60 Songs That Explain the '90s “Yeah!”—Usher
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Jan 8, 2025 Clover Hope, a critic and author of "The Motherload," dives into the dynamic careers of Usher and Lil Jon. The conversation highlights Usher's rise from church choir to R&B superstar, emphasizing his storytelling and emotional depth. Clover details Lil Jon's role in the crunk movement, sharing humorous anecdotes that blend wrestling matches with nightclub energy. They explore Usher's evolution across hits like "Yeah!" and "Climax," examining his impact on R&B while balancing personal narratives with commercial success.
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Lil Jon's Accidental Debut
- Lil Jon's artistic origin story involves a spontaneous chant of "Who You Wit?" at Club 559 in Atlanta.
- This accidental performance led to his first record and the launch of his career.
Crunk Music Defined
- Lil Jon's music blends rap's call-and-response with punk's raw energy.
- This unique sound, powered by repetitive phrases, is termed "crunk."
Dr. Seuss and Crunk
- Surprisingly, Dr. Seuss first used "crunk" in his 1972 book Marvin K. Mooney.
- He described a "crunk car," a bizarre vehicle.
