BET feted the creative legacy of Usher Raymond IV with a tribute that included performances from Victoria Monet, Coco Jones, Chloe Bailey, Summer Walker, Tinashe, Teyana Taylor, Marsha Ambrosius, and more.
The medley of hits touched on every moment where Usher mesmerized us. It followed the evolution of a career that has gone from Moesha cameos to center stage at the Superbowl.
It dived into the My Way area and swam into 8701, eventually plunging into the depths of the technicolored crunk years that found him making classic Confessions.
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Childish Gambino kicked things off by introducing Keke Palmer, who wore an interpretation of one of Usher’s most iconic outfits while performing “You Make Me Wanna.”
The tribute was full of natural successors to Usher’s talent and charisma. They picked up his affectations and nodded at the habits he picked up during his Las Vegas residency. He smiled and nodded approvingly as they led the crowd in appreciating the icon.
Social media cried foul at the range of talents who came together to celebrate the genre’s heavyweight. They questioned the lineup and argued that other names would have been better suited to celebrate the man who gifted us “Bad Girl” and “Caught Up.”
The majority of their suggestions were men. Some of them are popular, some of them used to be popular, most of them had little qualifications beyond half a decent Soundcloud single and penis.
People name-dropped several artists who have faded from the fleeting public memory. They brought up their vocal capabilities…
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