2024 NAACP Image Awards: 7 Legendary Duets and Chart-Topping Features by Usher
Undisputed R&B icon Usher doesn’t just have a reputation for being one of our time's most decorated and greatest living entertainers. He also has a pretty impressive rolodex of collaborators who have helped him create some of the biggest hits of his career, from R&B classics to pop smashes. Whether teaming up with his peers or linking up with newer acts, Usher knows the value of sharing the spotlight with others to create music magic.
Over the years, the “Entertainer of the Year” nominee at this year’s NAACP Image Awards — also the most nominated male artist with five nods — has paired up with some of the biggest names in music to give fans some unforgettable tracks, some of which he performed during his epic Super Bowl halftime show. Let’s take a look at seven of his legendary duets and features.
“Slow Jam” feat. Monica
Usher and Monica created their own certified classic when they covered Midnight Star’s “Slow Jam” in 1997. The tender duet is one of many standouts from Usher’s iconic “My Way” album.
“Yeah!” feat. Lil Jon and Ludacris
Usher’s “Yeah!” is one of those hits you easily recognize just off its first two notes alone. The Grammy-winning, all-time favorite club anthem, assisted by Lil Jon and Ludacris, still activates dance floors to this day and even returned to the Billboard charts recently, decades after peaking at No. 1 for 12 straight weeks.
“My Boo” with Alicia Keys
Usher and Alicia Keys’ “My Boo” duet helped define R&B’s loving early 2000s sound with its romantic lyrics and ageless production. It’s no wonder the song earned a Grammy for “Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals” in 2005.
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“Love in This Club, Pt. II” feat. Beyoncé and Lil' Wayne
After the original upbeat rendition of “Love in This Club” with Jeezy hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2008, Usher went back in the lab with heavy hitters Beyoncé and Lil' Wayne to record an equally successful remix. The sensual song joined its predecessor on the charts, peaking at No. 18.
“Matrimony” with Wale
Usher delivered one of the most passionate hooks in R&B history when he joined forces with Wale for the latter’s song “Matrimony,” featured on the classic “The Album About Nothing.” The wedding-themed track is among Usher’s best rap collaborations.
“New Flame” with Chris Brown and Rick Ross
Usher and Chris Brown ignited something special when they teamed up for their catchy single and Billboard-charting track “New Flame,” featuring Rick Ross. It marked the pair’s first collaboration, paving the way for others like “Party” with Gucci Mane.
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“Come Thru” with Summer Walker
Nostalgia worked in Summer Walker’s favor when she flipped Usher’s 1997 classic “You Make Me Wanna…” for her “Over It” track “Come Thru,” which featured the King of R&B himself. The two linked up again for their “Good Good” collaboration featuring 21 Savage, which appears on Usher’s latest album, “Coming Home.”
