Usher - Yeah! (feat. Lil Jon & Ludacris) - 2004

Usher - Yeah! (feat. Lil Jon & Ludacris) - 2004

"Yeah!" by Usher featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris, released in 2004, quickly became a defining song of the early 2000s, blending R&B with crunk to create an unforgettable dance track. The song was a commercial success, topping charts worldwide and becoming a staple in clubs and radios.

Background

"Yeah!" was produced by Lil Jon and features a catchy beat that exemplifies the crunk genre, a style of Southern hip-hop known for its energetic beats and shouty vocals. The collaboration between Usher, Lil Jon, and Ludacris proved to be a powerhouse trio, each bringing their unique flair to the track.

Success and Impact

The song reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, where it remained for 12 consecutive weeks. It also enjoyed success internationally, topping charts in several other countries. "Yeah!" won a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and was pivotal in bringing the crunk genre to a broader audience.

Music Video

The music video for "Yeah!" directed by Mr. X, further cemented the song's popularity, featuring Usher's dance moves, and appearances by Lil Jon and Ludacris. It showcased the energy and style of the early 2000s club scene.

Lyrics

The lyrics of "Yeah!" reflect the party atmosphere of the time, focusing on dancing, flirting, and the club scene. Usher's smooth vocals contrast with Lil Jon's energetic shouts and Ludacris's charismatic verses, creating a dynamic interplay that contributes to the song's appeal.

Legacy

"Yeah!" is often listed among the best songs of the 2000s and has left a lasting impact on the music industry. It helped to establish Usher as a leading artist of his generation and contributed to the rise of crunk music.

Interactive Tasks

Quiz: Questions on the song

What year was "Yeah!" released? (2004) (!2003) (!2005) (!2006)

Who produced "Yeah!"? (Lil Jon) (!Usher) (!Ludacris) (!Pharrell Williams)

How many weeks did "Yeah!" stay at the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100? (12) (!8) (!10) (!14)

Which genre does "Yeah!" primarily belong to? (Crunk) (!R&B) (!Hip Hop) (!Pop)

What award did "Yeah!" win at the Grammy Awards? (Best Rap/Sung Collaboration) (!Best Dance Recording) (!Record of the Year) (!Best R&B Song)

Quiz: Questions on the Performer

Who is the main artist of the song "Yeah!"? (Usher) (!Lil Jon) (!Ludacris) (!Pharrell Williams)

Which artist featured in "Yeah!" is known for popularizing the crunk genre? (Lil Jon) (!Usher) (!Ludacris) (!T-Pain)

In what year did Usher release his debut album? (1994) (!1992) (!1996) (!1998)

Which of the following songs is also a hit by Usher? ("Burn") (!"Hot in Herre") (!"Gold Digger") (!"In Da Club")

How many Grammy Awards has Usher won? (as of 2023) (8) (!5) (!10) (!12)

Quiz: Questions on the lyrics

What is the main theme of "Yeah!"? (Club scene) (!Love) (!Friendship) (!Heartbreak)

Which word is repeatedly used by Lil Jon in "Yeah!"? (Yeah!) (!Okay!) (!What!) (!Hey!)

Which artist delivers a verse about flirting in the club in "Yeah!"? (Ludacris) (!Usher) (!Lil Jon) (!Snoop Dogg)

How does the song "Yeah!" start? (With Lil Jon's shouts) (!With a guitar riff) (!With Usher's falsetto) (!With a drum solo)

What is Usher primarily doing in the song's music video? (Dancing) (!Driving) (!Swimming) (!Cooking)

Memory

Usher	Main Artist
2004	Release Year
Lil Jon	Producer
Crunk	Genre
Grammy Award	Best Rap/Sung Collaboration

Open Tasks

Easy

Research the history of crunk music and write a brief summary.
Create a playlist of early 2000s hits that include "Yeah!".

Standard

Analyze the lyrics of "Yeah!" and discuss its portrayal of club culture.
Interview people about their memories of "Yeah!" and how it impacted their taste in music.