Justin Bieber and Usher
Singer Justin Bieber (L) and recording artist Usher pose at the premiere of the documentary "Justin Bieber's Believe" in Los Angeles, California December 18, 2013. The documentary opens in the U.S. on December 25. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Usher will not be babying his protégé Justin Bieber if he misbehaves. The multi-Grammy Award winner admitted that he isn’t happy with the 20-year-old Canadian tween heartthrob’s choices in life, but he is still supportive of him.

Shortly after Bieber was discovered by his future manager Scooter Braun on YouTube, Bieber was introduced to Usher, who took him under his wings and signed him onto his and Braun’s RBMG Records. As time goes by and his fame increases, Bieber’s image in the media worsens. He has been involved in one scandal after another, some of which involve brushes with the law.

Unlike the young singer’s Beliebers, or what his fans call themselves, Usher isn’t one to turn a blind eye to his faults. The 36-year-old R&B crooner claimed he can enforce tough love on Bieber if he has to.

“I’ll punch him in the f------ chest when I need to,” Usher told Billboard in an interview, “and give him a hug and kiss when I need to. It’s more than just mentoring. I love the kid.”

And since Bieber is older at 20 now, Usher doesn’t treat him like a son anymore, but as an equal.

“Our relationship is more man-to-man now,” he continued. “He’s making his own decisions and it’s important to show support. I can say I’m not happy with all the choices my friend has made, but I’m supportive of him. I try my hardest to give as much positive reinforcement as I can.”

Bieber’s reaction to Usher’s interview was simple. He tweeted his love after the Billboard article was published online.

@Usher love bro

— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) October 24, 2014

Like Bieber, Usher also had his own mentors back when he was still young and new in showbiz. He was under the tutelage of Sean “P Diddy” Combs, who helped him “tough up.” During that time, he received all-access pass to the industry’s decadence.

“I’d say I earned my stripes in New York City,” he recalled having to live with Combs in the U.S. city as a teenager. “My time with Puff, it gave me chutzpah.”

He appeared to have mellowed down, though. He is now a single father of two sons, 6-year-old Usher V and 5-year-old Naviyd Ely, after divorcing their mum Tameka Foster in 2009. He is dating his manager Grace Miguel. He was set to release his eighth album this year, but he pushed it back, saying he “just ain’t ready.”