Throwback Thursday: Usher – “You Make Me Wanna”

Throwback Thursday: Usher – “You Make Me Wanna”

You guys don’t show him any respect, but Usher is one of the greatest artists of all time. His accomplishments kinda speak for themselves, but unfortunately, it always takes longer for the industry to recognize contemporary R&B artists — more specifically, black contemporary R&B artists — for their contributions. I already know that Justin Timberlake — a lesser artist with fewer years in the game — will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame before Usher (who actually became eligible for induction a month ago). And if you doubt any of this, I’d like to call your attention to the fact that Janet Damito Jo Jackson (who has been eligible since 2007) still hasn’t been inducted. What a world.

Anyway, the Throwback Thursday selection this week is Usher’s breakthrough hit, “You Make Me Wanna,” released in August 1997. Co-written by Ursh, Jermaine Dupri and Manuel Seal, the mid-tempo jam was the lead single from the My Way album and, along with its video, became the new blueprint for young male artists who sang contemporary R&B and, dare I say, pop. The song peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 100, but it was No.1 in our hearts. Watch the video below.