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Usher's Epic Comeback and Prince's Hidden Talent

Usher's Epic Comeback and Prince's Hidden Talent

A look at Usher's successful 2024, plus Prince's basketball skills and the best R&B songs of the 90s.

Max Holler & Alexandria Isais
April 29, 2024

Hello fellow lovers of Rhythm and Blues,

Welcome to the R&B 94.1 Newsletter. Whether you’re a lifelong listener, or just stumbled upon our station, we’re excited to have a spot in your inbox.

Here’s what to expect ahead:

Is Usher BACK?
The Best 90s R&B songs!
What You Didn’t Know About Prince…..

But first, it’s Listener’s Choice! Do we play too much Michael Jackson? Not enough Usher? Fill out the poll, reply to this email and let us know what you really think.

What Artist Should We Play More?

Have other thoughts? Leave us a comment.

Usher’s Epic 2024 - Is He Back?!

2024 has been a huge year for Usher. He released a new album, “Coming Home” and became the first ever independent artist to perform a Super Bowl Halftime Show. Usher also won the President’s Award at the 2024 NAACP Image Awards.

“Usher has earned his place as one of the foremost performers of our era and a beacon for social change in our community. It is a profound honor to recognize his extraordinary impact and lasting legacy.”

Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP

In addition to his President’s Award, Usher also receive two other NAACP Image Awards, including one for Outstanding Male Artist, and another for Outstanding Soul/R&B Song for “Good, Good” featuring Summer Walker and 21 Savage.

Is Usher Making A Comeback?!

Have more thoughts? Leave a comment.

The 90s Best R&B Songs

90s R&B is full of total classics. Its hard to decide which songs are the best, so in my completely unbiased, biased opinion here are some of my favorite

“No Diggity”, Blackstreet’s anthem song and a #1 on the charts, Dr. Dre did a masterful job mixing in great vocals with great rapping. To think Blackstreet almost didn’t make this song because they thought it’d be “too corny”. I sure am glad they made it anyway!

“Say My Name”, is Destiny’s Child’s Grammy Winning track that single-handedly brought their sophomore album up onto the charts. “Say My Name” was the stepping stone forward not only for DC, but for each individual (Beyoncé especially).

“This Is How We Do It” was the perfect blend of R&B and Hip-Hop, and made great use of the “Children’s Story” sample. This track is easily the biggest highlight of Montell Jordan’s secular R&B career. Jordan is now releasing faith-based music and serves as the worship leader at Victory World Church in Atlanta. Maybe now he’s singing “This Is How God Does It” ?

Prince was a WHAT?!

Among one of the greatest artists of all time, Prince certainly had his unique qualities and attributes. It turns out there’s even more to this 7-time Grammy award winner.

Prince was a HOOPER

Prince’s high school teammates testify that his play at point guard was a style far before his time. They compared his play style to that of Steph Curry, stating he was a lights-out shooter with great handles. Prince chose music over basketball signing a 6-figure deal with Warner Bros at just 18 years old.

Prince was almost replaced in the “Purple Rain” movie.

That’s right. The beloved worldwide sensation that grossed over 100 million dollars almost had a different star.

After the success of his album “1999”, Prince wanted to act in a studio film (because why not?). He even threatened not to sign back with his label if they could not help make it happen.

Eventually, after hope seemed lost, Warner Bros picked up the film idea for “Purple Rain”. Studio executives urged that Prince be replaced as the main character, that John Travolta would be a better fit.

Can you imagine? John Travolta in Purple Rain instead of Prince? Good thing those studio execs didn’t get their way.