Production began between Usher and Jermaine Dupri, who produced his last two albums My Way (in 1997) and 8701 (in 2001). When he began recording "Confessions" in 2003, Usher claimed that he did not want to work with any new producers. Usher’s ‘Confessions’ Album Hits 10 Million in U.S.Album Background Album Production “Confessions” introduced the becoming of a man. Lil Jon: rapper and “Confessions” producer performs on “Yeah!” Jermaine Dupri: “Confessions” producer and songwriter founder of So So Def Records In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Usher’s “Confessions,” an elite group of contributors who were involved in its creation and imperative to its plaitnum success share the story of making the album.Īndre “Dre” Harris (from Dre & Vidal): “Confessions” producerīryan-Michael Cox: “Confessions” producer and songwriter Kanye West’s ‘The College Dropout’: An Oral History The singer-songwriter took his artistry to a higher level when showcasing his vocal prowess at its fullest potential through engaging, relatable storytelling all at a time when R&B was dominating countless charts and hearts. Jermaine Dupri: “We have just come off ‘U Got It Bad,’ one of the biggest songs off ‘8701.’ We were coming off the success of ‘U Got It Bad’ and ‘U Remind Me.’ The conversation with L.A. and Usher was about where we he was heading with this album. The topic of interest of people not being interested in Usher the person was the main subject matter at that point. The media wasn’t completely sold on Usher and Usher’s interest inside and outside of the music. ‘How do we make him interesting?’ was the conversation. This was his prior getting married, getting divorced, having kids, prior than his canvas having many colors. It’s about showing interest in the person who was singing. When we write about a song, try to make it a little more interest through the story. ‘U Make Me Wanna’ was a story, a story of him leaving who he was with to be with someone else. I took that concept and applied towards ‘All Bad’ (Confessions Part I). This is the song that defined the title of the album and the mind state of the rest of the record.” “‘Confessions’ was the best of A&R, the best of production, and the best executive. It was made with a bunch of hits and feel good records. Usually those are the main ingredients to make a great album. I think that if people wouldn’t have had the chance to hear feel good records, and it would have been hit after hit, then it wouldn’t have been the great album that it is or sold as much as it did. Five records on this that were on the radio, but there are also five records that weren’t on the radio that are fan favorites. Terry Lewis: “While confessing is a great thing, I think that from a male perspective, men don’t want to hear you confess, because that just prompts issues with their relationships. We went out and produced songs that portrayed that what makes the picture a well-rounded story.” What people want to hear in a confession is what you did to get yourself in trouble and the fun you had and how you went about that, ’cause those are the things people live every day. “Sometimes it gets overlooked what a great vocalist he is.” – producer Jimmy Jam on Usher. Jimmy Jam: “Terry and Usher have a whole other type of relationship. I think Terry is more of a father figure and mentor to Usher. They talk a lot even when we’re not working on a project about life. They had many conversations on personal things, and how much to reveal. My goal with Usher is to create music and production that show off how good of a singer he is. I think sometimes it gets overlooked what a great vocalist he is. He can’t fool Terry and say, ‘This is the best I can sing it.'” So since ‘8701,’ we’ve tried to give Usher songs that’ make you say, ‘Oh Usher can sing!’ Since he’s a naturalist vocalist he can get away with singing and it sounding good but Usher won’t let him get away with just singing good. I knew we had somethin’, but honestly never would have known the record was gonna blow up the way it did! As a producer and DJ, I just like makin’ great music and hot records for the club.” Usher recorded his vocals and then I recorded mine. “I’m still in awe of the fact that the record was as big as it is. I just feel blessed to be a part of a record that made history.” I mean, it’s still gettin’ played every night in the clubs 10 years later. “I’m still in awe of the fact that the record was as big as it is.” – Lil Jon on Usher hit ‘Yeah!,’ on which he performs. Jermaine Dupri: “We always talk about visuals while making a record. We talked about what he’s going to look like and how.
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