Nice & Slow

Usher Raymond IV stepped into the spotlight with a track that defined late-nineties romance. Nice & Slow arrived from his second studio album, My Way, released in 1997. This smooth R&B ballad marked a turning point for the young artist, transforming him from a promising newcomer into a chart-topping star. The single hit radio waves on January 6, 1998, through LaFace and Arista Records, quickly capturing the attention of listeners across the country.

Jermaine Dupri crafted the production with Manuel Seal to create a soundscape built on slow tempos and lush synthesizers. Their goal was to establish a new standard for intimacy within the genre. Usher's vocal delivery emphasized patience and seduction, moving away from the high-energy pop tracks that had previously defined his career. Critics noted how the minimalist approach allowed his vocal runs to shine without unnecessary clutter.

The cultural footprint of the song extends well beyond its initial release window. In July 2026, comedian Dave Chappelle surprised Usher during a performance in Washington D.C., where he threw Usher Bucks onto the stage as a playful nod to the lyrics. Modern producers continue to reference the melody, with Chris Brown and Bryson Tiller sampling the track for their 2025 song It Depends. Nelly and Ashanti also performed a live duet version in 2023, proving the composition remains a staple for collaborative performances decades later. [edit]