Usher

GaK1...9uoj

2 Feb 2024

Usher

Usher Raymond IV, born on October 14, 1978, is an American singer, songwriter, and dancer. He holds a prominent position as a influential figure in contemporary R&B and pop music scenes. At the youthful age of sixteen, Raymond introduced his self-titled debut album in 1994. His breakthrough came in the late 1990s with the release of his second album, "My Way" (1997). This album catapulted him to stardom, highlighted by his first Billboard Hot 100 number-one single "Nice & Slow". Following this success, subsequent tracks such as "You Make Me Wanna..." and the titular track further solidified his standing in the music industry.

Raymond's third album, "8701" (2001), maintained his upward trajectory with the chart-topping singles "U Remind Me" and "U Got It Bad", along with the top-three single "U Don't Have to Call". With sales reaching eight million copies worldwide, "8701" not only solidified his global appeal but also garnered Raymond his first two Grammy Awards for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 2002 and 2003.

"Confessions" (2004) solidified Raymond's status as one of the best-selling musical artists of the 2000s. The album boasted an impressive lineup of four consecutive Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles, including "Yeah!" (featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris), "Burn", "Confessions Part II", and "My Boo" (with Alicia Keys). Additionally, it featured the top-ten hit "Caught Up". Achieving remarkable success, "Confessions" sold over 20 million copies worldwide and earned diamond certification from the RIAA.

Following his split from his manager and mother in 2007, Raymond continued to make waves in the music industry with the releases of "Here I Stand" (2008) and "Raymond v. Raymond" (2010). Both albums debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 chart, spawning number-one singles such as "Love in This Club" (featuring Young Jeezy) and "OMG" (featuring will.i.am). "Raymond v. Raymond" even clinched a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album, while its single "There Goes My Baby" secured Best Male R&B Vocal Performance honors.
In the subsequent years, Raymond's musical journey remained vibrant with the release of the extended play (EP) "Versus" (2011), which delivered the top-five single "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love" (featuring Pitbull). His fourth consecutive number one album, "Looking 4 Myself" (2012), showcased the Grammy Award-winning lead single "Climax". Notably, his standalone single, "I Don't Mind" (featuring Juicy J), achieved top-fifteen status in 2014, while his eighth album, "Hard II Love" (2016), peaked at number five on the Billboard 200 chart.

In 2018, Raymond collaborated with producer Zaytoven for a joint album titled "A". Further solidifying his musical legacy, Raymond is set to release his ninth album, "Coming Home", in early 2024 as his first independent project. This release is preceded by the single "Good Good" (with 21 Savage and Summer Walker).

Recognized as the "King of R&B" by numerous media outlets, Raymond's impact extends far beyond music sales. He has been honored with induction into prestigious institutions such as the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, the Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame, SoundExchange Hall of Fame, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. With a plethora of awards under his belt, including eight Grammy Awards, 34 ASCAP Awards, nine Soul Train Music Awards, and eight American Music Awards, Raymond's contributions to the music industry and beyond are undeniable. Additionally, his involvement in humanitarian causes through the establishment of the charitable non-profit Usher's New Look in 1999 reflects his commitment to making a positive difference in the world.

Usher Raymond IV entered the world on October 14, 1978, hailing from Dallas, Texas. Born to Jonnetta Patton (née O'Neal) from Tennessee and Usher Raymond III, his early years were spent in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Unfortunately, his father departed when Usher was merely a year old. Raised alongside his mother, stepfather, and half-brother James Lackey (born 1984), Usher found solace and inspiration in music from a tender age.

Under his mother's guidance, Usher became a member of the local church youth choir in Chattanooga at the age of nine. It was during this time that his grandmother recognized his innate singing talent, although the idea of pursuing it professionally came later, after he joined a singing group.

In pursuit of broader horizons and opportunities, Usher's family made the pivotal decision to relocate to Atlanta, Georgia, where the music scene was thriving. It was here that Usher attended North Springs High School, laying the foundation for his future endeavors in the music industry.

At the age of ten, Usher embarked on his musical journey by joining an R&B local quintet named the NuBeginnings, under the guidance of music promoter Darryl Wheeler. In 1991, he recorded ten tracks with the group, resulting in the album "Nubeginning Featuring Usher Raymond IV", initially released regionally and via mail order. However, due to what his mother, Patton, deemed a "bad experience", Usher parted ways with the group. Despite this setback, the album gained a wider audience when it was re-released nationally in April 2002 by Hip-O Records.

At age 13, Usher's path took a significant turn when he crossed paths with A.J. Alexander at an Atlanta talent show. Alexander, Bobby Brown's former bodyguard, recognized Usher's potential and facilitated opportunities for him to perform at various venues and talent shows. This exposure led to a pivotal moment when Usher caught the attention of Bryant Reid, an A&R representative from LaFace Records, during an appearance on the TV talent show Star Search. Impressed by Usher's talent, L.A. Reid, co-founder of LaFace Records, immediately signed him to a contract after witnessing his rendition of Boyz II Men's hit "End of the Road". Usher's mother left her job to manage his burgeoning career, marking the beginning of his professional journey.

Usher's introduction to the music scene came with his feature on "Call Me a Mack", a track from the soundtrack album of the 1993 film "Poetic Justice". During this period, he also crossed paths with Chilli from TLC, with whom he would later share a romantic relationship.
Despite early success, Usher faced challenges as he prepared for his debut album, encountering vocal issues due to puberty. L.A. Reid considered dropping him from the label but ultimately decided to keep him on. To further hone his skills and immerse himself in the music industry, Usher spent time in New York under the mentorship of record executive Puff Daddy, an experience he described as challenging yet formative.

On August 30, 1994, Usher's self-titled debut album hit the shelves under the co-executive production of Sean "P Diddy" Combs. While it peaked at number twenty-five on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, it faced criticism for its mature content considering Usher's age. Despite initial setbacks, Usher's mother spearheaded his career, guiding him through talent shows and expanding his fan base.

Following his high school graduation, Usher continued to refine his craft as a stage performer, collaborating on various projects, including duets with Monica and contributions to soundtracks. These experiences laid the groundwork for his sophomore album and solidified his presence in the music industry.