.png)
Highlight
Usher "took the world to the A" (as in Atlanta) and popped the cork on an exciting view of R&B as the half-time performer for the 58th Super Bowl at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 5, 2024.
Context
It is hard to fit everything that made this performance iconic but here are 3 that absolutely stood out. 1. Faith - At the end of "You Don't Have To Call" in his Super Bowl performance Usher shares a bit of his faith when he says "But if you do call, remember that God answers prayers" and gave a touching shout out tribute to his mother who served as his manager for several years.
2. R & B Stand Up! - Not only does Usher showcase his amazing R & B background, pipes, and roots in his Super Bowl Halftime performance, he brings the amazing vocal and instrumentation talents of Alicia Keys and H.E.R. two of the dopest women to grace the stage singing and playing their respective tools, the piano and an guitar excellently. This performance should definitely make the rest of the world see the vibrance and thrill of R & B in a new light.
3. Community Love for HBCU's, Divine 9, & The A - Usher's performance is like a love letter to the communities he stands on the shoulders of, grew up in, was surrounded by, and continues to receive major love from. The love letter moves through time... ....from the initial Cotton Club~ish feathered dresses and top hats of dancers in the beginning of his performance that appeared to pay homage to the courageous giants he stands on the shoulders of of artists like Cab Calloway and Harry Belafonte, as well as his tribute to Michael Jackson wearing the single glove during "Let It Burn" & playing MJ's "Can You Feel it" sample ...on to the incredibly talented HBCU band "The Sonic Boom" of Jackson State University that simply performed well and danced their butts off completely throughout the entire show,
...to the first time R&B synchronized roller skates graced the Super Bowl halftime stage with his roller skating dancers that showcased all the skill you might see any given Friday night in the famed Atlanta Cascade Skating rink, home of movie "Roll Bounce" featuring Bow Wow, Ohio born artist of Atlanta's So So Def label led by Jermaine Dupri
...to the nod to the illustrious Divine 9 by having Havier Hill Roller [Chi chapter] Spring 2017 and Darryl Hill Jr. [Kappa Beta chapter] Spring 2018 with him on "Spotlight", two crimson & creme wearing, cane-twirling brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
...then further into times culminating this amazing R & B peformer's show in the modern day "A" (A as in Atlanta) with hip hop collabs of Jermain Dupri, Ludacris, Lil Jon and the night's finale being Usher opening his hit R&B song "Yeah!" with the words "Peace up, A-town down" ending with "I brought the world to the A, yeah!".
Tips / Thought-starters
Embracing Exploration as a Conscious Creator: Usher's success and approach not only showcases artistic versatility but his willingness to take risks also contributes to his status as an 'iconic performer'. As far back as 2004's BET Awards where Usher literally scaled the walls & danced on the walls he has been offering R&B audiences new forms of musical expression through innovative creativity while courageously taking risks, his roller skating dance ensemble that graced the stage with H.E.R. simultaneously slaying an electric guitar solo continues his innovative trend that pays off. Nab a personal assistant here at no cost today for support with inspiration: https://690c.short.gy/YourPAC
Collaboration for Diverse Musical Experiences: The collaboration with various musicians Usher's halftime performance highlights the importance of incorporating diverse influences and talents. It illuminates power of collaboration, respecting your elders, paying tribute to those who paved the way and creativity. Such collaborations can lead to the creation of unique, creative, homage paying and acclaimed projects, emphasizing the role of artists, their community, and embracing peers as collaborators as conscious creators in promoting community and uplift through music.
Key Questions/Next Steps
Maintaining Relevance through Innovation: How can you sustain your appeal over time by embracing change and experimenting with new creative paths, while also contributing to the concept of conscious media?
Impact of Cross-Genre Collaborations in Conscious Media: What role do cross-genre collaborations play in creating in a way not only resonates with a wide audience but also aligns with the principles of conscious media and promotes affirming self-image and inner peace which is so important for your community? Join our Collab LAB community to finally get a team, to go further together in a dope new collab or jumpstart your next productive partnership: https://690c.short.gy/EasyCollab
Balancing Artistic Evolution and Authenticity: How can artists and creators like you evolve and explore new avenues, like Usher's love letter to community, legacy, the Divine 9, the A (Atlanta), his mom, and ultimately God during his Super Bowl 58 half time performance, showing innovation while staying true to their roots and contributing meaningfully to the landscape of conscious media?
Resource - check out helpful items here today https://amzn.to/3JTaUob for to support your own uplifting creativity within your gift and your best life.
Comments