They call him, U-S-H-E-R R-A-Y-M-O-N-D as his headline performance at the Apple Music Halftime Show during Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday, February 11, marks another significant milestone in his incredible career.

Throughout the decades, Usher has unveiled eight studio albums, four of which have soared to the top of the Billboard 200 chart. His remarkable talent has led to an impressive nine No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100. This Friday, he’s set to launch his ninth studio album, Coming Home. In addition to his achievements, Usher won eight Grammys and has appeared in multiple featured films

As we celebrate Usher’s monumental Super Bowl moment, let’s rewind the clock and revisit the journey of the King of R&B, from his humble beginnings as a young Usher to his ascent as a global superstar.

Here’s a recap of Usher’s journey leading up to the big moment this Sunday:

The Beginning

Born on October 14, 1978, in Dallas and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee by his mother Jonetta Patton, who was a local church choir director, Usher Raymond IV’s journey to stardom began early. At just 12 years old, he joined the boy band NuBeggining, but his mother recognized his potential and moved them to Atlanta to pursue greater opportunities. Usher’s talent shone brightly in numerous talent shows, catching the attention of L.A. Reid, co-founder of LaFace Records. Impressed by his rendition of Boyz II Men’s “End of the Road,” Usher secured a record deal. Under Reid’s guidance, he traveled to New York City to collaborate with Sean “Puffy” Combs on honing his craft, laying the foundation for his debut album, Usher, released in 1994.

The Saga Continues

Usher’s evolution continued with his sophomore album, My Way, released in 1997 which solidified his place in the music industry. Hits like “You Make Me Wanna,” “Nice & Slow,” “My Way,” and “Slow Jam” featuring Monica showcased his versatility and enduring appeal.

His ascent reached new heights with the release of his third album, 8701, in 2001. The singles “U Remind Me” and “U Got It Bad” both topped the charts, cementing Usher’s status with two No. 1 pop singles. The album’s title, 8701 symbolized the year Usher began sharing his voice with the world (1987) and the year of the album’s release. Notably, the album dropped on August 7th, 2001, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Confessions was born

Usher’s Confessions era marked a pinnacle in his career, producing what many consider one of the greatest R&B albums ever. Collaborating with producer and songwriter Jermaine Dupri, Usher crafted an album rooted in personal storytelling, drawing inspiration from Dupri’s experiences as well. The lead single, “Yeah,” featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris, became a club anthem and remains a timeless hit. The album’s title track, “Confessions Part II,” resonated deeply with audiences, capturing the essence of vulnerability and introspection. Another standout track, “Burn,” co-written by Usher, Dupri, and Bryan-Michael Cox, showcases Usher’s emotive vocals and explores the pain of ending a toxic relationship. We can’t forget about “My Boo” featuring Alicia Keys, which further solidified the album’s impact with its sweet nostalgia and chart-topping success—going back to the 106&Park era, the video took over the countdown multiple weeks in a row. Confessions not only earned Usher multiple awards, including a Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Album but also achieved commercial success, selling 1.1 million copies in its first week and later earning diamond certification from the RIAA in 2008.

King of R&B title is earned

Usher’s journey continued to evolve in the years following Confessions, with the release of his album Here I Stand in 2008. This period marked a significant chapter in his personal life, as he navigated marriage to Tameka Foster and embraced fatherhood. The album showcased a more mature side of Usher, reflecting his growth and life experiences. Hits like “Love in This Club” demonstrated Usher’s ability to blend his signature party vibes with deeper themes. Releasing albums like Raymond v. Raymond in 2010 and Looking 4 Myself in 2012, showcased Usher’s versatility and willingness to explore different sounds and styles. Raymond v. Raymond delved into Usher’s experiences after being newly divorced, echoing the reflective tone of Confessions. Throughout his career, Usher has maintained a strong collaborative spirit, teaming up with artists like Wale on “Matrimony” and will.i.am on the chart-topping single “OMG,” showcasing his enduring relevance and influence in the music industry. We continue to crown him as “King of R&B” which he deserves. 

Coming Home

Usher’s upcoming performance at the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show marks a significant moment in his career, coinciding with the release of his highly anticipated new album, Coming Home, set to drop this Friday. This album marks his first release since Hard II Love in 2016, showcasing his continued evolution as an artist. From his successful Las Vegas residency, which captivated audiences from 2021 to 2023, to his upcoming summer tour, Usher shows no signs of slowing down.

We look forward to witnessing the next chapter in Usher’s journey unfold. It’s undoubtedly a Usher concert weekend, and excitement is in the air!

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