R&B singer Usher shot down speculation of him selling photos of his son (Usher Raymond V) to "Essence" magazine with a price tag, PAGE SIX reports.

"In no way would I ever pimp out my child for money. I am livid that people talk about my child," Usher told us. In fact, he has posed - for free - with his son for an "incredible" Father's Day cover for Essence magazine.

"What makes you a man more than being a father to your child? I recognize I gave anonymity away when I became an artist, but to have people try to paint a horrible picture of what's so beautiful - it's obvious someone is trying to stop something so beautiful." [PAGESIX.COM]

Because Usher's upcoming fifth disc, "Here I Stand" has its album release THIS MONTH (May 27th to be exact), the singer has two cover magazine gigs for "Entertainment Weekly" and "VIBE" as well as a hosting spot on NBC's "Saturday Night Live".

Labels: Newsstand Snapshots, Usher