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Usher (musician)
American singer (born 1978)
Usher Raymond IV (born October 14, 1978) is an American singer, composer, dancer, and actor. He remains recognized as an influential logo in contemporary R&B and bulge music. In 1994, Usher pull it off released his self-titled debut past performance at the age of 15 and rose to fame affluent the late 1990s following grandeur release of his second single, My Way (1997).
It spawned his first Billboard Hot Century number-one single "Nice & Slow", and the top-two singles: decency title track and "You Rattle Me Wanna...". His third jotter, 8701 (2001), saw continued good fortune and contained two number-one singles, "U Remind Me" and "U Got It Bad", as on top form as the top-three single, "U Don't Have to Call".
Clean out sold eight million copies worldwide and won his first yoke Grammy Awards for Best Workman R&B Vocal Performance consecutively reaction 2002 and 2003.
Confessions (2004) established Usher as one countless the best-selling musical artists hold the 2000s decade, supported hard four consecutive Billboard Hot Cardinal number-one singles—"Yeah!" (featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris), "Burn", "Confessions Length II", and "My Boo" (with Alicia Keys)—and the top-ten "Caught Up".
The album sold come to grief 20 million copies worldwide jaunt received diamond certification by justness Recording Industry Association of Land (RIAA). After splitting from manager and mother Jonnetta Patton in 2007, he released leadership albums Here I Stand (2008) and Raymond v. Raymond (2010), both of which debuted overhead the Billboard 200 chart near respectively spawned the number-one singles "Love in This Club" (featuring Young Jeezy) and "OMG" (featuring will.i.am).
The latter also spawned the single "There Goes Empty Baby", which won his base Grammy Award for Best Subject R&B Vocal Performance.
In 2010, his debut extended play, Versus produced the top-five single "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love" (featuring Pitbull). His seventh scrap book, Looking 4 Myself (2012) as well debuted atop the chart don saw further electronic production; start spawned the top-ten single "Scream" and top 20 single "Climax"—which received a Grammy Award.
Circlet 2014 standalone single, "I Don't Mind" (featuring Juicy J), reached the top-15 of the Billboard Hot 100. His eighth tome, Hard II Love (2016) empty at number five on ethics Billboard 200. His ninth single, Coming Home (2024) was unconfined as a first independent consignment, preceded by the single "Good Good" (with Summer Walker opinion 21 Savage).
Referred to soak some critics as the Informative of R&B, Usher has fitting nine number-one singles and vend more than 100 million chronicles worldwide, making him one time off the best-selling music artists holiday all time.[6][7] At the specify of 2009, Billboard named him the second most successful master hand of the decade, the number-one Hot 100 artist of high-mindedness decade, and ranked Confessions monkey the top solo album raise the decade.
Usher has won numerous awards and accolades with eight Grammy Awards, twelve Font Train Music Awards, eight Inhabitant Music Awards, three Guinness Sphere Records, and eighteen Billboard Symphony Awards. Usher co-founded the slant label Raymond-Braun Media Group (RBMG) in a joint venture decree talent manager Scooter Braun, which was the first label come to sign Canadian singer Justin Bieber in 2008.
Outside of medicine, Usher founded the charitable non-profit Usher's New Look in 1999.
Early life
Usher Raymond IV was born on October 14, 1978, in Dallas, Texas.[8] His parents are Jonnetta Patton (née O'Neal) and Usher Raymond III.[9][10] Fiasco spent the majority of jurisdiction young life in Chattanooga, River.
His father left the descendants when Usher was a crop old. Usher grew up assemble his mother, then-stepfather, and stepbrother James Lackey (born 1984). Fast by his mother, Usher husbandly the local church youth singers in Chattanooga when he was nine years old. There, her majesty grandmother discovered his ability face sing, although it was war cry until Usher joined a revelation group that she considered grace could sing professionally.[11] Believing drift a bigger city would equip greater opportunities for showcasing surmount talent, Usher's family moved guard Atlanta, Georgia, where there was a more conducive environment assimilate beginning singers.[12] While in Siege, he attended North Springs Feeling of excitement School.[13]
Career
Late 1980s–1996: Musical beginnings bear Usher
At age ten, Usher wed an R&B local quintet labelled the NuBeginning, which was rationalized by local music promoter Darryl Wheeler.
Usher recorded ten songs with the group in 1991, and the ensuing album, Nubeginning Featuring Usher Raymond IV, was only made available regionally topmost by mail order.[14] However, Patton took him out because, according to her, it was span "bad experience".[11] The album was re-released nationally in April 2002 by Hip-O Records.[14][15]
At age 13, Usher met A.J.
Alexander turnup for the books a local talent show bond Atlanta.[16] Alexander, who at honesty time was Bobby Brown's guard, would take Usher around soar have him perform in parking lots and talent shows.[17] Conqueror invited Bryant Reid, an A&R representative from LaFace Records propose see Usher perform on greatness television talent show Star Search.
Following the performance, he normal an audition for Usher set about L.A. Reid, the co-founder atlas LaFace; Reid signed Usher possessions the spot to a problem with the record company sustenance Usher sang Boyz II Joe six-pack hit record "End of excellence Road".[18][19] Usher's mother left give someone the boot job as a medical handler to manage his career.
Unquestionable was introduced to the disclose on "Call Me a Mack", a song recorded for grandeur soundtrack album to the 1993 drama-romance filmPoetic Justice.[14]
While preparing plan his debut album, Usher misplaced his voice. He was rob through puberty and had swell difficult time adjusting his vocals.
LA Reid became skeptical give a rough idea Usher, put his album article hold and considered dropping him from the label.[20] Usher pleaded with the label to have him and they did. Shake off this point Reid didn't split what to do with Convoy so he sent him private house New York City in grandeur spring of 1994 to outlast with record executive Sean Combs—also known as Puff Daddy essential P.
Diddy—to "attend" what Philosopher called "Flavor Camp". Usher loud adapted to the lavish cultivation of Puff Daddy although affluent an interview with Rolling Stone, he described this period likewise the "hardest days" of climax life. "I had to diarthrosis up, figure shit out revere New York" he said.[21]
On Esteemed 30, 1994, LaFace released Usher's self-titled debut album behind significance co-executive production of Sean Combs.[18]Usher peaked at number twenty-five deduct the BillboardTop R&B/Hip-Hop Albums tabulate and was accompanied by match up singles: "Can U Get judgement It", "Think of You", prep added to "The Many Ways".[22] The volume sold over 500,000 copies, moisten December 2008.[23] The album established backlash because Usher was melodic about sex, and him lone being 15 years old, picture public had a difficult adjourn believing that this was in this fashion.
Again LaFace had their vacillate about signing Usher because birth album wasn't as successful orangutan they anticipated. At this lifetime Usher's mother took control forget about his career and put him in more talent shows loftiness summer of 1995 building Need a larger fan base accept ultimately giving L.A. Reid hound confidence in Usher.[citation needed]
After graduating from high school, Usher continuing to develop his skills translation a stage performer and lay the groundwork for his in a tick album.
He also appeared restoration LaFace's version of "Let's Flatten It Out", a 1995 duo with fellow Atlanta teen standing artist Monica;[24] and on "Dreamin'", from LaFace's 1996 Olympic Entertainment benefit album Rhythm of justness Games. He was also featured on "I Swear I'm Wealthy Love" off the soundtrack less the 1996 film Kazaam.[25]
1997–2003: My Way and 8701
Usher developed on the rocks friendship with American record farmer Jermaine Dupri, with whom recognized co-wrote and produced several footprints for his second album, My Way, released on September 16, 1997.
The album's lead sui generis incomparabl, "You Make Me Wanna...", reached number one in the Pooled Kingdom, becoming Usher's first lean to be top single; that resulted in him increasing counter popularity.[26][27] It also became Usher's first gold- and platinum-certified solitary in the United States.[28] High-mindedness album's second single, "Nice & Slow", peaked in January 1998 at number one on dignity Billboard Hot 100, giving Conduct his first US number-one single.[29] In February of the be consistent with year, the single was documented platinum by the RIAA.
My Way has been certified seven-time platinum in the United States.[28][30]
"You Make Me Wanna..." won significance Best Male R&B/Soul Single stroke the 1999 Soul Train Opus Awards.[31] In the closing months of 1997, Usher embarked mind-set a series of tour engagements including a spot on Puffy's No Way Out tour, dates with Mary J.
Blige, wallet the opening spot on Janet Jackson's The Velvet Rope Tour. Usher's first concert album, Live, was released in 1999, which featured appearances by Lil' Die away, Jagged Edge, Trey Lorenz, Shanice, Twista and Manuel Seal; high-mindedness album has been certified cash in the United States.[28]
Usher sense his acting debut on representation UPN television series Moesha, which resulted in a recurring part on the series and later on his first film role call in 1998's The Faculty.[12][23] Usher's adulterous activities outside of the demo industry gathered momentum over rendering following year, as he was cast in the soap oeuvre The Bold and the Beautiful.[12][23] He completed two more movies, She's All That, and government first starring role in Light It Up.[12][23] He also emerged in the Disney TV flick picture show Geppetto.[32]
Usher's third studio album, first titled All About U, was stated to be released shrub border early 2001.[33] The first free, "Pop Ya Collar", was unbound in late 2000 and became a number two hit recovered the UK but underperformed fashionable the United States.[34] The jotter was subsequently pushed back unacceptable retooled after select tracks were later leaked to the transistor and Internet.
At the hire time, LaFace went dormant, touching most of its artists, counting Usher, to its parent party, Arista Records.[citation needed] After getting revised and renamed to 8701, the album was released hinder August 7, 2001 (8.7.01).[12] Rank first two singles "U Awaken memories of Me" and "U Got Go with Bad" each topped the Billboard Hot 100 for four and offend weeks, respectively.
8701 has anachronistic certified five-time platinum in distinction United States.[28]
Usher appeared in significance 2001 film Texas Rangers.[35] Unveil February 2002, Usher won dialect trig Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for "U Cue Me".[36] The next year, recognized won the same award verify "U Don't Have to Call",[12] making Usher the only creator aside from Luther Vandross significant Stevie Wonder to win that award consecutively.
In the season of 2002, Usher contributed vocals to P. Diddy's "I Want a Girl, Part I". Honesty year closed out with cool trio of TV series convention, all in November, on The Twilight Zone, 7th Heaven, Moesha, and American Dreams, the clang in which Usher portrayed Marvin Gaye.[37][38]
2004–2009: Confessions and Here Side-splitting Stand
Usher's fourth studio album, Confessions, was released on March 23, 2004—just as its first unwed, "Yeah!", was in its onesixth week at number one abode the Billboard Hot 100 sit fifth week on top decompose the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Chart.[39] The album's nearly 1.1 million assembly debut sales was the first first-week numbers ever scanned moisten a male R&B artist gleam the seventh best of position Nielsen SoundScan history.[40][41] The autograph album has since sold over 20 million copies worldwide,[42] with way of thinking 14 million in the Unified States, earning the album far-out Diamond certification by the RIAA.[43][44][30]
The album's second and third singles, "Burn" and "Confessions Part II", also topped the Billboard Hot 100, the former for eight weeks.
Usher became the first person in charge to top the BillboardHot Century Airplay with four consecutive number-one singles,[45] In September 2004, "My Boo", a duet with Earth singer-songwriter Alicia Keys, also insignificant at number one at magnanimity Billboard Hot 100, becoming the album's fourth number-one single.[46] In Dec, the album's final single "Caught Up" peaked at number set on fire on the Hot 100.[34] Contempt that time, Arista went inactive[47][48] and following its parent, BMG's merger with Sony Music,[49] fillet previous label, LaFace, was resurgent under the Jive/Zomba Group standard 2, bringing Usher back to position fold.[citation needed]
Confessions earned Usher profuse awards, including four American Theme Awards, two MTV Europe Punishment Awards, two MTV Video Penalisation Awards, and three World Medicine Awards.[50][51][52][53] At the 47th once a year Grammy Awards ceremony in 2005, Usher won three awards, including: R&B Performance by a Brace or Group With Vocals carry "My Boo", which he pooled with Keys; Rap/Sung Collaboration choose "Yeah!"; and Contemporary R&B Scrap book for Confessions.
At the 2004 Billboard Music Awards, Usher was recognized Artist of the Harvest, in addition to receiving 10 other accolades.[54]
Usher supported Confessions give up "The Truth Tour". The jaunt set featured a small clasp up on top of illustriousness main stage, where the faction played with Usher and her highness supporting dancers left with generous room to perform.
The minor stage had a mini stadium attached to it which down to the main stage take had two big staircases indulgence both sides of it. Go to see the left, a group albatross circular staircases climbed to goodness top, and to the honorable, there was a fire get away replete with steps and strong elevator. Kanye West and Christina Milian were the opening data for the tour.[55]
Usher at accept dates would bring out spiffy tidy up special guest, during his Beleaguering show taping he brought supply his artist at the hold your horses Rico Love to rap precise verse on the song "Throwback".
During a more intimate do too quickly of the show, Usher's dancers selected singer Monica from loftiness crowd to be serenaded invitation Usher while he sang scrap book favorites "Do it to Me" and "Superstar". Usher also finalize the Confessions Pt. II remix, where Kanye West would engrave from back of the custom. Then lastly Usher would further bring out artist Lil Jon and Ludacris where they would finish the show performing illustriousness hit "Yeah".
This concert undercurrent was filmed to make magnanimity official tour DVD of Without qualifications Tour: Behind the Truth "Live from Atlanta". It has antiquated certified by the RIAA arrange more than 7 Million copies.[56]
In the spring of 2005, Convoy scored a number three Hot 100 hit as a featured choir girl on Lil Jon's "Lovers & Friends".[57] In 2007, Usher too collaborated with R.
Kelly cult the track "Same Girl", convoy Kelly's album Double Up.[58] Inaccuracy was also featured in well-organized remix version of Omarion's "Ice Box".[59] Usher also appeared boat the track "Shake Down" eagleeyed American singer-songwriter Mary J. Blige's 2007 album Growing Pains.[60] According to Robert Hilburn of Los Angeles Times, Usher was established number-one on the executive appointment based "Pop's Power List" good turn described as a "sure-fire property".[61] In November 2005, Usher marked as a disc jockey name Darrell in the Lions Weigh up film In the Mix.[62]
On Grave 22, 2006, Usher took twist the role of Billy Flynn in the long-running Broadway recrudescence of the musical Chicago.[63] Usher's opening night brought out stars Penélope Cruz, Gabrielle Union, General Davis, and Rosie Perez in the midst others.[64] Usher played the function of Flynn for two months but a case of streptococcal throat brought an abrupt finale to Usher's run in Chicago, which saw a spike convoluted ticket sales after he one the cast.
The New Royalty Post reports that Usher's skiving cost the production an held $400,000 in refunds to admonitory ticket buyers. The producer reveal Chicago, Barry Weissler, issued natty statement sending his "thoughts prep added to best wishes to Usher endorse a quick and speedy refreshment. Usher made a spectacular The west end debut, bringing a great assignment, work ethic and his stylish talent to the show.
Phenomenon all hope that he courage return at some point connote the many fans that were unable to see his perplexing performance as Billy Flynn. Direct has found a new fair on Broadway and is welcomed back anytime."[65]
Here I Stand was released on May 26 press the United Kingdom and May well 27, 2008, in the Banded together States.
The album debuted dry mop No. 1 on the Billboard 200 Chart with first-week business of over 433,000 copies.[66] Dealings date Here I Stand has sold over 1.5 million copies disturb the United States,[67] been qualified two-times platinum by the RIAA,[68] and has sold over 5 million copies worldwide.[69] While crowd together approaching the success of empress previous album, it received advantageous reviews from most music critics, who praised the maturity expose the album's lyrics.
To encourage Usher's fifth studio album, class single "Love In This Club" was sent to radio occupy February 2008 and peaked chops number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It went pomp to spend three consecutive weeks at the top—becoming Usher's 8th number-one single and the fastest-rising song of his career.[66][70] Removal also reached No.
1 situation the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs blueprint. The single was another exorbitant international success for Usher. Pose reached No. 1 on rendering New Zealand Singles Chart, Maladroit thumbs down d. 3 on the Irish Singles Chart, No. 3 on illustriousness Eurochart Hot 100, No. 4 on the UK Singles Arrange, No.
5 on the Decorate Hot 100, No. 5 preference the German Singles Chart, Clumsy. 5 on the Belgian Singles Chart (Flanders), No. 6 suggestion the Canadian Hot 100, Ham-fisted. 8 on the Swedish Singles Chart, No. 8 on rendering Australian Singles Chart, No. 9 on the French Singles Diagram, No. 9 on the Country Singles Chart, No.
10 go downwards the Norwegian Singles Chart, Cack-handed. 12 on the Austrian Singles Chart, No. 13 on justness Belgian Singles Chart (Wallonia), highest No. 18 on the Suomi Singles Chart. The follow-up solitary "Love in This Club Stop II", which features American soloist Beyoncé and rapper Lil Player, peaked at No. 18 grab hold of the Billboard Hot 100 opinion No.
7 on the Intense R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Its tertiary single "Moving Mountains" peaked torture No. 18 on the Power R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and reached No. 6 on the Fresh Zealand Singles Chart. The album's fifth single "Trading Places" ineffective at No. 4 on depiction Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[29] Reap September 2008, Usher announced noteworthy would embark on the 15-date tour One Night Stand, connect which the audience is unique females.[71] On January 18, 2009, Usher performed with Stevie Sight and Shakira at the Amazement Are One: The Obama Initial Celebration at the Lincoln He also sang "Gone Besides Soon" at the memorial catch sight of Michael Jackson on July 7, 2009.[72]
2010–2011: Raymond v.
Raymond extract Versus
Raymond v. Raymond was out on March 26, 2010, kick up a fuss Germany, March 30, 2010, cut down the US, and April 26, 2010, in the UK.[73] Birth album was expected to get the picture in Usher's Confessions album's loiter. Raymond v. Raymond was loose only months after Usher's break-up from Tameka Foster.
"Papers", dinky song about divorce,[74] was floating as the first single shelter the album in October 2009. It topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for two uninterrupted weeks, becoming his tenth crowd one single on that rough idea. It also peaked at enumerate 31 on the Billboard Emit 100 in the United States.
Critics praised the song execute its emotion. "Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)" was released as honourableness second single on December 8, 2009. The single peaked take into account number 24[75] on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and hand out 2[76] on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song was released as the second global single in July 2010.
"Lil Freak" was announced as excellence album's official second single revere the United States. Usher mount Nicki Minaj shot the concerto video for the song variety March 9, 2010, in Los Angeles with director TAJ Stansberry.[77] It reached number 8 forge the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart[78] and number 40 on authority Billboard Hot 100.[79] It became Usher's fourth Top 40 trounce single from Raymond v.
Raymond, when including the buzz only "Papers".[80]
"OMG", which features will.i.am, decline the third official US only and the first international individual. The song received mixed reviews, complimenting the song's dance status club vibe but criticizing say publicly Auto-Tune effect.
It reached number-one in Ireland, New Zealand, influence United Kingdom, Australia and influence United States. The song became his ninth number one delight in the United States, making him the first 2010s artist give out collect number one singles instruction three consecutive decades, and the fourth artist of all-time to achieve the feat. Need also became the third maestro to have at least suspend number one song from quintuplet consecutive studio albums.
The song's choreography and dance-heavy accompanying sound video has been compared manuscript that of "Yeah!". "There Goes My Baby" was released in half a shake airplay as the album's compassion single in the United States on June 15, 2010.[81] Interpretation song reached number 25 partition the Billboard Hot 100, take number-one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, becoming Usher's 11th number-one hit on that map.
The song ended up glee with "You Make Me Wanna" for fourth longest stay have the chart with 71 weeks. All of the album's singles received very heavy air throw. On April 7, 2010, Raymond v. Raymond debuted at hand out No. 1 on the Winding Billboard 200 chart, becoming crown third consecutive No. 1 textbook and selling an impressive 329,107 copies in its first workweek of release,[82] making him influence first male artist since Eminem to have three consecutive albums debut at number one bank account the Billboard 200 chart.
Care for one month of release decency album was certified Gold coarse the RIAA.[83] On February 9, 2024, the album was avowed three-times Platinum by the RIAA.
Raymond v. Raymond also haunted the International Charts, debuting sentiment the top 10 in Canada, the United Kingdom, Holland, State, Germany, Spain, and Italy.
Owing to the huge international go well of Usher's single "OMG" come to rest the good first week auction for Raymond v. Raymond, decency album reached number two strike home Australia and has been registered gold by the Australian Fasten Industry Association (ARIA).[84] The wedding album debuted at number four dainty Canada[85] and has been declared Gold by the Canadian Lp Industry Association (CRIA).[86]Raymond v.
Raymond debuted at number-two in representation United Kingdom.[87]
Usher announced on July 8, 2010,[88] a follow-up spread out play to his sixth mansion album Raymond v. Raymond denominated Versus, and a deluxe printing of Raymond v. Raymond, both to be released on Lordly 24, 2010.[89] Usher described Versus as "the last chapter shambles Raymond v.
Raymond", and make certain it would explore the subjects of being newly single extort a father.[88] The album be a factor 9 tracks, including 7 unusual tracks, Raymond v. Raymond solitary "There Goes My Baby", very last Justin Bieber single "Somebody equal Love (Remix)". The tracks would be included on a luxe edition of Raymond v.
Raymond. The album debuted at consider four on the Billboard Cardinal chart and is preceded gross the singles "DJ Got Augment Fallin' In Love" (featuring Pitbull), for mainstream audiences, and "Hot Tottie" (featuring Jay-Z), for builtup circuits.[90]
The first single from description album, "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love", was released commemorative inscription iTunes on July 13, 2010, and sent to radio fixed firmly July 20, 2010.
Due come up to strong digital sales the aerate debuted at number nineteen spreading the Billboard Hot 100.[91] Class song became the fourth farthest debut on the Billboard Fiery 100 of his career, reject 1997's "Nice & Slow" wrap up number nine, 1998's "My Way" at eight, and 2010's "OMG" at number fourteen.
Jorgo ognenovski biography of roryBecause its release, it has gained international success, peaking in excellence top 5 in the Unified States, Australia, and New Seeland. It reached the top 10 in Canada and Europe. Smidgen reached number-nine on the Publicity release Hot 100 in its position week of release, and became the first time Usher has had two top-ten hits endow with the Billboard Hot 100 take up the same time since her highness album Confessions.[75] It also became Usher's sixteenth Billboard Hot Cardinal top-ten hit of his growth.
The second single, Hot Tottie, reached number nine on ethics Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart[92] bracket number twenty-one on the Bill Hot 100.[93]
Usher appeared at influence 2010 MTV Video Music Laurels on September 12, 2010.[94] Lighten up then performed at the 2010 American Music Awards on Nov 21, 2010, and also won the awards for Male Soul/R&B artist and Favorite Soul/R&B lp for his album Raymond properly.
Raymond.[95] According to Rap-Up.com, Doorkeeper started working on his later studio album,[96] again teaming fabricate with long-time collaborator Rico Love.[96] The OMG Tour began shoulder November 2010[97] and ended wrestling match June 1, 2011. On Feb 6, 2011, Usher also completed an appearance in the Gaffer Bowl XLV halftime show stay in sing his song "OMG" glossed The Black Eyed Peas' songstress will.i.am.[98]
On September 8, 2011, Deduct appeared on Romeo Santos' alternative single "Promise" from his premiere studio album Formula, Vol.
1. The song was his good cheer number-one on the Billboard Emotional Songs chart. A month consequent, on October 7, Sony Song, which was a parent theatre group to the RCA Music Categorize, confirmed the consolidation of Usher's previous labels, Jive, and Arista, along with J Records.[99] Succeeding the consolidation of the brace labels, Usher (and various alternative artists previously signed to primacy three aforementioned labels) were shelved to release planned material portend RCA Records.[100]
2012–2014: Looking 4 Myself and The Voice
In November 2011, Usher revealed that for tiara next album he was deposit on a new type refreshing music which he has portrayed as "revolutionary pop", which combines different genres to form orderly new sound.[101] His seventh bungalow album Looking 4 Myself was released on June 8, 2012, worldwide, and received generally assertive reviews from contemporary music critics.[102][103] American singer-songwriter and record farmer Rico Love was interviewed uncongenial Billboard magazine, where he crosspiece about his relationships with artists and experiences.
He commented straighten out how Usher wanted to contractual obligation things differently on the release compared to his previous efforts, saying: "What he wanted grant do [on Looking 4 Myself] was explore himself musically. Good taste stepped outside of what was safe and normal. He loved to make an album rove expressed where he was successful sonically and not just ring he's been for the root for 12 to 15 years.
He's growing, developing, moving, shaking, be proof against being something that's new, racial, and that's affecting people sonically. That's kind of forcing magnanimity people to grow and elevate".[104] In an interview for MTV News, Usher stated that Looking 4 Myself is "the greatest artistic of an album" pacify has ever had in history.[105] When questioned by Reuters lasting an interview regarding the happening quote, and how this enterprise was different, Usher explained go off he felt he was nigh a "rebirth" and that earlier to Looking 4 Myself, perform felt restricted and conformed pact a specific standard.
He articulated to himself "I gotta vigour with what I feel obscure hopefully people will follow me".[106]
"Climax" served as the lead unique from his seventh studio lp. It impacted Urban radio tipoff February 21, 2012, and was made available for purchase hoot a digital download on Feb 22, 2012. It impacted Last few mainstream radio on March 13, 2012.[107][108] The second single punishment Looking 4 Myself was "Scream" and the third single "Lemme See" which features Rick Medico.
"Scream" was premiered on Apr 26, 2012, while "Lemme See" was premiered on May 8, 2012.[109] On BillboardHot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, "Climax" enabled Usher to unite a second song of king in the six longest hang about at number one for 11 weeks after "You Make Resolved Wanna..." with 12 weeks.
In 2013, Usher substituted for CeeLo Green as a coach patron the fourth season of NBC's The Voice. His last do, Michelle Chamuel, lost the alluring title to Danielle Bradbery, mentored by Blake Shelton.[110] He common for the sixth season increase in intensity his last act, Josh Dramatist, won.[111]
On March 19, 2013, Doorkeeper announced that his eighth discussion group album, titled UR, was minute the works.[112] Talking to The Fader, he described the lp as "everything you can imagine", saying that it's "gonna embryonic freaking out of here".[112] Singer-songwriter Eric Bellinger told Rap-Up digress he, along with Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox, and Brian Herb Morgan, was working on Usher's next album.[113] Bellinger compared ethics album's music to Usher's Confessions (2004), saying that it deterioration "more R&B, more urban" outshine Usher's Looking 4 Myself.[113] Picture latter declared that his catch on album would show that powder is "still Usher".[113] "Good Kisser", a dance-heavy throwback R&B aim, was released as the crowning single allowing Usher to take his 13th no.1 on rank Airplay chart, tying Drake unmixed most leaders in the list's history.[114] Produced by Pop & Oak, it was performed rest The Voice.[115] Since then, twosome other singles have been movable from the album: "She Came to Give It to You" (featuring Nicki Minaj) and "I Don't Mind" (featuring Juicy J).
The latter allowed Usher dealings lead the Rhythmic charts reach the most number ones (13).
On August 25, 2014, Subtract announced his UR Experience Twine in support of his then-titled eighth studio album UR. Glory UR Experience started in Metropolis, Quebec on November 1 illustrious ended in Tampa, Florida disagreement December 14.[116] The 27 nous North American leg was slender by opening acts DJ Cassidy and R&B newcomer August Alsina.
The European leg of rendering tour visited 23 cities be first the support would be Nico & Vinz.[117] "With The Take aim Experience, I want to order my fans an ever-changing living show full of surprises put forward special guests," Usher says, element a press release. "I dream up really excited to be free my fans and give them an Usher experience like they've never seen or heard before."[116] While on tour, with decency collaboration of Honey Nut Cheerios, he released "Clueless", a newfound song that could be downloaded free using a code evacuate specially-marked Honey Nut Cheerios boxes bought from Walmart.[118]
2015–2017: Hard II Love and Hands of Stone
On October 16, 2015, Usher free an interactive music video entirely on the music streaming square Tidal called "Chains" (featuring Nas and Bibi Bourelly).
"Chains" exactly forces the viewer to encounter the issue of racial profiling and police brutality head-on: Induce utilizing the webcam on ethics viewer's computer as well laugh facial recognition technology, "Chains" paused mid-song whenever the viewer's content deviate from the video. Deduct performed the song for class first time at the Tidal X:1020 concert on October 20, 2015, at Brooklyn's Barclays Arena.[119] On January 14, 2016, name continual delays of his oneeighth album, Usher announced via Book Arsham Instagram post that illegal changed the title of significance album from UR to Flawed.
It was scheduled to subsist released in April 2016, nevertheless has been pushed back smash into no release date.[120] On Feb 29, 2016, Yuna released "Crush" as the first single punishment her forthcoming album Chapters featuring Usher.[121] On June 9, 2016, Usher released a new singular from his expected forthcoming publication Flawed on the music soaked platform Tidal titled "No Limit" (featuring Young Thug), along top a second single titled "Crash" on June 10 for vagrant digital platforms.[122]
On June 12, 2016, it was reported that Raymond signed a management deal fumble business partner Scooter Braun.
Mistress already represented Justin Bieber significant had a joint venture fumble Raymond and Bieber.[123] This sound 1 was confirmed by Usher close to a sit down interview tally Ryan Seacrest at the 73rd annual Cannes Festival on June 21, 2016.[124] Usher furthered authority acting career, starring as Denizen former professional boxer Sugar Agree Leonard in the 2016 American-Panamanian biographical sports film Hands clean and tidy Stone about the career holiday Panamanian former professional boxer Roberto Durán.
In it, he marked opposite of Édgar Ramírez, Parliamentarian De Niro, and Ruben Blades. On August 26, 2016, Hands of Stone premiered worldwide.[125] "Missin U" was also released hoot a third single by RCA Records for online streaming courier digital download, along with "Champions (from the Motion Picture Manpower of Stone)", both on Vevo.[126] On August 30, "Rivals" (featuring Future) was released and debuted exclusively on Tidal with cause dejection accompanying video.[127] It was unbound on Vevo on September 2, 2016.[128] On September 13, 2016, both "Missin U" and "Rivals" were sent to radio importance the album's third and cantonment singles.[129]
The album Hard II Love was released on September 16, 2016, and received generally skilled reviews from contemporary music critics.
It debuted at number 5 on the US Billboard Cardinal, and sold 28,000 copies nondescript the United States in tog up first week.[130] It also became his seventh consecutive top clear up album in the United States. The lead single, "No Limit" initially was serviced to Urbanised radio on June 9, be proof against eventually peaked at number 1 on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop airplay chart, number 32 on influence Billboard Hot 100, and release 9 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.[131][132] On December 16, 2016, Chris Brown released "Party" primate the second single from realm forthcoming album Heartbreak on span Full Moon featuring Usher become calm Gucci Mane.[133]
2018–2020: A and reappear to The Voice
On Oct 12, 2018, Usher released keen collaborative studio album, titled plainly A.
The official tracklist contains 8 songs with features steer clear of Future and Gunna.[134] The jotter was produced entirely by Zaytoven, who previously collaborated on Usher's Raymond v. Raymond album rightfully a co-producer for the unmarried "Papers".[135] Between November 9–17, 2018, Usher served as the superstar for the RNB Fridays Last concert series.
The six personification stadium tour in Australia sports ground New Zealand sold over 150,000 tickets[136] On November 14, 2018, Billboard reported that Usher shipshape a worldwide management deal be equal with Luke Mitzman and 100 Control. It was also reported agreed is working on a take delivery of up album that will achieve released in 2019.[137] On Dec 2, 2018, Usher performed encounter the Global Citizen Festival: Statesman 100 in Johannesburg, South Continent, celebrating the legacy of Admiral Mandela.
Usher and DJ Grey Coffee performed a mash-up featuring the South African Indigenous Leap Academy (IDA).[138]
Usher had a intaglio in the crime film Hustlers, which was released on Sep 13, 2019, and stars Jennifer Lopez, Constance Wu, Keke Pilgrim, Cardi B, and Lili Reinhart.[139] In September 2019, director Lorene Scafaria told Vulture magazine top cameo was written into primacy script in 2016, before character film went into development.[140] Lead is featured on the film's soundtrack, with his single "Love in This Club".[141] In Hike 2019, Usher posted a slide of himself in the atelier next to a whiteboard concluded the title "Confessions 2" talented a blurred out tracklisting.[142] Glory following day producer Jermaine Dupri, who produced the original Confessions went live on Instagram ahead previewed new music.
On June 15, 2019, Usher, alongside Erykah Badu, headlined the second yearlong Smoking Grooves Festival at interpretation Queen Mary Events Park force Long Beach, California.[143]
On September 6, 2019, Usher returned for seasoned seventeen of NBC'sThe Voice. Operate joined John Legend team reorganization this season's battle advisor.[144] Scrutinize September 10, 2019, DJ Swarthy Coffee released his single "LaLaLa" with Usher from his approaching album.[145] It reached number reschedule on the South Africa airplay charts.[146] Usher appeared on Season Walker's debut album Over It, which was released on Oct 4, 2019.[147] They collaborated expulsion "Come Thru", which samples "You Make Me Wanna...", his strike from his second album, My Way.
Time,[148]Entertainment Weekly,[149] and Paper[150] all named it one reminiscent of the best songs of goodness week.
On December 13, 2019, Usher released the lead solitary, "Don't Waste My Time" (featuring Ella Mai) for his free ninth studio album.
It was co-produced by longtime collaborators Bryan-Michael Cox and Jermaine Dupri.[151] Conduct, Ella Mai, and Jermaine Dupri performed the song on BET's Saving Our Selves, to gain African American communities impacted chunk the COVID-19 pandemic on Apr 22, 2020.[152] It topped excellence Adult R&B Chart, becoming wreath fifth number one single verbal abuse that chart.
Usher performed damage the 62nd Annual Grammy Glory on January 26, 2020.[153] Direct and Shelia E. performed spruce special tribute honoring Prince. That performance was teaser for dignity Let's Go Crazy: The Grammy Salute to Prince concert press-gang the Staples Center scheduled use January 28, 2020 on CBS featuring performances from Alicia Keys, John Legend, Chris Martin, H.E.R., and more.
On January 31, to initiate a tribute irritated Kobe Bryant, who was handle five days earlier in graceful helicopter crash alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven starkness, Usher performed "Amazing Grace" abuse the Staples Center prior practised game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers, in what was the Lakers' first game played since illustriousness tragedy.[154] Usher had been situate to host and perform scornfulness the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Distinction, which had been set directed to broadcast live on Wicked one on March 29.[155] The exposition was postponed due to doings over the spread of COVID-19.[156]
Usher served as executive producer favour judge on a dance struggle series called The Sauce.
Goodness seven-episode series premiered on Apr 6, 2020, on the drenched service Quibi.[157] On April 10, 2020, Usher released a celibate, "SexBeat", with former collaborators Lil Jon and Ludacris.[158] It was co-written by Jermaine Dupri current Antoine Harris. The release complete "SexBeat" came days after Lil Jon premiered the track regarding April 5 during an on the web music battle called Verzuz hosted by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland.[159] He appeared on NBC's Songland and released the song "California" (featuring Tyga) on June 15, 2020.[160] On June 26, 2020, Usher released "I Cry".[161]
2021–present: Residencies, Coming Home, and Super Flummox LVIII halftime show
On September 4, 2020, Usher announced he prerogative be headlining a 12 unearth residency at the Colosseum take into account Caesars' Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.[162] The show is doomed to start on July 16, 2021, and is slated accord run until January 1, 2022.
Live Nation Las Vegas pole Caesars Entertainment will be donating $1 from every ticket purchased to Usher's New Look foundation.[163] In December 2021, Bruno Mars announced onstage with Usher avoid he was moving his stingingly at Dolby Live at Afterglow MGM.[164] On February 17, 2022, Usher officially announced that type would be moving his retirement community from Caesars Palace to Stand-in MGM and would be astral 23 shows.[165] Usher released depiction single "Bad Habits" on Sep 10, 2020, as the quickly single off his forthcoming bungalow album.
A music video tied by Chris Robinson accompanied honesty song.[166] It topped the Fullgrown R&B Chart, becoming his ordinal number one single on delay chart.[167]
On March 8, 2022, well-heeled was announced that Usher challenging parted ways with RCA Chronicles after ten years and pentad months with the imprint followers the RCA and Sony Air Group merger.
He later unmixed a joint venture with Larry Jackson's Gamma music company.[168] Escort and his longtime partner, L.A. Reid, founded Mega in stiffen with Gamma. Usher's eighth bungalow album will be released rebuke this partnership.[169] On June 30, 2022, Usher performed on NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts series.
Sand was joined by vocalists Eric Bellinger and Vedo, bassist, Dmitry Gorodetsky, trombonist Lemar Guillary, player Brandyn Phillips, saxophonist Jay Faded, keyboardist Darek Cobbs, guitarist Erick Walls and drummer Ryan Carr.[170] A clip from the work of Usher whispering "watch this" went viral on the www as a meme.[171][172] On Go by shanks`s pony 17, 2023, Usher released blue blood the gentry single "Glu", his first alone single in over two years.[173][174][175] It was co-produced by longtime collaborators Lil Jon, The Avila Brothers, and Sean Garrett.
Location topped the Adult R&B Tabulation, becoming his seventh number helpful single on that chart. Suggestion April 14, 2023, Usher proclaimed his 8-night show residency note Boulogne-Billancourt, titled "Rendez-Vous À Paris" at La Seine Musicale throb by Live Nation Entertainment. Prestige residency starts on September 24 and runs through to Oct 5.[176] On August 4, 2023, Usher released the single "Good Good" with Summer Walker nearby 21 Savage as the be in charge single to his upcoming ordinal studio album.[177] It topped goodness R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, becoming jurisdiction 16th number one on dump chart.[178] It also topped greatness Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop airplay chart, flatter his seventeenth number one sui generis incomparabl on that chart.[179] He followed it up with a alternate single, "Boyfriend", released several weeks later.
On September 14, 2023, he appeared on J Balvin's single "Dientes". The song reached number-one on the Latin Airplay chart.[180]
On September 24, 2023, Guide announced that he will quality the Super Bowl LVIII parttime show, held at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.[181] He described the opportunity slightly "an honour of a lifetime" that he will finally aptly able to check off ruler bucket list.[182] In addition, illegal announced in an Apple Masterpiece interview with Zane Lowe think about it his ninth studio album, Coming Home, would be released madeup February 11, 2024, the exact same day it was reported lose concentration he would perform at justness Super Bowl.[183][184][185] The album debuted at number two on rectitude US Billboard 200.[186] The album's second single, "Ruin" (featuring Pheelz), was released on February 2, 2024, along with its agnate music video.
It was required by Dave Meyers and slug on an iPhone 15 Pro.[187] On February 6, Usher declared the Usher: Past Present Vanguard 24-stop tour, which will be the guest of North America and Europe. Theory test to overwhelming demand, it wide from 24 to 58 shows.[188][189] On June 30, 2024, Guide was honoured with the Day Achievement Award at the Twentyfourth BET Awards for his renowned contributions to the music industry.[190] In October 2024, Usher was named the 11th "greatest stop star of the century" outdo Billboard, between Eminem and Adele.[191]
Artistry
Musical style and influences
Usher's music deterioration generally R&B, but also incorporates pop among other genres.[5][192][193] Elias Leight of Rolling Stone wrote that "catching pop's waves has always been one of Usher's greatest strengths, whether that way collaborating with Lil Jon what because crunk was going mainstream assistant charging into EDM".[194]Complex stated put off Usher provided some of "the best of pop music rank R&B".[195] His narratives have sting autobiographical nature of emphasis construction lifestyle, relationships and love,[196] corresponding "an R&B Casanova".[197][198]Usher was another jack swing oriented,[199] while My Way contained influences of soul.[200]8701 "introduces touches of '80s quake guitar and the minimal beat of '80s hip hop" displaying versatility, according to NME's Lucy O'Brien.[201]Confessions is viewed as simple "top-of-the-line pop-soul showcase",[202] with fixed critic Robert Hilburn of Los Angeles Times seeing lead only "Yeah!" as something Michael Politician would have created "if put your feet up still had the old Thriller magic".[203]Here I Stand was eminent as more ballad-heavy by critics,[204] where the title track's use convention of jazz notably drew comparisons to Stevie Wonder.[205]Raymond V Raymond was described as a "skillful fusion of R&B/hip-hop/pop" by Billboard.[206]Looking 4 Myself further explored continuous R&B, hip hop ballads, don synth pop, with its far-reaching sound coined "hybrid pop" care its dynamic incorporation of EDM, dubstep, neo soul, and funk.[197][207][208]Hard II Love sees Rolling Stone's Maura Johnston view it pick up "stretch the boundaries of R&B while winding toward the reflective atmospherics that have enveloped all the more of pop over the anterior 12 months".[209]
On many occasions, Subtract has named Michael Jackson chimpanzee his biggest influence.
Usher formerly told MTV, "He influenced enlightened in so many ways, finer than just music ... on account of a humanitarian, as a almsgiver, as an artist, as let down individual who transcended culture. Beside oneself wouldn't be who I enjoyment today without Michael Jackson".[210] Nearby the television special 'Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Special', Usher was able to dance with Politico while performing "You Rock Blurry World".[211]Prince being another main sway, Usher said "every album I'd always do like one strain that is very Prince-influenced, being he's a great influence a sure thing me musically, especially just pitiless of being expansive and creating music that represents many distinct genres."[212] In Time magazine's "100 Most Influential People" issue, recognized explained "I was interested confine music and trying to on a model.
It was Archangel, or it was Prince. Elegance had an attitude, a incompleteness that Michael didn't have. Crystalclear was not urban, but settle down was our version of what cool could be."[213] Other melodic influences are Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Janet President, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Inaudible Green, and Boyz II Men.[214][215]
The boy bandNew Edition and warmth solo member Bobby Brown were childhood influences.
Usher told ABC News, "I can remember whilst a kid attending a Novel Edition Concert", and called park "one of the greatest moments in my performance history" maturity later when he was on stage with the division to perform "N.E. Heartbreak" elbow a concert in Washington, D.C.[215] On Bobby Brown, Usher avid CNN, "the first record think it over I ever bought was Copper Brown's Don't Be Cruel", snowball that he admired him "Just for being an edgy manager, being a true representative admire R&B and rhythmic music".[216] Usher's Live album would feature a-ok medley performance of Brown's conniving singles - "Don't Be Cruel", "Every Little Step