Usher: The Young Dreamer Turned RnB Superstar Who Took the Center Stage With Passion and Tenacity

Image source: Grammy

While ordinary teenagers are busy establishing their identity in this world, some exceptional youngsters carve a path towards success and make a mark across several industries at a young age. These individuals are highly passionate, going the extra mile in order to translate their visions into a reality. One such individual who has cemented his reputation at 15 is Usher Terry Raymond IV, better known by his pen name, Usher.

Usher is an American artist known for his smooth vocals and sensual ballads. His exceptional command over music has garnered much attention from established authorities and industry peers, cementing his reputation across a cutthroat trade. This powerhouse not only proves worthy of his sterling reputation across the industry, but he also spreads his love for the craft by inspiring young aspirants to chase their dreams and realize their potential.

Born in the scenic city of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Usher always had an incredible affinity towards rhythm and beats. Ever since he sang in church choirs as a youngster, this multifaceted artist knew that he would create a career out of music. He would sing in countless talent shows, highlighting his exceptional vocals, broad range, and chic style in each performance. At 12, his family moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he was able to secure a recording contract with LaFace Records.

Impressively, this multi-talented artist was able to release his first self-titled album at 15. From being a choir vocal to becoming a rising superstar in the music industry, Usher has captured the hearts of many listeners across the world. Although the album was not a commercial success, Usher continued to persevere, spending the next few years working on his album, “My Way” (1997). This then became a stepping stone for Usher, making him a significant RnB superstar of his time with his single, “Nice & Slow,” topping the Billboard’s all-genre singles chart.

Over the years, Usher has demonstrated his musical prowess across the industry. With chart-topping singles and albums in his arsenal, he further cemented his reputation as a smooth and seductive RnB singer and garnered two Grammy awards for his “8701” album. His 2004 album, “Confessions,” sold more than ten million copies in the United States, earning him three more Grammy awards. More impressively, this go-getting artist also appeared in various television shows and films, such as “American Dreams,” “In The Mix,” and “Chicago.”

Proving unstoppable in his craft, Usher continued to solidify his reputable stance by producing more albums, such as “Here I Stand,” “Raymond v. Raymond,” “Looking 4 Myself”, “Hard II Love,” and “A,” that delved into his personal and family life. His single entitled “There Goes My Baby” rang the hearts of many and won the best male RnB performance.

Aside from his musical career, Usher also stays busy with charitable works through New Look Foundation. Additionally, he serves as a coach in The Voice and a part-owner of NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers.

Ever since Usher established his name at the age of 15, he became a sought-after musician whose achievements spoke volumes of his passion and dedication for the craft. As he continues to stand at the helm of his career, this power player inspires many young aspirants to chase their dreams amidst adversities.

References:

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Usher

https://www.biography.com/musician/usher

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian Agree to Joint Custody as Divorce Proceeds

Source: Vogue

Social media is agog with the latest news about Kanye West and Kim Kardashian’s divorce process. The US rapper and the reality TV star mutually agreed to end their seven-year marriage, citing “irreconcilable differences” as one reason for their split.

On February 19, Kim filed a divorce petition against Kanye while also requesting joint legal and physical custody of their four children, North, aged seven; Saint, five; Chicago, three; and Psalm, one. A month after Kim petitioned for divorce, Kanye responded and agreed to the terms of joint custody. The former couple also decided not to contest their prenuptial arrangement and seek spousal support as they kept their properties separate throughout their marriage.

The now-divorced couple is one of the most famous couples globally, both successful in their multiple businesses, making their marriage one of the most closely followed. They first met in 2003 when Kim was working as Brandy’s assistant. The two instantly became friends as Kim was still married to her ex-husband Damon Thomas at the time. 

In 2013, Kanye admitted he had a crush on Kim from the moment he saw her and told Ryan Seacrest, “I just knew I wanted her to be my girl for a long time.” However, after her divorce, they remained friends, with Kanye expressing his feelings for her through a verse on Keri Hilson’s single “Knock You Down,” as he reportedly asked her to leave her then-boyfriend, NFL star Reggie Bush.

When Kim again got engaged to her NBA player boyfriend, Kris Humphries, the Atlanta-born rapper admitted he tried to dissuade Kim, whom he was still friends with, from going through with the marriage. He sent her photos of old basketball players who haven’t aged well, hoping to convince her to reconsider her engagement.

In 2012, Kim started her divorce proceeding with her 72-day husband Humphries and this time, Kanye openly rapped about falling in love with Kim in the song “Cold.” In April of the same year, the pair were caught on camera together during an outing in New York City. 

Although they kept the details of their relationship hush first, the pair started getting cozy and were spotted together at several events, including Kim’s Vogue Italia shoot. Kim’s sisters also hinted they were an item as the rapper started attending the Kardashians’ family events.

In June 2012, Kim announced their relationship by calling herself a “proud girlfriend” on Twitter. By December, the excited lovebirds announced that they were expecting their first child together. After they welcomed their first daughter, North West, in 2013, Kanye pulled all the stops and officially asked Kim to be his wife in an elaborate proposal where he rented out the AT&T Stadium in San Francisco.

As their romance took off, the couple became the first biracial couple to be featured on the cover of Vogue, and their wedding picture, which showed them kissing against a backdrop of a gorgeous wall of flowers, broke Instagram records as the most-liked Instagram photo at the time, with over 2 million likes.

Throughout their marriage, Kim and Kanye have stood up for each other and openly expressed support and celebrated each other, giving a new meaning to the phrase “through thick and thin.” Now that their divorce proceeding is underway, Kim and Kanye remain amicable toward each other by putting their children first.

References:

https://www.insider.com/kim-kardashian-kanye-west-relationship-2017-8

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-u

Res-Canada-56718074

https://www.etonline.com/kanye-west-responds-to-kim-kardashians-divorce-petition-160891