Hip Hop Essay

On a chilly fall day on October 14th, 1978, a star was born. Raised by both parents, they had no clue that their son would be one of America’s favorite Hip Hop artists that ever lived. Who am I talking about? Why of course, Usher Raymond IV! This Grammy winning, Billboard top leading number one artist is an inspiration to many people, of all races! This family man was born in Dallas Texas, to Jonette and Usher Raymond the III. Through most of his childhood, he lived in Chattanooga. His father left the household when Usher was only one year old. Leaving himself, mother and brother James Lackey. Usher soon joined the local church youth choir when he was nine years old. Being there, his grandmother and the congregation discovered his amazing singing ability. In belief that a bigger city would provide greater opportunities for showcasing his talent, Usher moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where there were better opportunities for beginner singers. Usher attended North Springs High School until he received his diploma. Later on Usher’s father died of a heart attack on January 21st, 2008. Usher is a vegan. He adopted a vegetarian diet shortly after the January 2008 death of his father, Usher Raymond III, from a heart attack. After several years, Usher dropped all egg and dairy products, embracing an entirely vegan diet for health reasons. When Usher was eleven years old, he joined an R & B group called “New Beginnings”, which was organized by local music Swann and Darryl Wheeler. Usher recorded ten songs with the group in 1991 and made an album that was only available for purchase online. The album was soon re-released nationally in April 2002 by Hip O Records. When Usher turned thirteen, he competed on Star Search which was the first step in becoming a worldwide star. Usher developed a friendship with American record producer, Jermaine Dupri, with whom he co-wrote and produced several tracks for his second album, My Way, released on September 16, 1997. The album's lead single, "You Make Me Wanna...” reached number one in the United Kingdom, becoming Usher's first record to be top single; the record led to his popularity reaching in the country. Usher appeared in the 2001 film Texas Rangers. In February 2002, Usher won a Grammy for 'Best Male R&B Vocal Performance' for "U Remind Me”. The next year, he won the same award for "U Don't Have to Call", making Usher the only artist aside from Luther