Usher’s chart-topping single “Yeah!” almost never made it to the airwaves, according to producer Rico Love. The singer/songwriter recently shared his experience on Home Grown Radio, reflecting on his big break – writing the song “Throwback” on Usher’s acclaimed “Confessions” album, which marks its 20th anniversary this year.
Key Takeaway
Usher’s hit single “Yeah!” faced initial rejection but went on to become a chart-topping success, thanks to the decisive intervention of label boss L.A. Reid, underscoring the critical role of A&R in shaping musical history.
L.A. Reid’s Ultimatum
Rico Love revealed that Usher initially rejected the demo of “Yeah!” written by Sean Garrett. Even Rico found the song’s opening lyrics amusing and thought it was corny. However, L.A. Reid, the President of Arista Records at the time, recognized the hit potential and insisted that Usher prioritize “Yeah!” over the original first single, “Burn.”
Pressure from the Label
Despite Usher’s reluctance, Reid left him with no choice, bluntly instructing him to “do the song” and promptly hanging up. This tough stance ultimately led to massive success, with “Yeah!” dominating the charts for 12 consecutive weeks and “Confessions” achieving Diamond certification. Rico commended Reid’s decisive action as exemplary A&R’ing.
Super Bowl Performance
Usher, alongside possibly Lil Jon and Ludacris, is set to perform the iconic song during the Super Bowl this Sunday, serving as the ultimate validation of the track’s enduring impact.
