The Evolution of Usher
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The Evolution of Usher - Want proof that time flies? Look no further than Usher. The former teen idol, now in his thirties, has been making great music for almost two decades now. And the hit parade continued when Ush dropped his seventh studio album, Looking 4 Myself on June 12, 2012. But before we get too caught up in Usher's latest triumph, let's take a look back at the long, bumpy road that got him here. Click on to follow the Evolution of Usher and don't miss the Usher 106 Countdown Takeover tonight!
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A Star Is Born - Usher Raymond IV was born in Dallas, TX on October 14, 1978.
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Humble Beginnings - Usher got his start by singing in the church choir in Chattanooga, Tennessee. His mother relocated the family to Atlanta because the city provides more opportunities for up-and-coming singers.
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Star Search - After what his mom called "a bad experience" as part of an R&B quartet called Nubeginning, Ush competed on "Star Search" at only 13. There, he got the attention of a LA Face Records executive, who set up a meeting with L.A. Reid. The mogul eventually signed him to the label.
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First Impression - Usher released his self-titled debut album in 1994. With Sean "Diddy" Combs serving as the album's executive producer, the project went gold.
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Higher Level - Now working closely with Jermaine Dupri, Usher released My Way in 1997. The CD produced three Top 5 singles: "You Make Me Wanna," "Nice and Slow" and "My Way" and has sold over 6 million copies to date.
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One-Man Show - With the blockbuster success of My Way Usher joined several high-profile tours, including Puff Daddy's No Way Out Tour and Janet Jackson's Velvet Rope Tour. His stage show quickly established him as one of the business' best performers and arguably the best dancer of his generation.
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Acting Bug - Ush tried his hand at acting, beginning with a series of teenage roles in The Faculty, Light it Up and appearances on Moesha. Since then he's also appeared on television shows 7th Heaven, Soul Food and starred in In the Mix alongside Emmanuelle Chriqui of HBO's Entourage.
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New Look - The singer founded New Look, a non-profit organization. It initially began as an organization providing kids with education and real world experience. Years later, New Look helped rebuild city blocks in New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina.
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8701 - At 22 years old, Usher delivered yet another solid album with 8701. The CD sold 4 million copies and featured singles like “U Remind Me,” “U Got it Bad” and “U Don’t Have to Call.”
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Ladies Man - No longer a teen act, Usher’s sex appeal seemingly increased with each album. Word of his relationship with TLC's Chilli began spreading with her appearances in two 8701 videos, "U Remind Me" and "U Got it Bad."
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Top of the World - Led by “Yeah” featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris, Usher’s 2004 album Confessions sold 1.1 million in its first week. The album has been certified diamond and is considered one of the best albums of the 2000s.
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The Franchise - Talk about ballin’. Ursh became part owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2005. Back then, the Cavs were a team on the come-up with the recent acquisition of LeBron James.
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Holy Matrimony - Usher took his fans by surprise when he married Tameka Foster, his then-stylist, back in 2007. The couple gave birth to their first child a few months later.
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Fragrance Man - Usher stepped in the fragrance arena when he released Usher, including a cologne for men and perfume for women. He also released a VIP fragrance for men.
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Here I Stand - Usher's fifth solo album Here I Stand is considered a disappointment by many despite selling 1 million. The LP still produced the hit single, "Love in this Club."
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Papers - Usher filed for divorce in June 2009, claiming he and his wife, Tameka Foster had been separated for six months. The couple has two children together.
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Raymond v. Raymond - After 16 years in the business, Usher is still going strong. Hereleased his sixth album, Raymond v. Raymond featuring "Daddy's Home" and "Lil Freak" with Nicki Minaj. The CD sold over 300k in its first week and reached the top of the charts.
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The Lil Homie - Now with over 20 million albums sold worldwide, multiple awards, and various business ventures, Usher can sit back and watch his money pile up. His young protege Justin Bieber, who he signed to record deal in 2009, has the pop game on lock.(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)