Photo-Illustration: Vulture; Photos: Taylor Hill/Getty Images, Santiago Felipe/Getty Images, Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images, Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives, Kevin Mazur/Getty Images, Jason Merritt/WireImage, Frank Micelotta/Getty Images
This article originally ran on February 24, 2024. We’re republishing it in honor of the 30th anniversary of Usher’s self-titled debut album.
As befits an artist with the nickname “Mr. Entertainment,” Usher’s talent and success have been undeniable for so long that they seem more like a birthright. The superstar landed in the studio with Jermaine Dupri and Diddy and had a role on Moesha before he was old enough to drive. As a dancer, his movements were sharp and weightless. By the time he was…