Wednesday, December 8, 2010
The Year of Usher
For Usher, below, it has been a very good year. His single ''Yeah!,'' featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris, was No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart for 12 weeks, and was immediately followed in the top slot by his ''Burn,'' which stayed there for eight weeks, giving him a 20-week consecutive run at the top of that Billboard list, a record. (The Hot 100 is calculated through a combination of sales and radio play.) ''Yeah!'' and ''Burn'' captured both the No. 1 and No. 2 slots on the magazine's year-end singles chart, which Billboard says is the first time one act has performed that feat since 1964, when the Beatles had ''I Want to Hold Your Hand'' and ''She Loves You.'' Usher didn't have a bad year with albums, either. The R&B crooner's ''Confessions'' (La Face) rode high in the Billboard charts not once but twice: the original release of the album, in March, reached No. 1, and a ''Special Edition'' reissue in October, with four additional tracks (including the hit ''My Boo,'' with Alicia Keys), reached No. 2. The combined sales to date for the two albums is 7.3 million, according to Nielsen SoundScan. BEN SISARIO
Credits to: http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9402E1D91330F932A15751C1A9629C8B63&ref=usher
Credits to: http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9402E1D91330F932A15751C1A9629C8B63&ref=usher
In the Mix (2005) Usher Makes Some Friends Who Are Mobsters
The newspaper advertisement for "In the Mix" is a large photograph of the R&B star Usher in a pinstripe suit, being attended by five hands. Two hands seem to be caressing him, two are grooming him and one gives the definite impression of grabbing him with intent to commit violence.
This is truth in advertising. "In the Mix," a one-dimensional romantic comedy that opened nationwide yesterday, feels like an old-fashioned vehicle picture, the kind the big movie studios used to make in the 1930's and 40's just to bring in the fans of a particular actor or actress.
In that tradition, Usher's character, Darrell, is perfect and everybody loves him. Working as a D.J. at a New York club, he is surrounded by beautiful women lusting after him. He is also a cherished family friend of Frank (Chazz Palminteri), a well-to-do Italian-American mobster, and his two children, Frankie Jr. (Anthony Fazio), one of those white boys who affect the language and dress of urban black culture; and Dolly (Emmanuelle Chriqui), a Mafia princess in a tasteful suit and pearl earrings, a year away from her law degree.
Dolly is pretty close to perfect, too, come to think of it. At a surprise party honoring her, Darrell is the only person who notices a car driving slowly past the restaurant window. Just in time, as the gunfire shatters the window, Darrell warns everyone to get down but is shot in the shoulder himself. "I can't believe you jumped in front of that bullet," says Dolly in an example of the less than rich and textured dialogue in Jacqueline Zambrano's script.
Taking a bullet for a man is a big deal, and Frank is very grateful. Knowing that whoever did the drive-by gangland shooting is sure to try again, he allows Darrell to play bodyguard to Dolly, who insists he go to yoga class with her. But when Frank learns that Darrell and Dolly have been seen dancing cheek to cheek, he turns racist fast.
The plot also involves some mobster-on-mobster violence, but that exists mostly to set up the love story.
Ron Underwood, whose films have included the likable "City Slickers" and the notorious flop "The Adventures of Pluto Nash," directs competent actors competently, but virtually every development and many specific actions and reactions are excruciatingly predictable. Yes, when a middle-age black woman meets Dolly for the first time, she does say, "This girl needs some meat on her bones."
A dog named Rufus has a nice scene, and a precocious little girl (Isis Faust) is charming in the way of precocious little girls.
"In the Mix" is rated PG-13 (Parental guidance suggested). It has strong language, sexual situations, considerable gunfire and one unfortunate accident involving a shiny disco ball.
In the Mix
Opens today nationwide.
Directed by Ron Underwood; written by Jacqueline Zambrano, based on a story by Chanel Capra, Cara Dellaverson and Brian Rubenstein; director of photography, Clark Mathis; edited by Don Brochu; music by Aaron Zigman; production designer, Cynthia Charette; produced by John Dellaverson; released by Lions Gate Films. Running time: 97 minutes.
WITH: Usher (Darrell), Chazz Palminteri (Frank), Emmanuelle Chriqui (Dolly), Robert Davi (Fish), Matt Gerald (Jackie), Robert Costanzo (Fat Tony), Anthony Fazio (Frankie Jr.) and Isis Faust (Lexi).
Usher Rehires Mother
The R&B singer Usher has left his manager, Billboard reported. In a statement released by his label, LaFace/Zomba, Usher said that he had ''dissolved his management arrangement with Benny Medina and has re-engaged JonnettaPatton,'' his mother, ''as his manager.'' Usher was managed by his mother until May 2007, when he hired Mr. Medina, who manages Mariah Carey and other artists. Usher's latest album, ''Here I Stand,'' has sold 948,000 copies in the past 10 weeks in the United States and is the eighth best-selling album of the year to date. But it hasn't sold nearly as well his ''Confessions'' album from 2004, which sold 3.77 million copies in its first 10 weeks.
Credits to: http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9406E1D7143FF93BA3575BC0A96E9C8B63&ref=usher
Credits to: http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9406E1D7143FF93BA3575BC0A96E9C8B63&ref=usher
Usher Kicks Off 'OMG Tour' 2011
Usher appeared on the US talent show Star Search when he was 13 years old. His performance on the show eventually earned him a contract with LaFace Records. His first song for them was 'Call Me A Mack' which was released on the Poetic Justice soundtrack.
The second album, My Way, was released in 1997 The lead single, 'You Make Me Wanna' was a number one hit and has been certified platinum. The second single. 'Nice and Slow' reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Usher's first Grammy nomination was 'Best Male R&B Vocal Performance' for 'You Make Me Wanna'.
In 2002, Usher repeated his 'Best Male R&B Vocal Performance' Grammy win; this time for 'U Don't Have To Call'. Usher's next studio album, Confessions, was released in 2004, and its lead single, 'Yeah!' was another number one hit. Confessions shifted over 1.1 million units in its first week, the highest ever by a male R&B artist.
Raymond v. Raymond, was released on March 26, 2010 in Germany, on March 30, 2010 in the US, and was released April 26, 2010 in the UK. The album was expected to follow in Usher's Confessions album's footsteps. Raymond v. Raymond was released only months after Usher's divorce from Tameka Foster. Raymond v. Raymond also dominated the International Charts. Debuting inside the top 10 in Canada, the United Kingdom, Holland, Australia, Germany, Spain, and Italy. Due to the huge international success of Ushers newest single "OMG" he further announced 'OMG Tour' 2011 .
The Grammy Awarded R&B superstar Usher is coming to UK on his new 'OMG Tour' and will play five dates starting at Manchester's MEN Arena (January 26), Birmingham (January 27),
Glasgow (January 29), Liverpool (January 30) and conclude at London O2 Arena on February 2nd.
Tickets for the upcoming tour go on sale on Friday (September 24) at 9am. For more information, check out GigSport.com.
Credits to: http://wwww.fanpop.com/spots/usher/articles/75734/title/usher-kicks-off-omg-tour-2011
The second album, My Way, was released in 1997 The lead single, 'You Make Me Wanna' was a number one hit and has been certified platinum. The second single. 'Nice and Slow' reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Usher's first Grammy nomination was 'Best Male R&B Vocal Performance' for 'You Make Me Wanna'.
In 2002, Usher repeated his 'Best Male R&B Vocal Performance' Grammy win; this time for 'U Don't Have To Call'. Usher's next studio album, Confessions, was released in 2004, and its lead single, 'Yeah!' was another number one hit. Confessions shifted over 1.1 million units in its first week, the highest ever by a male R&B artist.
Raymond v. Raymond, was released on March 26, 2010 in Germany, on March 30, 2010 in the US, and was released April 26, 2010 in the UK. The album was expected to follow in Usher's Confessions album's footsteps. Raymond v. Raymond was released only months after Usher's divorce from Tameka Foster. Raymond v. Raymond also dominated the International Charts. Debuting inside the top 10 in Canada, the United Kingdom, Holland, Australia, Germany, Spain, and Italy. Due to the huge international success of Ushers newest single "OMG" he further announced 'OMG Tour' 2011 .
The Grammy Awarded R&B superstar Usher is coming to UK on his new 'OMG Tour' and will play five dates starting at Manchester's MEN Arena (January 26), Birmingham (January 27),
Glasgow (January 29), Liverpool (January 30) and conclude at London O2 Arena on February 2nd.
Tickets for the upcoming tour go on sale on Friday (September 24) at 9am. For more information, check out GigSport.com.
Credits to: http://wwww.fanpop.com/spots/usher/articles/75734/title/usher-kicks-off-omg-tour-2011
Breaking News: Usher's Kids Wear Him Out Sometimes
Usher has his hands full with his kids, Usher V, 2, and 20-month-old Naviyd Ely. They're young, but they're into everything! They definitely wear their dad out.
He said: “They play really well with each other. They have their differences, but they’re definitely brothers. They’re fun to watch together and both have a ton of energy. They can wear me out sometimes, without a doubt.
Usher V is always in everything. He’s the one who leads his brother astray – he’s the instigator. He’ll be like, ‘Hey, let’s swing from the table,’ and his brother will follow him. He’s the one who’s responsible when they get into trouble.”
The 31-year-old singer is delighted there is no sibling rivalry between the boys, with his youngest son “worshiping” his brother. Talking about Usher V, he told People magazine: “He’ll read books to Naviyd. Well, he can’t read, but he’s memorized the books and will recite them. Naviyd worships the ground Usher walks on. If Usher gets something to eat, Naviyd wants the same thing. If Usher wants to watch something on TV, so does Naviyd.”
Usher, real full name Usher Raymond IV, also claims having children has made him become a “real man”. He said: “It really hits me that I’m responsible for raising them and showing them what a real man it. I don’t know if I always do it right, but I’m trying.”
Credits to: http://www.zimbio.com/Usher/articles/HLCN4AusjCF/Breaking+News+Usher+Kids+Wear+Out+Sometimes
He said: “They play really well with each other. They have their differences, but they’re definitely brothers. They’re fun to watch together and both have a ton of energy. They can wear me out sometimes, without a doubt.
Usher V is always in everything. He’s the one who leads his brother astray – he’s the instigator. He’ll be like, ‘Hey, let’s swing from the table,’ and his brother will follow him. He’s the one who’s responsible when they get into trouble.”
The 31-year-old singer is delighted there is no sibling rivalry between the boys, with his youngest son “worshiping” his brother. Talking about Usher V, he told People magazine: “He’ll read books to Naviyd. Well, he can’t read, but he’s memorized the books and will recite them. Naviyd worships the ground Usher walks on. If Usher gets something to eat, Naviyd wants the same thing. If Usher wants to watch something on TV, so does Naviyd.”
Usher, real full name Usher Raymond IV, also claims having children has made him become a “real man”. He said: “It really hits me that I’m responsible for raising them and showing them what a real man it. I don’t know if I always do it right, but I’m trying.”
Credits to: http://www.zimbio.com/Usher/articles/HLCN4AusjCF/Breaking+News+Usher+Kids+Wear+Out+Sometimes
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