This week’s From The Vault pick features two R&B titans who joined forces for what would become one of 2004’s biggest releases. Of course, we’re talking Usher and Alicia Keys’ ‘My Boo’.
After the tremendous success of their albums, the Diamond-selling ‘Confessions’ and the Multi-Platinum ‘The Diary Of Alicia Keys’ – Ush and AK united to record the Jermaine Dupri produced track; a decision that would prove a wise one as it gave them their 7th and 2nd #1 on Billboard Hot 100 respectively.
In addition to its 6 weeks reign atop of the said chart – and a #36 ranking on the Decade-End tally – ‘My Boo’ reached the fifth spot of the UK charts and was nominated for two Grammys, winning one and losing the other… to none other than Alicia Keys and her signature hit ‘If I Ain’t Got You’.
The Chris Robinson directed visual complimenting the song’s lyrics saw the two singers reminiscing on the love that once was, wandering the empty streets of New-York and eventually meeting in Times Square.
Eight years later, Usher and Alicia are still slaying the charts and blazing stages worldwide. Sure, neither may shift the type of units they once did (see: recession, rise of illegal downloading, and the general roller-coaster that is a “career”) . However, they remain major industry figures and have cultivated success narratives that serve as both inspirations to both newcomers as well as their chart rivals. Indeed, while some of the acts outselling both at present are popular, these two are also respected – a particularly important difference.
Talents like those never cease to amaze, so we’re confident these two have a few more successful decades in music ahead of them.
Awwwww back in the day when I actually used to like Alicia I’ll steal yo man Keys…..
But anyways my boo usher looks so f****** s*** as always I want the D
Listened to this last week again and realized how I miss these R’nB songs nowadays… I’m in love with Alicia, Usher & My Boo!!! One of the best songs!
Ahh i LOVE this song.
They just dont make music like they used to.
Nostalgia to the max!
Loved this song, they are both TRUE artist and have remained on top of their game. Alicia Keys new album is another timeless piece, her duet with Maxwell is going to be another one of those songs that will live on forever, but there are many other songs on that album that are classic, I think the worst song is Girl On Fire, don’t be fooled by the first single(although it is almost at 1 million in sales) the rest of the album is pure R&B Soul.
I love this song……those were the amazing R&B days. Both Alicia and Usher were in their primes (musically, performance wise, voice wise, image wise, etc…….) I miss this era. Oh and JD is a genius, that man created Always be my baby/Daydream =, Emancipation of Mimi, etc with Mariah and he always works magic.
I never cared much for it and thought it sounded like Casio keyboard music…but I’d take it over what passes for a “hit” these days.
A Great song and they bought it and the song really relates
to love as we all know it today.
As journalists, or budding ones at that, has no one ever taken the initiative to learn how to appropriately construct an article? Those that write for this site must be condemned, for the writing presented on here is sub-par entry level mediocrity [see: stop using these to emphasize your points as it only emphasizes your lack of basic writing skills] You’d be surprised who reads this site, and aside from the constant nonchalant Rihanna bashing that screams “unprofessional” and journalistic bias, how can people take YOUR opinions about OTHER people’s lack of talent or shortcomings seriously when the very essences of this blog is based on mediocre writing and unprofessionalism? It’s almost as baffling as Nicki Minaj being chosen to judge talent.
Mhmm. Although I’m glad we got these two Pop titans on record together (which never happened with MJ & Prince, MJ & Whit) I have to admit I was disappointed with the song; it just kinda fell flat and was quite boring. There was no spark in it as it kept a boring medium tempo and the percussion was dull. Indeed “No Air” is better. “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” is one of the best male/female duets I’v ever heard and this felt like two “hood” people trying to do a love song. It should have been better. Congrats on it’s success though.
This is the REAL Usher, before he turned into Taio Cruz or the lost member of LMFAO. Pardon me while I weep for what used to be (and should have never changed.)
Good ole days.