Usher on Bieber: 'I'll punch him in the chest when I need to'

November 23, 2011. Singers Justin Bieber and Usher (R) pose together after performing on NBC's "Today" show in New York. (Reuters)

Usher is not above getting tough with Justin Bieber. The R&B star told Billboard magazine that he knows his protégé has been guilty of misbehaving the last couple of years.

“I’m not happy with all the choices my friend has made,” he admitted.

Usher has been Bieber’s mentor ever since he was discovered on YouTube by manager Scooter Braun at age 13. Now that the “Baby” singer is 20 their relationship is “more man-to-man now.”

But that’s not to say that Usher hasn’t chastised his pal for run-ins with the law and other bratty behavior.

“I’ll punch him in the f…ing chest when I need to,” he said, “and give him a hug and kiss when I need to.”

Usher says that he tries his upmost to instill as much positive reinforcement as possible and that, “it’s more than just mentoring. I love the kid.”

After the interview was published Bieber tweeted his mentor, “Love bro.”