Remembering The '8701' Era: An Appreciation Thread

So today marks 17 years since Usher release his landmark 3rd studio album, '8701' so I thought I'd revisit what is perhaps Usher's most overlooked album. This thread will be similar to the retrospective I did on Beyoncé's 'Dangerously In Love' in June: https://twitter.com/Coolness1994/status/1010601755682459650

Usher was photographed by Christian Lantry for the album cover and its promotional shots. I remember obsessing over these photos in the album's booklet.

In the video for the first single, 'U Remind Me (#1)', Usher meets up with up with several women who remind him of an ex until he settles for TLC's Chilli. The video marked the beginning of their relationship. Perfect video for an absolutely perfect song.

Usher lamented over a broken relationship in 'U Got Bad' (#1) and its accompanying music video played out like a romantic drama. Who can forget the scene of him passionately dancing in the rain? Ended Fred Astaire's 'Singing In The Rain', tbh. One of the 2000s most iconic hits.

'U Don't Have To Call' saw Usher getting over a break up by going out to party. The song boasts an exuberant vocal performance and its music video is home to one of his best dance routines ever. He sealed his icon status when he slid into the club with Heelys, lmao!

"Put ya hands up, bend your knees, bounce around in a circle, get down with me..." Remember when Usher tried to create his own dance-craze with 'U-Turn'? It was corny but I bopped to it and I'm sure y'all did to. His Aaliyah shirt was a cute touch.

We cannot discuss this era without bringing up the lady of his life at the time, Rozonda 'Chilli' Thomas of TLC. They were hands down one of the cutest and most famous couples of 2000s Urban/Pop culture. I LOVED them together

Remember when '8701' was initially titled 'All About U' and Pop Ya Collar' was supposed to be the first single but Napster leaked the entire thing? The song bombed in the US but was a UK hit. A wise poet once stated, "There are people called haters and we give them positivity!"

The abs - Usher came second to only D'Angelo in terms of how famous he was for his toned torso.

The Beanie & Do-rag combo - Usher had them in every color and for every occasion.

The Looks - The early 2000s were a wild time for fashion and Usher never missed out on the action.

His first BET Awards Performance - In 2001, Usher was one of the performers at the the inaugural BET Awards and delivered one of the most memorable moments in the award show's history. This was one of those star-making performances.

That time Usher paid tribute to superstar siblings Michael and Janet Jackson a few months apart in 2001. The first was at MTV ICON Special in celebration of Janet Jackson where he performed 'Alright' and 'Rhythm Nation' alongside P!nk and Mya (video for that in next tweet).

Usher, P!nk & Mya dancing to 'Rhythm Nation' at the MTV ICON Special. All three did what they had to DO!

Usher was chosen to pay tribute to The King Of Pop at his 30th Anniversary Concert. He performed twice that night but the show's producer suggested that he join MJ for 'You Rock My World'. The unrehearsed moment also doubled as a display of Mike's stamp of approval of Usher.

Grammy History - In 2003, Usher became the third male artist after Stevie Wonder ('74 & '75) and Luther Vandross ('91 & '92) to win the Grammy award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance two years in a row after he won for 'U Remind Me' in 2002 and 'U Don't Have to Call' in 2003.

In 2002, Usher scored his first hit single as a featured artist on P. Diddy's 'I Need A Girl Part 1' as it peaked at #2 on The Billboard Hot 100. Extra points if you know all of Usher's ad-libs by heart. And just so we're clear, Part 1 >>> Part 2.

This Twix Commercial. What a time.

When he appeared on BET's How I'm Living...

And on MTV Cribs.

The 8701 Live Evolution Tour - This concert DVD has since become a fan-favorite as it displayed Usher's versatility and charisma as a performer. Quiet as it's kept, this concert set a standard for the many young male R&B/Pop acts that would come after him.

That time brought out the whole dance squad for this performance of 'U Don't Have To Call' at the 2002 Soul Train Music Awards. The man is definitely one of the greatest dancers/performers of all time. I can't figure out how he does that row boat move on the floor!

At the 2002 VMAs, Diddy, Usher and Busta Rhymes delivered one of the blackest VMA performances EVER with an energetic medley of 'I Need A Girl Parts 1 & 2' and 'Pass The Courvoisier'

Remember MTV Duets? Usher gave a fan an experience of a lifetime when she got the opportunity to sing alongside him for a remix of 'U Remind Me'.

Usher's Growth as a Vocalist - The '8701' era saw Usher develop into a more well-rounded entertainer who could also captivate with his impressive vocal ability as much as his dance moves. His range was wider and he employed more vocal acrobatics during performances.

R&B’s Golden Boy - Usher first attained major teen heartthrob status with the release of his 1997 album, 'My Way'. However, the popularity of his music and celebrity profile reached even greater heights in 2001 and 2002 which made him an even bigger sex symbol.

Crossover Star – Just like his many his pop star peers back then, Usher guest starred on popular TV shows. He appeared in 'American Dreams', '7th Heaven', 'Sabrina The Teenage Witch' and 'The Famous Jett Jackson'.

Usher performing 'Can I Get a Witness?' as Marvin Gaye in 'American Dreams'.

Usher as hacker, Zander Hall, a.k.a. 'The Z-Ride', in 'The Famous Jett Jackson'.

In '7th Heaven', Usher played Will, a radio show producer, who helped counsel a male student after he called in threatening suicide.

In 2003, Usher starred as Cameron, the handsome and sensitive son of Baron Marks on the drama series, 'Soul Food'. He's a passable actor tbh but he makes up for his shortcomings with good looks, charm and a smooth speaking voice.

Budding Icons - At the turn of the new millennium, these then-young artists emerged as major crossover stars. The next decade will bring about different peaks and valleys for each of them but I'll always cherish the era when they all ruled the charts.

In conclusion, the '8701' album/era remains my favorite by Usher because it captured him just as he was on the cusp of the mega super-stardom he would achieve with 2004's 'Confessions'. Until my next thread...