5 Reasons Why We Love This Year’s “Best R&B/ Soul Male Artist” Nominee Usher

Photo by Denise Truscello/Getty Images for Caesars Entertainment

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 16: Usher performs at the grand opening of “USHER The Las Vegas Residency” at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on July 16, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Denise Truscello/Getty Images for Caesars Entertainment)

By Tabie Germain

November 10, 2021 / 10:38 PM

R&B music would change forever in 1994 when Usher released his self-titled debut album which featured the hit single “Can U Get Wit It.” Since then, the Grammy-award winning superstar has taken on the genre and entertainment industry as a whole. During his 20-plus-year career, the Atlanta native has given us 8 studio albums, and too many No. 1 classic hits that we’re still listening to till this day.

In honor of the upcoming 2021 Soul Train Awards ceremony, where we’re set to celebrate a night of the best in R&B and soul music, we’ve compiled a quick list of why we love this year’s “Best R&B/ Soul Male Artist,” nominee, Usher.

His music is timeless
Whether it’s his 2004 club anthem “Yeah!” featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris or his 1997 vintage record, “You Make Me Wanna…,” Usher's music could be added to a R&B playlist featuring a wide range of singers and his songs would be unlikely to feel outdated or out of place.
RELATED: The 2020 Soul Train Awards: Find Out Who's Performing
His dance skills are unmatched
Listen, we’re not here to argue… just watch the video!
He’s an amazing father
Usher on BET Buzz 2020.
The “Confessions” singer is dad to two boys Naviyd Ely, Usher Raymond V, and most recently, his adorable daughter Sovereign Bo who he welcomed with girlfriend Jenn Goicoechea last September. The couple announced last July that they are expecting their second child together, bringing Usher to a total of 4 children.

He’s your favorite artists’ favorite artist
Usher vs. Ernest Lee Straughter   - Seven years after Usher's "Burn," the second single off his classic 2004 album Confessions, was released, songwriter Ernest Lee Straughter decided to lay claim on the song. In a suit filed in a California Court on September 18, 2011, Straughter claims Usher and producer Jermaine Dupri borrowed heavily from his 1998 song "No More Pain." (Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
He gave the younger generation Justin Beiber and had collaborated with almost everyone in the music business, including fellow Soul Train Awards nominee Chris Brown, he’s also worked with Jay-Z, and a slew of other acts.
He’s a philanthropist
Usher on BET Buzz 2021.
Giving back is important to the “My Boo” singer whose New Look Foundation aims at empowering young people from underserved neighborhoods around the world to create change in their communities. In addition, he’s supported 17 charities and 18 other causes.
Watch the 2021 Soul Train Awards on Sunday, November 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and BET Her.