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Usher‘s biggest hit single, “Yeah!” almost didn’t happen, if not for his label boss L.A. Reid threatening him like a mob boss … at least, that’s how producer Rico Love remembers it.
The decorated singer/songwriter was a recent guest on Home Grown Radio where he looked back at his first big break — writing the “Throwback” song on Usher’s chart-topping “Confessions” album, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.
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Rico says he was on hand when Usher first heard the demo to “Yeah!,” written by Sean Garrett, which initially failed to impress the R&B megastar … who flat-out refused to record the track.
Rico admits he also thought the song was corny — he says the opening lyrics, “Up in the club with my homies/Tryin’ to get a little V.I./Keep it down on the low-key” … made him fall on the floor laughing.
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On the other hand, Reid — who was the President of Arista Records at the time — heard a hit and demanded Usher push the song out ahead of the original first single, “Burn.”
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When Usher pushed back further, Rico says Reid didn’t give him much of an option and told him to “do the f***** song” and hung up on him immediately after!!!
The tough love paid off in plaques … “Yeah!” topped the charts for 12 weeks straight, and “Confessions” went on to be certified Diamond. Rico calls it great A&R’ing.
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This Sunday will be the ultimate told-ya-so moment when Usher (and possibly Lil Jon and Ludacris) rock the song for millions during the Super Bowl!!!
