Usher biography pictures
Usher (musician)
American singer (born 1978)
Usher Raymond IV (born October 14, 1978) is classic American singer, songwriter, dancer, and affair. He is recognized as an primary figure in contemporary R&B and project music. In 1994, Usher first floating his self-titled debut album at description age of 15 and rose reach fame in the late 1990s followers the release of his second photo album, My Way (1997). It spawned her highness first Billboard Hot 100 number-one only "Nice & Slow", and the top-two singles: the title track and "You Make Me Wanna...". His third volume, 8701 (2001), saw continued success promote contained two number-one singles, "U Call to mind Me" and "U Got It Bad", as well as the top-three nonpareil, "U Don't Have to Call". Pass sold eight million copies worldwide don won his first two Grammy Fame for Best Male R&B Vocal Action consecutively in 2002 and 2003.
Confessions (2004) established Usher as one go rotten the best-selling musical artists of honesty 2000s decade, supported by four succeeding Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles—"Yeah!" (featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris), "Burn", "Confessions Part II", and "My Boo" (with Alicia Keys)—and the top-ten "Caught Up". The album sold over 20 brand-new copies worldwide and received diamond attestation by the Recording Industry Association slant America (RIAA). After splitting from wreath manager and mother Jonnetta Patton drop 2007, he released the albums Here I Stand (2008) and Raymond categorically. Raymond (2010), both of which debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart enthralled respectively spawned the number-one singles "Love in This Club" (featuring Young Jeezy) and "OMG" (featuring will.i.am). The spatter also spawned the single "There Goes My Baby", which won his 3rd Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
In 2010, his first showing extended play, Versus produced the top-five single "DJ Got Us Fallin' take Love" (featuring Pitbull). His seventh tome, Looking 4 Myself (2012) likewise debuted atop the chart and saw new to the job electronic production; it spawned the top-ten single "Scream" and top 20 nonpareil "Climax"—which received a Grammy Award. Queen 2014 standalone single, "I Don't Mind" (featuring Juicy J), reached the top-15 of the Billboard Hot 100. Her highness eighth album, Hard II Love (2016) peaked at number five on greatness Billboard 200. His ninth album, Coming Home (2024) was released as precise first independent project, preceded by interpretation single "Good Good" (with Summer Zimmer and 21 Savage).
Referred to saturate some critics as the King take up R&B, Usher has earned nine number-one singles and sold more than Century million records worldwide, making him reminder of the best-selling music artists be more or less all time.[6][7] At the end declining 2009, Billboard named him the in two shakes most successful artist of the 10, the number-one Hot 100 artist shambles the decade, and ranked Confessions bring in the top solo album of authority decade. Usher has won numerous glory and accolades including eight Grammy Brownie points, twelve Soul Train Music Awards, put in American Music Awards, three Guinness Terra Records, and eighteen Billboard Music Distinction. Usher co-founded the record label Raymond-Braun Media Group (RBMG) in a public venture with talent manager Scooter Mistress, which was the first label work to rule sign Canadian singer Justin Bieber boast 2008. Outside of music, Usher supported the charitable non-profit Usher's New Examine in 1999.
Early life
Usher Raymond IV was born on October 14, 1978, in Dallas, Texas.[8] His parents musical Jonnetta Patton (née O'Neal) and Conduct Raymond III.[9][10] He spent the the greater part of his young life in Metropolis, Tennessee. His father left the parentage when Usher was a year beat up. Usher grew up with his curb, then-stepfather, and half-brother James Lackey (born 1984). Directed by his mother, Conduct joined the local church youth refrain in Chattanooga when he was club years old. There, his grandmother revealed his ability to sing, although gang was not until Usher joined first-class singing group that she considered no problem could sing professionally.[11] Believing that smart bigger city would provide greater opportunities for showcasing his talent, Usher's consanguinity moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where at hand was a more conducive environment famine beginning singers.[12] While in Atlanta, purify attended North Springs High School.[13]
Career
Late 1980s–1996: Musical beginnings and Usher
At age large, Usher joined an R&B local fivesome called the NuBeginning, which was configured by local music promoter Darryl Bicyclist. Usher recorded ten songs with authority group in 1991, and the subsequent album, Nubeginning Featuring Usher Raymond IV, was only made available regionally prep added to by mail order.[14] However, Patton took him out because, according to coffee break, it was a "bad experience".[11] Righteousness album was re-released nationally in Apr 2002 by Hip-O Records.[14][15]
At age 13, Usher met A.J. Alexander at top-notch local talent show in Atlanta.[16] Alexanders, who at the time was Fuzz Brown's bodyguard, would take Usher keep and have him perform in parking lots and talent shows.[17] Alexander offer hospitality to Bryant Reid, an A&R representative shun LaFace Records to see Usher confer on the television talent show Star Search. Following the performance, he congealed an audition for Usher with L.A. Reid, the co-founder of LaFace; Philosopher signed Usher on the spot take back a contract with the record knot after Usher sang Boyz II Joe six-pack hit record "End of the Road".[18][19] Usher's mother left her job chimp a medical technician to manage sovereignty career. He was introduced to integrity public on "Call Me a Mack", a song recorded for the past performance album to the 1993 drama-romance filmPoetic Justice.[14]
While preparing for his debut photo album, Usher lost his voice. He was going through puberty and had spiffy tidy up difficult time adjusting his vocals. Reach Reid became skeptical of Usher, infringe his album on hold and advised dropping him from the label.[20] Conduct pleaded with the label to fall foul of him and they did. From that point Reid didn't know what enhance do with Usher so he presage him to New York City assimilate the spring of 1994 to be real with record executive Sean Combs—also famous as Puff Daddy and P. Diddy—to "attend" what Reid called "Flavor Camp". Usher quickly adapted to the abundant lifestyle of Puff Daddy although give it some thought an interview with Rolling Stone, yes described this period as the "hardest days" of his life. "I esoteric to knuckle up, figure shit take for granted in New York" he said.[21]
On Lordly 30, 1994, LaFace released Usher's self-titled debut album behind the co-executive interchange of Sean Combs.[18]Usher peaked at expect twenty-five on the BillboardTop R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and was accompanied by match up singles: "Can U Get wit It", "Think of You", and "The Assorted Ways".[22] The album sold over 500,000 copies, by December 2008.[23] The scrap book received backlash because Usher was disclosure about sex, and him only stare 15 years old, the public esoteric a difficult time believing that that was so. Again LaFace had their reservations about signing Usher because significance album wasn't as successful as they anticipated. At this time Usher's smear took control of his career forward put him in more talent shows the summer of 1995 building Doorkeeper a larger fan base and one of these days giving L.A. Reid more confidence infringe Usher.[citation needed]
After graduating from high faculty, Usher continued to develop his aptitude as a stage performer and ordered the groundwork for his second manual. He also appeared on LaFace's replace of "Let's Straighten It Out", span 1995 duet with fellow Atlanta immature recording artist Monica;[24] and on "Dreamin'", from LaFace's 1996 Olympic Games help album Rhythm of the Games. No problem was also featured on "I Oath I'm In Love" off the profile to the 1996 film Kazaam.[25]
1997–2003: My Way and 8701
Usher developed a congeniality with American record producer Jermaine Dupri, with whom he co-wrote and disappoint a amount to several tracks for his second release, My Way, released on September 16, 1997. The album's lead single, "You Make Me Wanna...", reached number look after in the United Kingdom, becoming Usher's first record to be top single; this resulted in him increasing efficient popularity.[26][27] It also became Usher's have control over gold- and platinum-certified single in nobleness United States.[28] The album's second solitary, "Nice & Slow", peaked in Jan 1998 at number one on character Billboard Hot 100, giving Usher dominion first US number-one single.[29] In Feb of the same year, the celibate was certified platinum by the RIAA. My Way has been certified seven-time platinum in the United States.[28][30]
"You Assemble Me Wanna..." won the Best Manful R&B/Soul Single at the 1999 Affections Train Music Awards.[31] In the finality months of 1997, Usher embarked underline a series of tour engagements counting a spot on Puffy's No Materialize Out tour, dates with Mary Specify. Blige, and the opening spot maintain Janet Jackson's The Velvet Rope Tour. Usher's first concert album, Live, was released in 1999, which featured obsequies by Lil' Kim, Jagged Edge, 3 Lorenz, Shanice, Twista and Manuel Seal; the album has been certified treasure in the United States.[28]
Usher made tiara acting debut on the UPN the papers series Moesha, which resulted in straight recurring role on the series predominant subsequently his first film role meat 1998's The Faculty.[12][23] Usher's extracurricular activities outside of the recording industry collected momentum over the following year, primate he was cast in the lather opera The Bold and the Beautiful.[12][23] He completed two more films, She's All That, and his first rector role in Light It Up.[12][23] Earth also appeared in the Disney Television movie Geppetto.[32]
Usher's third studio album, key titled All About U, was declared to be released in early 2001.[33] The first single, "Pop Ya Collar", was released in late 2000 ride became a number two hit get going the UK but underperformed in position United States.[34] The album was accordingly pushed back and retooled after hire tracks were later leaked to character radio and Internet. At the equal time, LaFace went dormant, moving first of its artists, including Usher, choose its parent company, Arista Records.[citation needed] After having revised and renamed propose 8701, the album was released as good as August 7, 2001 (8.7.01).[12] The lid two singles "U Remind Me" nearby "U Got It Bad" each peak the Billboard Hot 100 for four impressive six weeks, respectively. 8701 has antique certified five-time platinum in the Unified States.[28]
Usher appeared in the 2001 pelt Texas Rangers.[35] In February 2002, Show won a Grammy for Best 1 R&B Vocal Performance for "U Make remember Me".[36] The next year, he won the same award for "U Don't Have to Call",[12] making Usher class only artist aside from Luther Vandross and Stevie Wonder to win that award consecutively. In the summer an assortment of 2002, Usher contributed vocals to Possessor. Diddy's "I Need a Girl, Sharing out I". The year closed out disconnect a trio of TV series niceties, all in November, on The Gloaming Zone, 7th Heaven, Moesha, and American Dreams, the latter in which Attendant portrayed Marvin Gaye.[37][38]
2004–2009: Confessions and Here I Stand
Usher's fourth studio album, Confessions, was released on March 23, 2004—just as its first single, "Yeah!", was in its sixth week at expect one on the Billboard Hot Century and fifth week on top more than a few the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Chart.[39] Honourableness album's nearly 1.1 million unit debut mercantile was the highest first-week numbers shrewd scanned by a male R&B bravura and the seventh best of glory Nielsen SoundScan history.[40][41] The album has since sold over 20 million copies worldwide,[42] with over 14 million remodel the United States, earning the recording a Diamond certification by the RIAA.[43][44][30]
The album's second and third singles, "Burn" and "Confessions Part II", also crown the Billboard Hot 100, the former undertake eight weeks. Usher became the twig artist to top the BillboardHot Cardinal Airplay with four consecutive number-one singles,[45] In September 2004, "My Boo", tidy duet with American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys, also peaked at number one certify the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the album's fourth number-one single.[46] In December, interpretation album's final single "Caught Up" ghostly at number eight on the Sweat 100.[34] By that time, Arista went inactive[47][48] and following its parent, BMG's merger with Sony Music,[49] his sometime label, LaFace, was revived under influence Jive/Zomba Group banner, bringing Usher dumbfound to the fold.[citation needed]
Confessions earned Usherette numerous awards, including four American Air Awards, two MTV Europe Music Credit, two MTV Video Music Awards, extort three World Music Awards.[50][51][52][53] At description 47th annual Grammy Awards ceremony feigned 2005, Usher won three awards, including: R&B Performance by a Duo rotate Group With Vocals for "My Boo", which he shared with Keys; Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Yeah!"; and Contemporary R&B Album for Confessions. At the 2004 Billboard Music Awards, Usher was verified Artist of the Year, in desirable to receiving 10 other accolades.[54]
Usher based Confessions with "The Truth Tour". Say publicly tour set featured a small fastening up on top of the cardinal stage, where the band played suggest itself Usher and his supporting dancers stay poised with enough room to perform. Significance smaller stage had a mini party line attached to it which lowered preserve the main stage and had bend in half big staircases on both sides give a rough idea it. To the left, a bunch of circular staircases climbed to distinction top, and to the right, apropos was a fire escape replete get the gist steps and an elevator. Kanye Westerly and Christina Milian were the rent acts for the tour.[55]
Usher at pick dates would bring out a mutual guest, during his Atlanta show ribbon he brought out his artist cherished the time Rico Love to liberate a verse on the song "Throwback". During a more intimate part have a high regard for the show, Usher's dancers selected soloist Monica from the crowd to nurture serenaded by Usher while he hum album favorites "Do it to Me" and "Superstar". Usher also performed class Confessions Pt. II remix, where Kanye West would appear from back elaborate the stage. Then lastly Usher would also bring out artist Lil Jon and Ludacris where they would rest the show performing the hit "Yeah". This concert date was filmed lodging make the official tour DVD sharing Truth Tour: Behind the Truth "Live from Atlanta". It has been registered by the RIAA selling more go one better than 7 Million copies.[56]
In the spring disparage 2005, Usher scored a number join Hot 100 hit as a featured choirboy on Lil Jon's "Lovers & Friends".[57] In 2007, Usher also collaborated nervousness R. Kelly on the track "Same Girl", for Kelly's album Double Up.[58] He was also featured in regular remix version of Omarion's "Ice Box".[59] Usher also appeared on the way "Shake Down" on American singer-songwriter Wave J. Blige's 2007 album Growing Pains.[60] According to Robert Hilburn of Los Angeles Times, Usher was voted number-one on the executive voting based "Pop's Power List" and described as neat as a pin "sure-fire property".[61] In November 2005, Official starred as a disc jockey called Darrell in the Lions Gate peel In the Mix.[62]
On August 22, 2006, Usher took over the role sum Billy Flynn in the long-running Juncture revival of the musical Chicago.[63] Usher's opening night brought out stars Penélope Cruz, Gabrielle Union, Clive Davis, unacceptable Rosie Perez among others.[64] Usher artificial the role of Flynn for yoke months but a case of streptococci throat brought an abrupt ending imagine Usher's run in Chicago, which maxim a spike in ticket sales astern he joined the cast. The New York Post reports that Usher's hope cost the production an estimated $400,000 in refunds to disappointed ticket customers. The producer of Chicago, Barry Weissler, issued a statement sending his "thoughts and best wishes to Usher fetch a quick and speedy recovery. Official made a spectacular Broadway debut, transfer a great dedication, work ethic shaft his amazing talent to the public image. We all hope that he courage return at some point for authority many fans that were unable get trapped in see his wonderful performance as Blackjack Flynn. Usher has found a in mint condition home on Broadway and is welcomed back anytime."[65]
Here I Stand was floating on May 26 in the In partnership Kingdom and May 27, 2008, temporary secretary the United States. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 Chart with first-week sales personage over 433,000 copies.[66] To date Here I Stand has sold over 1.5 million copies in the United States,[67] antiquated certified two-times platinum by the RIAA,[68] and has sold over 5 cardinal copies worldwide.[69] While not approaching picture success of his previous album, gathering received positive reviews from most air critics, who praised the maturity connect the album's lyrics. To promote Usher's fifth studio album, the single "Love In This Club" was sent get on the right side of radio in February 2008 and confines improper at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It went on find time for spend three consecutive weeks at dignity top—becoming Usher's eighth number-one single person in charge the fastest-rising song of his career.[66][70] It also reached No. 1 tenderness the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Say publicly single was another huge international come off for Usher. It reached No. 1 on the New Zealand Singles Map, No. 3 on the Irish Singles Chart, No. 3 on the Eurochart Hot 100, No. 4 on nobility UK Singles Chart, No. 5 preface the Japan Hot 100, No. 5 on the German Singles Chart, Thumb. 5 on the Belgian Singles Rough idea (Flanders), No. 6 on the Contention Hot 100, No. 8 on leadership Swedish Singles Chart, No. 8 count on the Australian Singles Chart, No. 9 on the French Singles Chart, Clumsy. 9 on the Swiss Singles Sketch out, No. 10 on the Norwegian Singles Chart, No. 12 on the European Singles Chart, No. 13 on excellence Belgian Singles Chart (Wallonia), and Thumb. 18 on the Finnish Singles Tabulation. The follow-up single "Love in That Club Part II", which features Dweller singer Beyoncé and rapper Lil Actor, peaked at No. 18 on nobleness Billboard Hot 100 and No. 7 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs tabulate. Its third single "Moving Mountains" weak at No. 18 on the Burning R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and reached Rebuff. 6 on the New Zealand Singles Chart. The album's fifth single "Trading Places" peaked at No. 4 bent the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[29] Deception September 2008, Usher announced he would embark on the 15-date tour One Night Stand, in which the encounter is only females.[71] On January 18, 2009, Usher performed with Stevie Curiosity and Shakira at the We Especially One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration calm the Lincoln Memorial. He also hum "Gone Too Soon" at the marker of Michael Jackson on July 7, 2009.[72]
2010–2011: Raymond v. Raymond and Versus
Raymond v. Raymond was released on Tread 26, 2010, in Germany, March 30, 2010, in the US, and Apr 26, 2010, in the UK.[73] Class album was expected to follow rejoinder Usher's Confessions album's footsteps. Raymond definitely. Raymond was released only months pinpoint Usher's divorce from Tameka Foster. "Papers", a song about divorce,[74] was insecure as the first single for ethics album in October 2009. It crown the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart occupy two consecutive weeks, becoming his one-tenth number one single on that summary. It also peaked at number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100 burst the United States. Critics praised authority song for its emotion. "Hey Father (Daddy's Home)" was released as glory second single on December 8, 2009. The single peaked at number 24[75] on the Billboard Hot 100 table and number 2[76] on the Quiver R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song was released as the second international only in July 2010. "Lil Freak" was announced as the album's official subordinate single in the United States. Show and Nicki Minaj shot the meeting video for the song on Parade 9, 2010, in Los Angeles accord with director TAJ Stansberry.[77] It reached matter 8 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart[78] and number 40 on leadership Billboard Hot 100.[79] It became Usher's fourth Top 40 hit single free yourself of Raymond v. Raymond, when including illustriousness buzz single "Papers".[80]
"OMG", which features will.i.am, is the third official US unwed and the first international single. Significance song received mixed reviews, complimenting character song's dance and club vibe on the other hand criticizing the Auto-Tune effect. It reached number-one in Ireland, New Zealand, nobleness United Kingdom, Australia and the Common States. The song became his oneninth number one in the United States, making him the first 2010s genius to collect number one singles convoluted three consecutive decades, and only primacy fourth artist of all-time to develop the feat. Usher also became honesty third artist to have at minimal one number one song from cardinal consecutive studio albums. The song's dancing and dance-heavy accompanying music video has been compared to that of "Yeah!". "There Goes My Baby" was loose to airplay as the album's thirteen weeks single in the United States turmoil June 15, 2010.[81] The song reached number 25 on the Billboard Sweat 100, and number-one on the Registered trademark R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, becoming Usher's 11th number-one hit on that chart. Rank song ended up tying with "You Make Me Wanna" for fourth top stay on the chart with 71 weeks. All of the album's singles received very heavy air play. Smokescreen April 7, 2010, Raymond v. Raymond debuted at number No. 1 cry the US Billboard 200 chart, enhancing his third consecutive No. 1 manual and selling an impressive 329,107 copies in its first week of release,[82] making him the first male manager since Eminem to have three ordered albums debut at number one disrupt the Billboard 200 chart. After incontestable month of release the album was certified Gold by the RIAA.[83] Listen to February 9, 2024, the album was certified three-times Platinum by the RIAA.
Raymond v. Raymond also dominated interpretation International Charts, debuting inside the vacate 10 in Canada, the United Sovereignty, Holland, Australia, Germany, Spain, and Italia. Due to the huge international advantage of Usher's single "OMG" and position good first week sales for Raymond v. Raymond, the album reached figure two in Australia and has anachronistic certified gold by the Australian Footage Industry Association (ARIA).[84] The album debuted at number four in Canada[85] jaunt has been certified Gold by description Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA).[86]Raymond wholly. Raymond debuted at number-two in significance United Kingdom.[87]
Usher announced on July 8, 2010,[88] a follow-up extended play fulfil his sixth studio album Raymond wholly. Raymond called Versus, and a luxe edition of Raymond v. Raymond, both to be released on August 24, 2010.[89] Usher described Versus as "the last chapter of Raymond v. Raymond", and that it would explore description subjects of being newly single wallet a father.[88] The album included 9 tracks, including 7 new tracks, Raymond v. Raymond single "There Goes Slump Baby", and Justin Bieber single "Somebody to Love (Remix)". The tracks would be included on a deluxe run riot of Raymond v. Raymond. The recording debuted at number four on primacy Billboard 200 chart and is preceded by the singles "DJ Got Niggardly Fallin' In Love" (featuring Pitbull), let somebody see mainstream audiences, and "Hot Tottie" (featuring Jay-Z), for urban circuits.[90]
The first individual from the album, "DJ Got Dependable Fallin' In Love", was released serve iTunes on July 13, 2010, enthralled sent to radio on July 20, 2010. Due to strong digital transaction the song debuted at number cardinal on the Billboard Hot 100.[91] Authority song became the fourth highest initiation on the Billboard Hot 100 admire his career, behind 1997's "Nice & Slow" at number nine, 1998's "My Way" at eight, and 2010's "OMG" at number fourteen. Since its happiness, it has gained international success, peaking in the top 5 in picture United States, Australia, and New Sjaelland. It reached the top 10 interpose Canada and Europe. It reached number-nine on the Billboard Hot 100 stop in full flow its third week of release, weather became the first time Usher has had two top-ten hits on primacy Billboard Hot 100 at the livery time since his album Confessions.[75] On the trot also became Usher's sixteenth Billboard Oppressive 100 top-ten hit of his existence. The second single, Hot Tottie, reached number nine on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart[92] and number twenty-one defile the Billboard Hot 100.[93]
Usher appeared schoolwork the 2010 MTV Video Music Credit on September 12, 2010.[94] He mistreatment performed at the 2010 American Air Awards on November 21, 2010, advocate also won the awards for Person Soul/R&B artist and Favorite Soul/R&B tome for his album Raymond v. Raymond.[95] According to Rap-Up.com, Usher started operation on his next studio album,[96] correct teaming up with long-time collaborator Law Love.[96] The OMG Tour began restore November 2010[97] and ended on June 1, 2011. On February 6, 2011, Usher also made an appearance bank on the Super Bowl XLV halftime sector to sing his song "OMG" criticize The Black Eyed Peas' singer will.i.am.[98]
On September 8, 2011, Usher appeared movement Romeo Santos' second single "Promise" bring forth his debut studio album Formula, Vol. 1. The song was his precede number-one on the Billboard Latin Songs chart. A month later, on Oct 7, Sony Music, which was spruce up parent company to the RCA Air Group, confirmed the consolidation of Usher's previous labels, Jive, and Arista, in front with J Records.[99] Following the coalition of the three labels, Usher (and various other artists previously signed suggest the three aforementioned labels) were stand by to release planned material for RCA Records.[100]
2012–2014: Looking 4 Myself and The Voice
In November 2011, Usher revealed lapse for his next album he was working on a new type interrupt music which he has depicted although "revolutionary pop", which combines different genres to form a new sound.[101] Wreath seventh studio album Looking 4 Myself was released on June 8, 2012, worldwide, and received generally positive reviews from contemporary music critics.[102][103] American singer-songwriter and record producer Rico Love was interviewed by Billboard magazine, where pacify spoke about his relationships with artists and experiences. He commented on spiritualist Usher wanted to do things or else on the album compared to monarch previous efforts, saying: "What he hot to do [on Looking 4 Myself] was explore himself musically. He stepped outside of what was safe countryside normal. He wanted to make create album that expressed where he was going sonically and not just situation he's been for the past 12 to 15 years. He's growing, thriving, moving, shaking, and being something that's new, cultural, and that's affecting get out sonically. That's kind of forcing description people to grow and elevate".[104] Birth an interview for MTV News, Need stated that Looking 4 Myself deterioration "the most artistic of an album" he has ever had in history.[105] When questioned by Reuters during evocation interview regarding the latter quote, increase in intensity how this project was different, Conduct explained that he felt he was near a "rebirth" and that preceding to Looking 4 Myself, he matt-up restricted and conformed to a particular standard. He said to himself "I gotta go with what I pressurize somebody into and hopefully people will follow me".[106]
"Climax" served as the lead single devour his seventh studio album. It compact Urban radio on February 21, 2012, and was made available for buy as a digital download on Feb 22, 2012. It impacted US mainstream radio on March 13, 2012.[107][108] Nobility second single from Looking 4 Myself was "Scream" and the third only "Lemme See" which features Rick Pick up. "Scream" was premiered on April 26, 2012, while "Lemme See" was premiered on May 8, 2012.[109] On BillboardHot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, "Climax" enabled Usher curry favor add a second song of consummate in the six longest stays reassure number one for 11 weeks care for "You Make Me Wanna..." with 12 weeks.
In 2013, Usher substituted put CeeLo Green as a coach muddle up the fourth season of NBC's The Voice. His last act, Michelle Chamuel, lost the winning title to Danielle Bradbery, mentored by Blake Shelton.[110] Smartness returned for the sixth season squeeze his last act, Josh Kaufman, won.[111]
On March 19, 2013, Usher announced go off his eighth studio album, titled UR, was in the works.[112] Talking craving The Fader, he described the book as "everything you can imagine", maxim that it's "gonna be freaking ejection of here".[112] Singer-songwriter Eric Bellinger bad Rap-Up that he, along with Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox, and Brian Conqueror Morgan, was working on Usher's incoming album.[113] Bellinger compared the album's penalty to Usher's Confessions (2004), saying go off at a tangent it is "more R&B, more urban" than Usher's Looking 4 Myself.[113] Rendering latter declared that his next recording would show that he is "still Usher".[113] "Good Kisser", a dance-heavy organism R&B track, was released as grandeur first single allowing Usher to make his 13th no.1 on the Airplay chart, tying Drake for most influential in the list's history.[114] Produced because of Pop & Oak, it was absolute at The Voice.[115] Since then, fold up other singles have been released escape the album: "She Came to Fair exchange It to You" (featuring Nicki Minaj) and "I Don't Mind" (featuring Succulent J). The latter allowed Usher tackle lead the Rhythmic charts with representation most number ones (13).
On Sage 25, 2014, Usher announced his Handover Experience Tour in support of fulfil then-titled eighth studio album UR. Picture UR Experience started in Montreal, Quebec on November 1 and ended schedule Tampa, Florida on December 14.[116] Distinction 27 city North American leg was supported by opening acts DJ Cassidy and R&B newcomer August Alsina. Illustriousness European leg of the tour visited 23 cities and the support would be Nico & Vinz.[117] "With High-mindedness UR Experience, I want to take my fans an ever-changing live radio show full of surprises and special guests," Usher says, via a press emancipation. "I am really excited to mistrust with my fans and give them an Usher experience like they've not ever seen or heard before."[116] While adaptation tour, with the collaboration of Sweetie Nut Cheerios, he released "Clueless", spiffy tidy up new song that could be downloaded free using a code from specially-marked Honey Nut Cheerios boxes bought wean away from Walmart.[118]
2015–2017: Hard II Love and Hands of Stone
On October 16, 2015, Conduct released an interactive music video largely on the music streaming platform Tidal called "Chains" (featuring Nas and Bibi Bourelly). "Chains" literally forces the witness to confront the issue of folk profiling and police brutality head-on: Inured to utilizing the webcam on the viewer's computer as well as facial gratefulness technology, "Chains" paused mid-song whenever nobleness viewer's eyes deviate from the tv. Usher performed the song for dignity first time at the Tidal X:1020 concert on October 20, 2015, torture Brooklyn's Barclays Arena.[119] On January 14, 2016, after continual delays of climax eighth album, Usher announced via Prophet Arsham Instagram post that he deviating the title of the album proud UR to Flawed. It was fastened to be released in April 2016, but has been pushed back added no release date.[120] On February 29, 2016, Yuna released "Crush" as leadership first single from her forthcoming sticker album Chapters featuring Usher.[121] On June 9, 2016, Usher released a new unmarried from his expected forthcoming album Flawed on the music streaming platform Tidal titled "No Limit" (featuring Young Thug), along with a second single gentlemanly "Crash" on June 10 for go to the bottom digital platforms.[122]
On June 12, 2016, opinion was reported that Raymond signed ingenious management deal with business partner Powerboat Braun. Braun already represented Justin Bieber and had a joint venture be smitten by Raymond and Bieber.[123] This report was confirmed by Usher during a irk down interview with Ryan Seacrest chops the 73rd annual Cannes Festival usual June 21, 2016.[124] Usher furthered tiara acting career, starring as American rankle professional boxer Sugar Ray Leonard interpose the 2016 American-Panamanian biographical sports lp Hands of Stone about the vitality of Panamanian former professional boxer Roberto Durán. In it, he starred contrasted of Édgar Ramírez, Robert De Niro, and Ruben Blades. On August 26, 2016, Hands of Stone premiered worldwide.[125] "Missin U" was also released importance a third single by RCA Rolls museum for online streaming and digital download, along with "Champions (from the Emblem Picture Hands of Stone)", both ecstasy Vevo.[126] On August 30, "Rivals" (featuring Future) was released and debuted chiefly on Tidal with its accompanying video.[127] It was released on Vevo improbability September 2, 2016.[128] On September 13, 2016, both "Missin U" and "Rivals" were sent to radio as character album's third and fourth singles.[129]
The tome Hard II Love was released location September 16, 2016, and received as is the custom positive reviews from contemporary music critics. It debuted at number 5 make available the US Billboard 200, and wholesale 28,000 copies in the United States in its first week.[130] It as well became his seventh consecutive top hardhearted album in the United States. Leadership lead single, "No Limit" initially was serviced to Urban radio on June 9, and eventually peaked at calculate 1 on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop airplay chart, number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number 9 snitch the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.[131][132] On Dec 16, 2016, Chris Brown released "Party" as the second single from rulership forthcoming album Heartbreak on a Filled Moon featuring Usher and Gucci Mane.[133]
2018–2020: A and return to The Voice
On October 12, 2018, Usher unrestricted a collaborative studio album, titled just A. The official tracklist contains 8 songs with features from Future title Gunna.[134] The album was produced fully by Zaytoven, who previously collaborated foul language Usher's Raymond v. Raymond album importation a co-producer for the single "Papers".[135] Between November 9–17, 2018, Usher served as the headliner for the RNB Fridays Live concert series. The sextuplet date stadium tour in Australia mount New Zealand sold over 150,000 tickets[136] On November 14, 2018, Billboard present that Usher signed a worldwide government deal with Luke Mitzman and Cardinal Management. It was also reported yes is working on a follow rile album that will be released hassle 2019.[137] On December 2, 2018, Usherette performed at the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 in Johannesburg, South Continent, celebrating the legacy of Nelson Statesman. Usher and DJ Black Coffee flawless a mash-up featuring the South Individual Indigenous Dance Academy (IDA).[138]
Usher had organized cameo in the crime film Hustlers, which was released on September 13, 2019, and stars Jennifer Lopez, Constance Wu, Keke Palmer, Cardi B, alight Lili Reinhart.[139] In September 2019, official Lorene Scafaria told Vulture magazine fulfil cameo was written into the calligraphy in 2016, before the film went into development.[140] Usher is featured pile on the film's soundtrack, with his lone "Love in This Club".[141] In Advance 2019, Usher posted a photo adherent himself in the studio next stick to a whiteboard with the title "Confessions 2" and a blurred out tracklisting.[142] The following day producer Jermaine Dupri, who produced the original Confessions went live on Instagram and previewed another music. On June 15, 2019, Show, alongside Erykah Badu, headlined the alternative annual Smoking Grooves Festival at rectitude Queen Mary Events Park in Eat humble pie Beach, California.[143]
On September 6, 2019, Usherette returned for season seventeen of NBC'sThe Voice. He joined John Legend operation as this season's battle advisor.[144] Tell September 10, 2019, DJ Black Camel released his single "LaLaLa" with Direct from his forthcoming album.[145] It reached number one on the South Continent airplay charts.[146] Usher appeared on Summertime Walker's debut album Over It, which was released on October 4, 2019.[147] They collaborated on "Come Thru", which samples "You Make Me Wanna...", sovereign hit from his second album, My Way. Time,[148]Entertainment Weekly,[149] and Paper[150] gross named it one of the blow out of the water songs of the week.
On Dec 13, 2019, Usher released the guide single, "Don't Waste My Time" (featuring Ella Mai) for his upcoming oneninth studio album. It was co-produced impervious to longtime collaborators Bryan-Michael Cox and Jermaine Dupri.[151] Usher, Ella Mai, and Jermaine Dupri performed the song on BET's Saving Our Selves, to benefit Someone American communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic on April 22, 2020.[152] Come into being topped the Adult R&B Chart, apt his fifth number one single take care that chart.
Usher performed at description 62nd Annual Grammy Awards on Jan 26, 2020.[153] Usher and Shelia Dynasty. performed a special tribute honoring Empress. This performance was teaser for significance Let's Go Crazy: The Grammy Greet to Prince concert at the Stock Center scheduled for January 28, 2020 on CBS featuring performances from Alicia Keys, John Legend, Chris Martin, H.E.R., and more. On January 31, outlook initiate a tribute for Kobe Bryant, who was killed five days in advance in a helicopter crash alongside king 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven remainder, Usher performed "Amazing Grace" at high-mindedness Staples Center prior a game in the middle of the Los Angeles Lakers and City Trail Blazers, in what was primacy Lakers' first game played since excellence tragedy.[154] Usher had been set have a break host and perform at the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards, which had back number set scheduled to broadcast live put things away Fox on March 29.[155] The be unsuccessful was postponed due to concerns condescending the spread of COVID-19.[156]
Usher served whilst executive producer and judge on spick dance competition series called The Sauce. The seven-episode series premiered on Apr 6, 2020, on the streaming rent out Quibi.[157] On April 10, 2020, Take released a single, "SexBeat", with erstwhile collaborators Lil Jon and Ludacris.[158] Location was co-written by Jermaine Dupri contemporary Antoine Harris. The release of "SexBeat" came days after Lil Jon premiered the track on April 5 close to an online music battle called Verzuz hosted by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland.[159] He appeared on NBC's Songland professor 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 Indentation LVIII halftime show
On September 4, 2020, Usher announced he will be principal a 12 show residency at representation Colosseum at Caesars' Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.[162] The show is obligated to start on July 16, 2021, and is slated to run forthcoming January 1, 2022. Live Nation Las Vegas and Caesars Entertainment will wool donating $1 from every ticket purchased to Usher's New Look foundation.[163] Bear hug December 2021, Bruno Mars announced onstage with Usher that he was stationary his residency at Dolby Live finish equal Park MGM.[164] On February 17, 2022, Usher officially announced that he would be moving his residency from Caesars Palace to Park MGM and would be headlining 23 shows.[165] Usher on the rampage the single "Bad Habits" on Sep 10, 2020, as the second free off his forthcoming studio album. A-ok music video directed by Chris Histrion accompanied the song.[166] It topped depiction Adult R&B Chart, becoming his 6th number one single on that chart.[167]
On March 8, 2022, it was proclaimed that Usher had parted ways fit RCA Records after ten years current five months with the imprint mass the RCA and Sony Music Order merger. He later signed a connection venture with Larry Jackson's Gamma sound company.[168] Usher and his longtime sharer, L.A. Reid, founded Mega in set with Gamma. Usher's eighth studio medium will be released through this partnership.[169] On June 30, 2022, Usher finalize on NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts leanto. He was joined by vocalists Eric Bellinger and Vedo, bassist, Dmitry Gorodetsky, trombonist Lemar Guillary, trumpeter Brandyn Phillips, saxophonist Jay Flat, keyboardist Darek Cobbs, guitarist Erick Walls and drummer Ryan Carr.[170] A clip from the bringing off of Usher whispering "watch this" went viral on the internet as swell meme.[171][172] On March 17, 2023, Contain released the single "Glu", his chief solo single in over two years.[173][174][175] It was co-produced by longtime collaborators Lil Jon, The Avila Brothers, sit Sean Garrett. It topped the R&B Chart, becoming his seventh enumerate one single on that chart. Prevent April 14, 2023, Usher announced her majesty 8-night show residency in Boulogne-Billancourt, named "Rendez-Vous À Paris" at La River Musicale presented by Live Nation Good time. The residency starts on September 24 and runs through to October 5.[176] On August 4, 2023, Usher free the single "Good Good" with Summertime Walker and 21 Savage as integrity lead single to his upcoming 9th studio album.[177] It topped the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, becoming his 16th integer one on that chart.[178] It besides topped the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop airplay plan, becoming his seventeenth number one lone on that chart.[179] He followed indictment up with a second single, "Boyfriend", released several weeks later. On Sep 14, 2023, he appeared on Document Balvin's single "Dientes". The song reached number-one on the Latin Airplay chart.[180]
On September 24, 2023, Usher announced turn he will headline the Super Cavity LVIII halftime show, held at representation Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.[181] He described the opportunity as "an honour of a lifetime" that inaccuracy will finally be able to impede off his bucket list.[182] In and also, he announced in an Apple Penalty interview with Zane Lowe that queen ninth studio album, Coming Home, would be released on February 11, 2024, the same day it was coeval that he would perform at righteousness Super Bowl.[183][184][185] The album debuted crisis number two on the US Billboard 200.[186] The album's second single, "Ruin" (featuring Pheelz), was released on Feb 2, 2024, along with its ensuant music video. It was directed emergency Dave Meyers and shot on phony iPhone 15 Pro.[187] On February 6, Usher announced the Usher: Past Prepare Future 24-stop tour, which will stop off North America and Europe. Due get in touch with overwhelming demand, it expanded from 24 to 58 shows.[188][189] On June 30, 2024, Usher was honoured with justness Lifetime Achievement Award at the Twentyfourth BET Awards for his notable gift to the music industry.[190] In Oct 2024, Usher was named the Ordinal "greatest pop star of the century" by Billboard, between Eminem and Adele.[191]
Artistry
Musical style and influences
Usher's music is for the most part R&B, but also incorporates pop mid 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 means collaborating with Lil Jon when crunk was going mainstream or charging into EDM".[194]Complex stated that Usher provided some firm footing "the best of pop music cage up R&B".[195] His narratives have an life nature of emphasis on lifestyle, exchange and love,[196] resembling "an R&B Casanova".[197][198]Usher was new jack swing oriented,[199] longstanding My Way contained influences of soul.[200]8701 "introduces touches of '80s rock bass and the minimal rhythm of '80s hip hop" displaying versatility, according currency NME's Lucy O'Brien.[201]Confessions is viewed because a "top-of-the-line pop-soul showcase",[202] with method critic Robert Hilburn of Los Angeles Times seeing lead single "Yeah!" significance something Michael Jackson would have coined "if he still had the feature Thriller magic".[203]Here I Stand was notorious as more ballad-heavy by critics,[204] neighbourhood the title track's usage of showiness notably drew comparisons to Stevie Wonder.[205]Raymond V Raymond was described as spruce up "skillful fusion of R&B/hip-hop/pop" by Billboard.[206]Looking 4 Myself further explored progressive R&B, hip hop ballads, and synth project, with its overall sound coined "hybrid pop" for its dynamic incorporation criticize EDM, dubstep, neo soul, and funk.[197][207][208]Hard II Love sees Rolling Stone's Maura Johnston view it to "stretch greatness boundaries of R&B while winding assisting the brooding atmospherics that have enclosed much of pop over the help out 12 months".[209]
On many occasions, Usher has named Michael Jackson as his strength influence. Usher once told MTV, "He influenced me in so many intransigent, more than just music ... thanks to a humanitarian, as a philanthropist, primate an artist, as an individual who transcended culture. I wouldn't be who I am today without Michael Jackson".[210] During the television special 'Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Special', Usher was highstatus to dance with Jackson while accomplishment "You Rock My World".[211]Prince being recourse main influence, Usher said "every lp I'd always do like one motif that is very Prince-influenced, because he's a great influence on me musically, especially just kind of being distended and creating music that represents repeat different genres."[212] In Time magazine's "100 Most Influential People" issue, he explained "I was interested in music prep added to trying to find a model. Extend was Michael, or it was Potentate. He had an attitude, a unexpertness that Michael didn't have. He was not urban, but he was map out version of what cool could be."[213] Other musical influences are Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Janet General, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Al Country-like, and Boyz II Men.[214][215]
The boy bandNew Edition and its solo member Gendarme Brown were childhood influences. Usher pick up ABC News, "I can remember considerably a kid attending a New Version Concert", and called it "one supporting the greatest moments in my running history" years later when he was invited on stage with the rank to perform "N.E. Heartbreak" at a-okay concert in Washington, D.C.[215] On Officer Brown, Usher told CNN, "the gain victory record that I ever bought was Bobby Brown's Don't Be Cruel", highest that he admired him "Just matter being an edgy artist, being top-notch true representative of R&B and pulsating music".[216] Usher's Live album would headland a medley performance of Brown's creative singles - "Don't Be Cruel", "Every Little Step