Uproxx cover star Latto is a proud product of Clayton County, but Atlanta is her true home. Yesterday (June 22), the “Sunday Service” rapper showed off her A-Town pride at 107.9’s Birthday Bash 2024.
Last night, Latto became the first woman to headline the annual event. So, to celebrate the momentous occasion, she was sure to surprise the crowd with half a dozen cameos from past collaborators and fellow musical natives, including Usher.
Unfortunately, as Usher went to perform his fan favorite track “Superstar” he experienced a few technical issues. As the problem were worked through on production’s end, Latto jumped in to hilariously sing the cult classic.
Usher was shocked by Latto’s attempt, put it all on the floor. Later into his set, he delivered a touching speech to praise the strides Latto has made in her career.
“You know, we have this thing that we do in Atlanta, where we just seem to keep making history,” he said. “Tonight, Latto made history, being the first female to [headline] Birthday Bash. [So,] we wanna give her, her flowers, one time.”
Latto brings out Usher and he gives her her flowers at Birthday Bash in Atlanta pic.twitter.com/ttCZ28dP2Z
But don’t think the historic concert was a big payday for Latto. In a post on Instagram, she revealed spent all the money on her show’s production. “Not making a penny from Birthday Bash,” she wrote. “I invested it all back in the show.”
Essence Fest 2024 is here, and R&B icon Usher is set to headline the Festival of Culture with a special one-night-only concert celebrating the 20th anniversary of his acclaimed album Confessions. Talk about good timing.
This performance is one to check out. It is part of the festival’s 30th-anniversary celebrations, taking place in New Orleans from July 4-7, 2024, at the Caesar’s Superdome.
Ge this, the festival lineup includes major artists such as Janet Jackson, Birdman and Friends, Charlie Wilson, Ari Lennox, T-Pain, TGT, Busta Rhymes, Method Man, and rising star Victoria Monét. Keke Palmer, Pretty Vee, Big Tigger, Punkie Johnson, and Kenny Burns will handle hosting duties, with DJ sets from Raj Smoove, DJ Clark Kent, and DJ Beverly Bond.
Daytime events are also fun and exciting which will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, featuring activities like the ESSENCE Food & Wine Festival, BEAUTYCON: @ESSENCEFEST Edition, AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA, ESSENCE Film Festival by ESSENCE STUDIOS, ESSENCE Stage, SOKO MRKT by ESSENCE, ESSENCE Authors, ESSENCE GU CREATORS HOUSE, and GBEF HQ. This year’s festival also introduces The Suede: Men’s Experience, focusing on Black men’s interests in money, fatherhood, creativity, health, travel, fashion, and sports.
Here is what Hakeem Holmes, Vice President of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, said about the significance of the festival … “For three decades, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture has blossomed into a pillar of our culture. It spans generations and echoes life stages, growing at the vibrant intersection of art, culture, freedom, and justice. As the festival approaches its 30-year milestone, we are excited to welcome and celebrate with all our closest family and friends around the world—whether it’s your 30th, 11th (like me), 2nd, or even first time. It promises to be an enriching four days of daytime and evening experiences.”
All roads were supposed to lead to Sin City. However, if you were ready to shuffle between performance sets at Lovers & Friends Festival 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada, you just crapped out.
Yesterday (May 3), while practically the entire world was focused on Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s diss exchanges, the budding live R&B event announced that it was being forced to pull the plug. On X (formerly Twitter), organizers revealed that due to inclement weather and warnings from weather experts, they decided to cancel the jam-packed day out of safety concerns.
“The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning, including dangerous 30-35 mph sustained winds with gusts potentially more than 60 mph,” read the statement. “Following advice from the National Weather Service and in consultation with local public officials, we must make the safest decision for our fans, artists, and staff, and cancel tomorrow’s Lovers & Friends Festival. This was an incredibly heartbreaking decision to make as we are aware that fans have traveled from all over the world to enjoy this incredible lineup of superstars and have been looking forward to this event for several months.”
Lovers & Friends Festival has unfortunately been canceled due to dangerous weather predicted for Saturday. Fans who purchased tickets directly through Front Gate Tickets will receive a refund within 30 days. For more info: https://t.co/ip1MLPJL0mpic.twitter.com/Koo5ZirzmG
— Lovers & Friends Festival (@lvrsnfrndsfest) May 4, 2024
With acts such as Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys, Backstreet Boys, Brandy, and of course Usher on the lineup, festivalgoers were livid and didn’t mind airing out their grievances online. Following the news, Usher took to his personal X page to express his frustration.
“Mannn…I’m just as disappointed as you are,” he wrote. “We were getting ready to turn up and celebrate today. I have to follow the orders of city officials and the National Weather Service for everyone’s protection and stand strong in my belief that everything happens for a reason.”
Without providing specifics, Usher went on to tease that he would make it up to ticket holders very soon. “I’m sorry we won’t get to see each other today,” he wrote. “But know that I am always working on something to express my heartfelt gratitude for each and every one of you who continue to support me. I’ll see you soon.”
Mannn…I’m just as disappointed as you are. We were getting ready to turn up and celebrate today. I have to follow the orders of city officials and the National Weather Service for everyone’s protection and stand strong in my belief that everything happens for a reason. I’m sorry…
Whatever he has up his sleeve fans surely hope it is an even larger 20th anniversary performance of his critically acclaimed album, Confessions. Online Usher shared behind-the-scenes footage of what would’ve been his headlining set at Lovers And Friends 2024, but unfortunately the public won’t have the chance to see it.
In the note issued by the festival, refunds for those who paid via Front Gate Tickets will be processed within the next 30 days. Find more information here.
Usher, the multi-platinum GRAMMY Award-winning artist, will grace the Lovers & Friends festival on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Las Vegas Festival Grounds. In an exclusive performance, he will deliver his seminal album Confessions.
Confessions, certified 14x platinum by the RIAA, remains the highest-rated album by a male soloist that has been released this century. Boasting hits like “Yeah,” “Burn,” “Confessions Pt. II,” and “My Boo,” the album sold 1.1 million copies in its debut week, dominating the charts for weeks on end.
This unique showcase at Lovers & Friends marks the first time Usher will perform the album from start to finish, promising an unforgettable experience for fans. Joining Usher on the festival’s star-studded lineup are Janet Jackson, Gwen Stefani, Nas, Alicia Keys, and more, along with Lil Wayne presenting Tha Carter III.
Produced by Live Nation and Redrock Entertainment, Lovers & Friends promises to celebrate iconic music and unforgettable performances, making it a must-attend event for music lovers everywhere.
Jermaine Dupri says that he, Usher, and Bryan-Michael Cox are the “real big 3” amid Kendrick Lamar’s feud with Drake and J. Cole. He did so in a post on Instagram 20 years after the release of Confessions. “20 years later, the real BIG 3, celebrating Confessions (Fun Fact ) the iPhone didn’t even exist when we made this album,” he captioned a photo of the three of them.
Fans celebrated the iconic album in the comments section. One wrote: “Wow! Another fun fact about the statistics of this record. ‘When it was released there was no social networking. Facebook was not even for public use and as a college campus network it was only created 7 wks before confession hit the streets.’” Another added: “A very well put together album… solid… iconic… valuable… stands the tests of time…. & no skips!”
Jermaine Dupri & Usher Perform At The So So Def Anniversary Concert
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 23: Usher and Jermain Dupri perform at the So So Def 20th anniversary concert at the Fox Theater on February 23, 2013, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/Getty Images)
Usher recently celebrated the anniversary of Confessionson Instagram in a post of his own as well. “20 years ago today, we dropped the iconic ‘Confessions’ album, which is now 14x Platinum. Making it the highest RIAA certified album by a male soloist released this century,” he captioned the post. “The love and support from my Day 1s has been nothing short of incredible. Thank you for rocking with me through every lyric, every beat, and every confession. Thank you to each and every important collaborator that was apart of this very special project that helped mold and shape my career as an artist. Without you, Confessions wouldn’t be the masterpiece it is. Here’s to the memories, the vibes, and the timeless music that continues to move us. Let’s keep making history!!” Check out Dupri’s message below.
As for Kendrick Lamar’s feud with Drake and J. Cole, he sent shockwaves across the hip-hop industry when he dissed the two on Metro Boomin and Future’s new album, We Don’t Trust You. Be on the lookout for further updates on Jermaine Dupri on HotNewHipHop.
Usher says that he’s still upset that his iconic 2004 album, Confessions, didn’t win Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards. Ray Charles’ final studio album, Genius Loves Company, took home the honor that year instead. Usher reflected on the loss during an interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe following his performance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show.
“I didn’t win Album Of The Year that year, and I’m still a little like, ‘Damn.’ I don’t know if there’s been an album that has actually sold as many or been as influential as that album has been,” he said. From there, he explained that artists do care about what happens at the Grammys.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 11: Usher performs onstage during the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
“Artists care [about winning Grammys]. And I’m happy to see the progress that they are making, but it doesn’t change the fact that we have feelings and we have lived in a time where you’re supposed to be poised and conduct yourself in a certain manner,” he said. “But I think when you finally get to an age where you’re like, ‘Hey man, love it or hate it, this is how I feel,’ rather you choose to do something for history, not just for me or these young artists. That’s good. But do you do things for history? I did.” Check out Usher’s full conversation with Apple Music below.
Usher Speaks With Zane Lowe
Confessions was Usher’s fourth studio album. While it didn’t win Album of the Year, the project did help Usher take home three Grammy Awards. He won Best Contemporary R&B Album, Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal (“My Boo”) and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration (“Yeah!”). Be on the lookout for further updates on Usher on HotNewHipHop.
The legendary Jermaine Dupri has several iconic music productions in his catalog. He began producing when he was just twelve years old for local artists in his hometown of College Park, Atlanta. His career-defining moment would come in 1992 when he made “Just Kickin’ It” for Xscape, paving their path to a deal with LaFace Records. Jermaine Dupri then launched his label, So So Def Recordings two years later, ushering in a wave of now-timeless productions and artists.
His extensive collaborations with the likes of Da Brat, Mariah Carey, Usher, Monica, and Bow Wow have left an indelible mark on Hip Hop. However, his impact extends far beyond the genre. Jermaine Dupri has since shaped evergreen hits, while persistently influencing the industry. Today, his ongoing contributions to production, entrepreneurial endeavors, and philanthropy continue to shape the music landscape, solidifying his enduring prestige in the industry.
“Grillz” by Nelly made its mark by claiming the number one position on the US Billboard Hot 100. It also held this coveted spot for two consecutive weeks. Furthermore, on Billboard’s year-end chart for 2006, the single was the 12th biggest hit. The track earned a platinum certification from the RIAA, surpassing a million sales. Recognizing its impact, the song received a nomination for Best Rap Performance as a Duo or Group at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards in 2007.
6. “Always Be My Baby” – Mariah Carey (1996)
A serial record breaker, “Always Be My Baby,” was co-written and produced by Mariah Carey, Jermaine Dupri, and Manuel Seal. The soft and mellow track is one of the biggest Jermaine Dupri productions of all time and was a rager on the charts. It became Carey’s eleventh Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper and held the spot for two weeks. More notably, it stayed for nine weeks at number two, setting the record for the fourth-longest song to hold that position.
5. “The First Night” – Monica (1998)
This track remains a staple from Monica’s impeccable R&B discography. It was written by Tamara Savage and Jermaine Dupri, marking one of the latter’s more intimate productions. The track initially held the number one spot but was briefly dethroned by Barenaked Ladies’ “One Week,” only to reclaim the top position for an additional three weeks. It marked Monica’s sixth Top Ten and second consecutive number-one single on the US Billboard Hot 100. “The First Night” also got certified platinum by the RIAA, and made the 18th spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 year-end listing.
4. “U Got It Bad” – Usher (2001)
“U Got It Bad” secured Usher’s third number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 in December 2001. This marked Usher’s first consecutive pair of number-one hits, following “U Remind Me.” Reaching the chart’s peak again in January 2002, the song dominated the Hot 100 for five more weeks. Simultaneously, it shattered the record for the highest audience impression on the Hot 100 Airplay chart, previously held by Alicia Keys.
3. “Burn” – Usher (2004)
After tasting the magic of his productions, Usher kept Jermaine Dupri on board for his third album, 8701. Originally intended as the lead single for his commercially triumphant album Confessions, “Burn” is another staple in Usher’s catalog. Debuting at number 65 on the Billboard Hot 100 months before its physical release, the soulful single rose to number one in May 2004. It would also hold the spot for eight non-consecutive weeks. “Burn” also ranked as the fifth most-played song in 2004, and earned an RIAA platinum certification. Moreover, it claimed the position of the second best-selling single in the US, trailing behind Usher’s own “Yeah!.” In 2009, Billboard’s Hot 100 Songs of the Decade named it as the 21st most successful song of the 2000s.
One of his earliest productions, Jermaine Dupri shone behind the scenes on this classic Hip-Hop anthem. The young Kriss Kross duo: Chris “Mac Daddy” Kelly and Chris “Daddy Mac” Smith, were aged 12 and 13 respectively when the song was recorded. “Jump” raged across local and global charts, and it remains Kris Kross’s biggest hit to date. Topping both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Rap Songs chart, it became the fastest-selling single in fifteen years, reigning atop the Hot 100 for a consecutive eight weeks. The track’s success also fueled over four million sales of Kris Kross’s debut album, Totally Krossed Out.
1. “We Belong Together” – Mariah Carey (2005)
After a minor career decline between 2001-2004, joint productions by Jermaine Dupri and Mariah Carey led to the classic 2005 album, The Emancipation Of Mimi. One of the songs to revitalize Carey’s career was the track “We Belong Together.” The emotional ballad was a critical and commercial success and a testament to both of their lasting legacies. This track also earned Carey her sixteenth chart-topper on the Billboard Hot 100 where it reigned for fourteen weeks. Nominated for Song of the Year and Record of the Year at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards, “We Belong Together” secured wins for Best R&B Song and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
Before the world knew him as the R&B luminary behind Confessions, Usher Raymond IV was a burgeoning talent from Chattanooga with a voice as smooth as silk and moves to match. By the early 2000s, Usher had already carved out his niche with hits that blended the fervor of R&B with pop sensibility. Yet, the advent of Confessions would catapult him into an unprecedented stratum of stardom. Released in 2004, this reflective opus was a narrative of personal reckoning and a cultural event that would redefine the contours of modern R&B.
Confessions wasn’t just an album. It was a confessional booth set to a symphony of synthesizers and soul. Usher’s collaboration with producers Jermaine Dupri and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis forged a sound unafraid to delve into the complexities of relationships, infidelity, and the nuances of 21st-century love. Tracks like “Burn,” “Confessions Part II,” and “Yeah!” became more than chart-toppers; they were the anthems of a generation grappling with the same truths that Usher laid bare.
Confessions: Unveiling The Heartbeat Of Hits & Humanity
In crafting Confessions, Usher tapped into a universal pulse—the beats of love and loss that bind the human experience. The album’s narrative arc takes listeners through the tumult of romantic entanglement, with Usher as the charismatic guide. The lead single, “Yeah!” featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris. It combined crunk energy with R&B suavity, dominating the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 consecutive weeks and becoming a global club staple.
Yet, the poignant “Burn” and the title track, “Confessions Part II,” revealed the album’s soul. Here, Usher’s storytelling prowess shone through as he navigated the complexities of confession and the catharsis of truth. These tracks resonated not just for their melodic hooks but for their emotive honesty. It earned them a perpetual spot on the airwaves and in the hearts of fans. The album’s thematic exploration of fidelity, redemption, and the fallout of fame struck a chord.
Confessions showcased Usher’s maturity as both an artist and a man. This potent combination of dance anthems and ballads steeped in verity propelled the album to be certified Diamond by the RIAA, signifying sales of over 10 million copies in the United States alone. The album didn’t merely chart. It became a soundtrack for an era, with Usher at the helm of a new wave of R&B.
Confessions Breaks The Mold: A Critical & Commercial Phenomenon
Upon its release, Confessions was not just met with fanfare but with a critical acclaim that echoed its commercial success. The album was a mainstay in the cultural dialogue of 2004. Usher’s raw narrative captures the attention of both critics and fans. It was lauded for its production quality, lyrical depth, and Usher’s vocal versatility. He seamlessly blended the bravado of R&B with the vulnerability of soul. This critical success translated into tangible accolades, including several Grammy Awards, among them Best Contemporary R&B Album.
Further, commercially, Confessions was a titan, surging through sales records with the force of its confessional candor. It became the year’s best-selling album in the United States, with over 1 million copies sold in the first week alone. It continued this meteoric trajectory to achieve over 20 million sales worldwide. This firmly placed Usher in the pantheon of R&B legends. The album’s singles painted the top of the charts in bold strokes. “Yeah!” cemented itself as a defining track of the year, and “Burn” followed closely with its multi-week reign at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Enduring Resonance: The Timeless Legacy Of “Confessions”
The legacy of Usher’s Confessions extends well beyond the metrics of its initial success. It is a testament to the power of personal storytelling in music. This set a precedent for authenticity in a genre often veiled in bravado. The album’s introspective nature and exploration of complex emotions laid the groundwork for a new wave of R&B artists, who now navigate the blurred lines between public persona and private life.
Culturally, Confessions has become a touchstone. Its influence is discernible in the works of artists across genres who cite Usher as pivotal in their musical development. The record’s soundscape weaves together the threads of hip-hop, crunk, and soulful R&B. It continues to be a benchmark for sonic excellence. It’s not just the melodies and lyrics that have withstood the test of time. It’s the raw emotional energy that Usher channeled into each track. He crreated songs that serve as anthems for listeners navigating the complexities of love and identity.
Usher hopped off his skates and went to the NPR Tiny Desk stage. To close our NPR’s celebration of Black Music Month, Usher, flanked by Vedo, Eric Bellinger, and a live band, performed a medley of hits.
During his time on the stage, Usher performed “You Make Me Wanna…” for the opener before following up with “Superstar,” “U Don’t Have to Call” and “Nice & Slow,” which had a nice piece of audience interaction. Afterward, Usher performed “Confessions” Pt. 1 and 2, before he closed with another trip to the “My Way” album.
#Lattobash pic.twitter.com/ZA6AHlopXC
(@Ian7_77) June 23, 2024
has blossomed into a pillar of our culture. It spans generations and echoes life stages, growing at the vibrant intersection of art, culture, freedom, and justice. As the festival approaches its 30-year milestone, we are excited to welcome and celebrate with all our closest family and friends around the world—whether it’s your 30th, 11th (like me), 2nd, or even first time. It promises to be an enriching four days of daytime and evening experiences.”
