birthday during his Vegas residency, dedicating the entire show to him. He was "going hard" because his firstborn was in the building.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Parents
If you’re following the Raymond family’s journey, there are a few real-world takeaways here:
- Pool Safety is No Joke: The accident that nearly took Cinco's life happened because of a pool drain. If you have a home pool, ensure you have anti-entrapment drain covers that meet federal safety standards (VGB Act).
- Type 1 Diabetes Awareness: T1D isn't caused by diet or lifestyle; it's an autoimmune condition. If you’re a parent, watch for symptoms like extreme thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss.
- The "Legacy" Pressure: Whether your name is Usher or Smith, kids need space to be themselves. Cinco's choice to go by a nickname is a small but powerful way he maintains his own identity away from his father's massive shadow.
Usher V is a young man now. Whether he chooses to step into the limelight or stay behind the scenes, he’s already proven he’s a fighter.