LIONEL RICHIE CHECKS CHRIS BROWN & USHER ONSTAGE: “ONLY DIFFERENCE… WE DIDN’T GO TO JAIL!”

Uncle Lionel had something to say! Lionel Richie had the Phoenix crowd cracking up when he seemingly sent some playful — but definitely spicy — shots toward Chris Brown and Usher during his recent performance.

While talking to the crowd between songs, Richie brought up the two R&B superstars and their current musical run.

“Usher and Chris Brown, they’re trying to do something new. The Commodores and Earth, Wind & Fire been doing that back forty years. Only difference — I… then and now, we didn’t go to jail.”

👀 OH, HE WENT THERE!

The comment immediately caught attention online, with fans debating whether Richie was simply joking with the younger generation or throwing a little shade at the two performers.

Richie is, of course, a founding member of The Commodores, while Earth, Wind & Fire helped define the sound and performance style of funk, soul and R&B decades ago.

Chris Brown didn’t seem offended by the veteran singer’s comment.

Instead, he jumped into the comments with laughing emojis before affectionately responding:

“😂😂😂 damn unk. We love ya paw paw”

😂😂😂

That response certainly makes it seem like Brown took the comment in the spirit it was delivered — as an OG giving the younger generation a little ribbing.

Still, Lionel’s reference to jail immediately had social media connecting the dots to the legal controversies that have surrounded Brown and other artists over the years.

Was Lionel Richie throwing shots? Or was the R&B legend simply reminding everybody that the OGs were doing it first? 👀

Either way, Chris Brown’s response was basically: “We love you anyway, Unc!” 😂