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"Confessions Part II"
Single by Usher
from the album Confessions
ReleasedJune 1, 2004
RecordedJuly 2003
GenreR&B
Length3:49
LabelArista
Songwriters
ProducerJermaine Dupri
Usher singles chronology
"Burn"
(2004) 		"Confessions Part II"
(2004) 		"My Boo"
(2004)
Music video
"Confessions Part II" on YouTube
Audio
"Confessions Part II" on YouTube
"Confessions Part II Remix" on YouTube

"Confessions Part II" is a song by R&B singer Usher, produced by Jermaine Dupri for Usher's fourth album Confessions. Written by Usher, Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox, the song is a confession of a man to his woman about his impregnated mistress. This is a continuation of "Confessions Part I" which relates to a man's infidelity. Its personal content evoked rumors and early responses from the public even before its release, believing that Usher was asserting the truth; however, Dupri divulged that the story behind the album is about himself.

"Confessions Part II" received mixed reviews from critics. The song was released as the third single from the album, following the success of "Burn". The single reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks, becoming the album's third consecutive number-one single. Internationally, the single had lesser success than the album's previous releases.

Background and release

[edit]

When he started working on his fourth studio album Confessions after the release of his 2001 album 8701, Usher chose not to branch out much with musical collaborators; instead, he chose to continue creating music with his previous producers. He again enlisted producer and songwriter Jermaine Dupri, who had produced songs for Usher's two previous albums. Dupri approached Bryan-Michael Cox, asking him to become a collaborator. Cox has been a frequent partner of Dupri who had produced hits for Usher as well. Like "Burn", the second single from the album, Dupri and Cox conversed about a situation, creating the idea of the prospective song. However, they were concerned because they needed somebody to write such a song and they never thought Usher would do it. The concept became "Confessions".[1]

Usher started recording the song in July 2003 in New York City. One day, before the night was over, Usher was singing about impregnating a mistress and becoming displeased, having found that she is three months pregnant. The theme of cheating inspired him and Dupri, and they then decided to produce two parts of "Confessions": Part I and Part II.[2] Usher said that the former is a "dramatization where a guy confesses all the stuff he's been doing" against his woman.[2] The latter speaks of impregnating a mistress.

While Confessions was still in production, Usher promised "real talk" in it.[2][3] He decided "to let it all hang out by singing about some of his own little secrets, as well as a few bones from his homies' skeleton-filled closets."[1] He explained: "All of us have our Pandora's boxes or skeletons in our closets. I let a few of them out, you know. I've got a lot to say. I've got a lot of things and stuff built in me that I just want to let go of."[4] He further noted that, for the most part, the album's subject matter is "very personal".[5] Dupri expected people to question some of the personal lyrics they associated in the song.[2]

"Confessions Part II" was released as the third single from the album, following "Burn". The single was released in the United States as a 12-inch single on August 24, 2004.[6] It was released in Germany on October 18, and Australia on October 26, 2004, featuring the album and remix version of the track and a song called "Whatever I Want".[7][8] In the United Kingdom, it was issued as a double A-side with "My Boo", the fourth single from the album in other territories. The single was released in the country on November 1, 2004.[9]

Lyrical interpretation

[edit]

Usher held few listening parties for the album prior to its release.[10] Shortly after, people came up with different interpretations of "Confessions Part II", among other personal songs in the album. In 2003, Usher's two-year relationship with TLC's Chilli was going to "flame-out", which partly contributed to the concept of "Burn".[10] They finally broke up early in 2004 because of "irreconcilable differences and because the two found it almost impossible to make compromises" which partly triggered public speculation that some of the songs in the album are in reference to his personal struggle.[2] They referred to the song speaking about Usher's "infidelity" to Chilli.[2][11]

Alongside the "cheating" rumors, the public inferred from the lyrics that Usher had impregnated a mistress in real life.[12] Usher, however, emphasized that he was not in a relationship or "got another girl pregnant" and he was singing a "character".[11] The similarity of situations he faced before and experiences of his friends collectively inspired him to write the song.[10] In the middle of rumors, Dupri admitted that the stories behind the songs in the album are his. He stated, "me cheating on my steady girlfriend, having a baby with that other woman and having to confess to everything that happened to my main girl."[10] Behind rumors, Usher refuted in an interview with MTV News:

People assume things, because as I said, I pull from my personal experiences to make my music ... I never experienced [fathering a child outside of a relationship] firsthand, but it's something I wanted to talk about  ... and it's something that has happened to me in the past ... As I said, I have a few deep, dark ones that I've kept stowed away in a closet for a minute ... That's why I take this time to speak to you guys and let you know really what it is ... I will tell you that I loved [Chilli] a lot and she obviously loved me; it just didn't work out. But cheating is not what caused the relationship to collide and crash. That ain't what broke it up.[2][11][12]

Composition

[edit]
"Confessions Part II"
The song's lyrics centers on the narrator's confession about impregnating his mistress.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Confessions Part II" is an R&B song composed in the key of F minor. Set in common time, the song is performed with a moderate groove. The song follows the chord progression of D♭maj7-E♭-Fm7, and Usher's voice spans from the low note of E♭4 to the high note of F6.[13] The lyrics are constructed in the inverted chorus-verse form. There are four choruses and two verses, and then a break between the third and final chorus which Usher speaks the lyrics.

The lyrics of "Confessions Part II" centers on a confession about impregnating a mistress.[11] For the prelude, Usher tells his significant other that he impregnated his mistress. "Confessions Part II" apologizes what he had done in part one.[14] Usher said of the song that right after he confessed with his real woman, he hoped she would still give him a chance.[12] Dupri said that "Confessions Part II" is one of the songs which speak about breakups in relationships.[2]

Reception

[edit]

Many critics found the song intriguing and came up with interpretations of it as well. Andrew McGregor of the BBC questioned if "Confessions Part II", as well as "Truth Hurts", are only "mere theatre" or telling the truth.[15] Laura Sinagra of Rolling Stone focuses on how Usher admits in the song about impregnating a mistress.[16] Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine commented that Usher was at an age when "getting his 'chick on the side'" seemed appropriate.[17] Outside of rumors, Jem Aswad of Entertainment Weekly said that the best songs from the album were "Confessions Part II" and "Burn", which he described as having smooth melodies.[18] Matt Cibula of Popmatters pointed out the lack of continuity in that in the second part, Usher claims he "barely knows the other lady", while in the first part, he already said that she was his ex-girlfriend. He furthered called it the "wimpiest" song on the theme of the album.[14] Kelefa Sanneh of The New York Times called it a "tricky infidelity narrative".[19]

"Confessions Part II" was nominated for Best R&B/Soul, Male at the 2005 Soul Train Music Awards.[20] At the 2005 American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers Pop Music Awards, Dupri received the ASCAP Golden Note Award for co-writing the song, alongside his many achievements and contributions to American popular music. British record company EMI was recognized as Publisher of the Year for the song, including "Burn" and songs by Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, Britney Spears.[21]

Chart performance

[edit]

"Confessions Part II" lived up to the success of its predecessors in the United States, though not as overwhelmingly. The single debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 48, a higher entry than those of "Yeah!" and "Burn" did, while "Yeah!" was still at the top of the chart and "Burn" at number three.[22] It peaked at number one on July 27, 2004, replacing "Burn"'s eighth non-consecutive chart run,[23] and stayed there for two weeks. It failed to match the number of days at top spot of the previous two releases, and remained on the top ten for 13 weeks. The single left the chart after 25 weeks.[24] The single was certified three-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America on for reaching 3 million shipments.

Internationally, "Confessions Part II" had lesser success. The single debuted at number five in Australia, becoming its highest entry, and failed to reach a higher position. The single reached number five in the United Kingdom, peaked at number seven in Ireland, and below top ten in the Netherlands and France,[24] where it reached #43[25]

Music video

[edit]

The music video of "Confessions Part II" was co-directed by Usher and music video director Chris Robinson, who also directed the video for the album's fourth single, "My Boo". "Confessions (Interlude)" serves as the opening of the video. Set in a studio, Usher receives a phone message and finds out that he impregnated his mistress. After he speaks the spoken section of the interlude and gets in a car, "Confessions Part II" proceeds. Usher is set in a dark lit room, with only one chair. He occasionally shows a large ring on his ring finger. In the middle of the video, he lies on a piano and in his imagination, his woman and mistress are beside him. The next scene shows Usher in a brown car singing, goes out and kneels before his woman to confess. She refuses to listen and slaps Usher, then walks away. This led to Usher being sad and angry for losing his woman and becoming shirtless. Alone, Usher stands in front of a wide mirror, which breaks into pieces accompanied by a roaring sound, ending the same way "Confessions Part II" started, with him sitting on a chair.

The music video features actresses Angell Conwell and Robinne Lee as Usher's two love interests, as mentioned in the song.

The music video successfully charted on video programs. It debuted on MTV's Total Request Live on June 28, 2004, the same entry as "Burn".[26] The music video reached number one on the countdown, and retired on September 15, 2004, at number seven.[27][28] Like "Yeah!", "Confessions Part II" video remained on TRL for 50 days.[26]

Remixes and parodies

[edit]

The official remix of "Confessions Part II" was included on the re-release of Confessions, and features additional verses by Usher, Shyne (rapped his verse on the phone while in prison), Kanye West, Twista and Jermaine Dupri. The song is also parodied by "Weird Al" Yankovic on his album Straight Outta Lynwood (2006) as "Confessions Part III", and features the singer confessing more minor or ridiculous actions, such as borrowing his partner's nose-hair trimmer or returning a gift from her for store credit.[29]

Track listings

[edit]

UK CD 1[30]

  1. "Confessions Part II"
  2. "My Boo" (Duet with Alicia Keys)

UK CD 2[31]

  1. "Confessions Part II"
  2. "My Boo" (Duet with Alicia Keys)
  3. "Confessions Part II" (Remix) (featuring Shyne, Kanye West & Twista)
  4. "Confessions Part II" (Music Video)

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications and sales for "Confessions Part II"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[53] Platinum 70,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[54] Platinum 80,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[55] Platinum 30,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[56] Platinum 600,000‡
United States (RIAA)[57] 3× Platinum 3,000,000‡
United States (RIAA)[58]
Mastertone 		Gold 500,000*

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Confessions Part II

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Confessions Part II" is a song by American R&B singer Usher, released as the third single from his fourth studio album, Confessions, on June 1, 2004.[1] Produced by Jermaine Dupri with co-production from Bryan-Michael Cox, and written by Usher, Dupri, and Cox, the track features a mid-tempo rhythm built around piano chords and a drum pattern, blending emotional balladry with contemporary R&B elements.[2] It debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated July 31, 2004, where it held the top position for two weeks, and also topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, marking Usher's fourth number-one hit from the album.[3] Internationally, it reached number five on the UK Singles Chart and achieved similar success in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.[4] The song serves as a narrative sequel to the album's title track "Confessions," in which the protagonist confesses his infidelity to his girlfriend and reveals that his extramarital affair has resulted in an unplanned pregnancy.[5] Lyrically, Usher's verses detail the emotional turmoil of the revelation, with lines like "These are my confessions / Just when I thought I said all I could say," emphasizing themes of guilt, regret, and the consequences of betrayal.[6] The personal story depicted in the song draws from real-life experiences of Usher and producer Jermaine Dupri involving infidelity and an ensuing pregnancy, allowing the track to resonate universally while sparking discussions on its authenticity.[7][8] "Confessions Part II" contributed significantly to the blockbuster success of Confessions, certified 14× platinum by the RIAA as of 2024 for sales exceeding 14 million copies in the United States.[9] The single's music video, directed by Chris Robinson and co-directed by Usher, portrays Usher in a confessional setting interspersed with dramatic scenes of confrontation, enhancing the song's raw emotional appeal. Critically acclaimed for its storytelling and Usher's vulnerable vocal delivery, the track helped solidify his status as a leading figure in early 2000s R&B, influencing subsequent confessional-style narratives in the genre.[10]

Background and development

Conception

The conception of "Confessions Part II" stemmed primarily from Jermaine Dupri's real-life experience of impregnating a woman outside his committed relationship, a personal anecdote he confided in Usher during their collaborative discussions on the album. Dupri, serving as co-writer and producer alongside Bryan-Michael Cox and Usher, drew directly from this episode to craft the song's narrative of infidelity's severe repercussions, aiming to infuse authenticity into the track while creating buzz around Usher's persona. This inspiration was revealed by Dupri in a 2014 interview, where he emphasized that the lyrics reflected his own "side baby" situation rather than Usher's, though the singer's emotive delivery blurred those lines for listeners.[11] Building on the thematic foundation of the album's earlier track "Confessions," Dupri and Usher decided to structure "Confessions Part II" as a direct sequel, extending the storyline of betrayal and its consequences to maintain narrative continuity across the project. This sequencing choice was intentional, transforming isolated songs into a cohesive confessional arc that mirrored the album's overarching motif of raw personal admissions in R&B. Usher embraced the concept, viewing it as a way to elevate his artistry through vulnerability, even as Dupri noted the song's origins in his life added an layer of mystery for the performer.[11] Dupri recounted that the track came together rapidly—written in about 30 minutes—once the sequel idea crystallized, highlighting the organic flow of their creative process. This period marked a pivotal shift, as the duo prioritized emotional depth over conventional hit-making to capture the genre's evolving emphasis on storytelling.[11]

Recording and production

The recording of "Confessions Part II" occurred primarily at Right Track Recording in New York City.[12][13] Additional recording took place at SouthSide Studios in Atlanta.[12] The track was produced by Jermaine Dupri, with Bryan-Michael Cox serving as co-producer, and features Usher on lead and backing vocals. Dupri contributed keyboards, along with additional keyboards by L-Roc.[14][15] The production adopted a mid-tempo R&B style infused with hip-hop elements, characterized by layered synthesizers and a steady, pulsating beat that builds emotional intensity.[16][17] Vocal overdubs were conducted to layer harmonies, enhancing the track's confessional depth, with recording engineers Brian Frye and John Horesco IV handling principal duties, assisted by Tadd Mingo.[18][19] Mixing was led by Phil Tan, with assistance from John Horesco IV.[20][12]

Release

Commercial release

"Confessions Part II" was released as the third single from Usher's fourth studio album Confessions, initially available via radio airplay and digital download in the United States on June 1, 2004.[21] The single was issued by LaFace Records, a subsidiary of Arista Records, which handled distribution in North America.[22] Physical formats followed later in 2004. In the United Kingdom, the single was commercially released on October 25, 2004, as a CD single and in a double A-side configuration paired with "My Boo" featuring Alicia Keys.[23][24] International variations included a European promotional maxi-single on CD, which incorporated versions such as remixes alongside the main track.[25] The standard track listing for the single featured the main album version of "Confessions Part II" and its instrumental counterpart.[22] These formats supported broader distribution strategies, with digital platforms enabling immediate accessibility while physical releases catered to collectors and international markets.[26]

Promotion

The promotion of "Confessions Part II" as the third single from Usher's album Confessions emphasized radio airplay targeting urban contemporary stations, reflecting an early push ahead of its official single release on June 1 following the album's rollout on March 23, 2004, where previews were shared during promotional events and media appearances to highlight its narrative continuation of the album's confessional themes.[3][1] Live performances amplified visibility, including Usher's rendition at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards on August 29, where he showcased the track amid the album's peak popularity.[27] The song's music video also premiered on MTV's Total Request Live on June 28, 2004, driving further engagement through the network's youth-oriented platform. Synergy with the *Confessions* tour extended these efforts, as the track was featured in setlists during the international leg, which began on May 21, 2004, in Johannesburg, South Africa, and the U.S. leg starting August 5 in Hampton, Virginia.[28] Internationally, promotion included targeted UK radio campaigns, supported by a dedicated promotional pack distributed to media outlets, and the song's integration into European reissues of the Confessions album to capitalize on the record's global appeal.[29] In the U.S., Usher bolstered the single's themes of infidelity and accountability through summer 2004 television appearances, such as on BET's 106 & Park, where he discussed the personal inspirations behind the album's storytelling.[30]

Composition and lyrics

Musical elements

"Confessions Part II" is classified as an R&B ballad infused with hip-hop elements, characteristic of early 2000s contemporary R&B production. The song is composed in the key of C♯ major and set in common time (4/4) with a tempo of 138 beats per minute (half-time feel of 69 BPM), creating a contemplative groove that underscores its confessional tone.[31][32] The track employs an inverted chorus-verse structure with four choruses, two verses, and a bridge, spanning a runtime of 4:41 in its album version. It begins with a sparse introduction featuring subtle piano chords, gradually building to fuller orchestration that incorporates layered beats and atmospheric swells for emotional intensity. This progression enhances the narrative delivery, transitioning from intimate verses to expansive choruses.[15] Instrumentation highlights include prominent synth bass lines provided via keyboards, which anchor the rhythm section alongside drum programming. Subtle electric guitar riffs add textural depth without overpowering the vocal focus. Usher employs falsetto ad-libs throughout, particularly in the bridge and outro, to convey vulnerability and heighten the song's emotional resonance.[7][33] Produced by Jermaine Dupri with co-production from Bryan-Michael Cox, the track draws stylistic influences from 1990s R&B groups like Boyz II Men, evident in its melodic balladry, while Dupri's modern hip-hop-inflected sheen—featuring crisp beats and polished synths—aligns it with the era's urban sound.[7]

Themes and interpretation

"Confessions Part II" centers on a dramatic narrative where the protagonist confesses to his partner about an extramarital affair that has resulted in the other woman's pregnancy, underscoring profound guilt and the impending collapse of his primary relationship.[19] The song builds on the infidelity revealed in "Confessions Part I," escalating the stakes as the narrator grapples with the irreversible consequences of his actions, including emotional devastation and a plea for forgiveness.[2] This storyline highlights themes of infidelity, personal responsibility, and raw emotional vulnerability, portraying the confessor as torn between remorse and the fear of loss.[6] The recurring "confessions" motif serves as a symbolic framework, functioning as a sequel that amplifies the theme of progressive disclosure in intimate relationships, where initial admissions of betrayal give way to even more shattering revelations.[19] This structure symbolizes the unraveling of trust and the weight of hidden truths, emphasizing how unchecked desires lead to relational fallout and self-reckoning.[2] Interpretations of the song often debate its autobiographical authenticity versus its role as fictional storytelling, with initial public speculation linking the lyrics to Usher's 2004 breakup with Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas, fueled by the timing and emotional intensity.[5] However, Usher and producer Jermaine Dupri clarified that the narrative draws from Dupri's personal experiences with infidelity and an unplanned pregnancy, positioning the track as a dramatized account rather than a direct memoir.[34] Chilli herself affirmed that Usher never cheated on her, reinforcing the song's status as performative fiction designed to evoke controversy and empathy.[35] This layered approach invites listeners to explore universal themes of accountability without tying them to the artist's biography.[11] Key lyrics in the chorus—"These are my confessions / Just when I thought I said all I could say / My chick on the side said she got one on the way"—encapsulate the shock of the pregnancy revelation and the narrator's dawning realization of his altered life.[19] The bridge intensifies this with lines like "This by far is the hardest thing I think I’ve ever had to do / To tell you, the woman I love / That I’m havin’ a baby by a woman that I barely even know," which underscore the vulnerability of confronting a loved one with the full extent of one's betrayal.[19] These elements collectively frame the song as a cathartic exploration of guilt's corrosive power.[6]

Reception

Critical response

Upon its release, "Confessions Part II" and the broader Confessions album received generally positive reviews from contemporary critics, who praised Usher's emotional vocal delivery and the production's polish while noting some inconsistencies in songwriting and thematic depth. Entertainment Weekly lauded the album's shift to more mature, harder-hitting subject matter, describing it as a "deft" evolution from Usher's earlier work into a more soulful exploration of relationships, though the reviewer critiqued its excessive length and occasional "gushy and lame" ballads.[36] AllMusic highlighted the album's strong narrative cohesion and Usher's versatile crooning, awarding it four out of five stars for its blend of R&B ballads and uptempo tracks that effectively captured personal vulnerability. Vibe magazine appreciated the record's documentation of Usher's artistic progression, calling it satisfying to track his growth, but suggested it fell short of full maturity in places, rating it three out of five stars.[37] Mixed responses emerged regarding the song's perceived authenticity, particularly its confessional lyrics about infidelity and an unplanned pregnancy, which some outlets tied to Usher's real-life breakup rumors. Entertainment Weekly noted criticisms of exploiting personal drama for commercial gain, pointing to lines in "Confessions Part II" like "My girl on the side says she got one on the way" as less-than-subtle fuel for tabloid speculation and questions of sincerity. Blender echoed this by faulting the album's songwriting as a weak point, with ballads like the title track drowning in "their own inanity," contributing to a more middling 60/100 score.[36][37] The overall consensus positioned "Confessions Part II" as a standout for its raw emotional intensity within the album, though polarizing as a single due to its heavy themes and the surrounding authenticity debates, reflected in the project's Metacritic aggregate of 71/100 based on 13 reviews. Q Magazine commended the addictive R&B hooks and production tweaks that elevated the confessional storytelling, despite no specific mention of the track.[38]

Awards and nominations

"Confessions Part II" received recognition at the 2005 Soul Train Music Awards, where Usher won the award for Best R&B/Soul Single – Male.[39] The track was considered for Grammy Awards alongside the parent album Confessions, which earned eight nominations including Best Contemporary R&B Album (a win), though the single itself did not secure a nomination.[40] In retrospective analyses during the 2010s and beyond, the song has been praised for its contributions to R&B's evolution, with Pitchfork's 2020 album review highlighting how Confessions provided R&B with widespread appreciation that influenced the genre's trajectory in subsequent decades.[41] It has also appeared in prominent rankings, such as Rolling Stone's 2024 list of the greatest R&B songs of the 21st century, where it was named the top entry for its narrative depth and emotional resonance.[42] Marking the 20th anniversary of Confessions in 2024, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the album 14-times platinum, underscoring the enduring commercial impact of tracks like "Confessions Part II."[43] The song received cultural nods in 2024 documentaries and interviews on 2000s R&B, including Apple Music's "100 Best Albums" series where Usher discussed its creation, and his Club Shay Shay appearance reflecting on its personal inspirations.[44][45]

Commercial performance

Charts

"Confessions Part II" achieved significant commercial success on music charts worldwide upon its release in 2004. In the United States, the song debuted at number 48 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to the top spot, holding #1 for two consecutive weeks beginning the week of July 24, 2004.[46] It also topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for two weeks starting July 10, 2004, underscoring its dominance in the R&B genre.[47] Internationally, the single performed strongly in several markets, reaching the top 10 in multiple countries. It peaked at #5 on both the UK Singles Chart and the Australian ARIA Singles Chart, while attaining #3 on the Dutch Single Top 100. The song's global reach is illustrated in the following table of select peak positions in top-performing countries:
CountryChartPeak PositionSource
United StatesBillboard Hot 1001Billboard
CanadaCanadian Singles Chart1Billboard
NetherlandsSingle Top 1003Dutch Charts
New ZealandRIANZ Singles Chart4Charts.nz
AustraliaARIA Singles Chart5ARIA
United KingdomUK Singles Chart5Official Charts
NorwayVG-lista Singles Chart7Norwegian Charts
IrelandIRMA Singles Chart8Irish Charts
ItalyFIMI Singles Chart8Italian Charts
SwitzerlandSwiss Singles Chart12Swiss Charts
GermanyMedia Control Singles Chart12German Charts
On year-end charts, "Confessions Part II" ranked #12 on the 2004 Billboard Hot 100, reflecting its strong performance throughout the year despite a shorter reign at the summit compared to prior singles from the album. The track maintained longevity on the Hot 100, charting for a total of 20 weeks.[48] In recent years, the song experienced a resurgence in streaming due to its 20th anniversary celebrations in 2024, including nostalgic retrospectives and social media engagement, which boosted its presence on digital platforms like Spotify's Viral charts.[3]

Certifications and sales

"Confessions Part II" has been certified three times Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in the United States, representing 3 million units shipped, including digital downloads and streaming equivalents, as updated in February 2024.[9] Internationally, the single received a Platinum certification from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in the United Kingdom, denoting 600,000 units.[49] In Australia, it was certified Gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), signifying 35,000 units sold.[50] By 2005, the single had contributed significantly to the commercial success of Usher's album Confessions, which achieved Diamond status from the RIAA for 10 million units sold in the US, later updated to 14 times Platinum; the track's No. 1 position on the Billboard Hot 100 helped drive overall album sales exceeding 20 million copies worldwide.[51] Digital sales surged in the post-iTunes era, bolstering its certifications to include streaming data. As of November 2025, "Confessions Part II" has amassed over 291 million streams on Spotify alone, reflecting its enduring popularity and adding to equivalent unit counts for certifications.[52]

Music video

Background and production

The music video for "Confessions Part II" was co-directed by Usher and Chris Robinson, the latter known for helming high-profile clips like Alicia Keys' "Fallin'" and Jay-Z and Beyoncé's "'03 Bonnie & Clyde."[6][53] The concept drew directly from the song's narrative of personal betrayal and confession, presenting Usher in a vulnerable, story-driven format where he reveals his infidelity to his partner while intercutting scenes with the other woman involved.[6][54] Production took place in 2004, shortly after the album Confessions debuted in March, aligning with the single's chart ascent to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July. Usher starred as the central figure, with supporting actresses portraying his primary partner and the mistress to heighten the dramatic tension of the confessional storyline.[53] The crew included choreographer Todd Sams, who handled the dance sequences emphasizing Usher's emotional performance.[55] This tight timeline post-album launch presented logistical challenges, requiring efficient filming to capitalize on the track's momentum without delaying its visual rollout.

Content and release

The music video for "Confessions Part II," co-directed by Chris Robinson and Usher, intercuts scenes of Usher confessing his infidelity to his girlfriend with flashbacks to his affair and the revelation of his mistress's pregnancy, employing symbolic rain and shadows to heighten the emotional tension and regret.[55][56] The video adopts a cinematic black-and-white aesthetic punctuated by brief color flashes to emphasize key moments, running for 5 minutes to match the extended song version.[53] It premiered on MTV's Total Request Live on June 28, 2004, and was retired from rotation on September 15, 2004, after reaching the top spot on the countdown.[57] As of November 2025, the official upload on YouTube has over 237 million views.[56] Critics praised the video's narrative depth and visual storytelling, while it earned a nomination for Video of the Year at the 2005 BET Awards.[58]

Remixes and cultural impact

Remixes

The primary official remix of "Confessions Part II" was produced by Jermaine Dupri in collaboration with Bryan-Michael Cox, transforming the original R&B track into a hip-hop-infused street anthem by incorporating rap verses from Shyne, Twista, and Kanye West.[59] Shyne's verse draws parallels between the song's themes of infidelity and the harsh realities of street life, adding a gritty narrative layer to Usher's confessional hook.[60] Twista's contribution features his signature rapid-fire flow, accelerating the track's energy during his segment.[60] This remix retains the soulful sample from Bobby Womack's "If You Think You're Lonely Now" that underpins the original composition.[61] An unofficial remix, the G.O.O.D. Music version led by Kanye West and featuring Consequence and GLC, was promoted through mixtapes and early 2000s hip-hop circles, emphasizing soulful elements with additional layered production over the same core sample.[62] Dupri's urban mix, co-engineered with frequent collaborator LRoc, served as the core variant for radio and club play, blending the rap features with enhanced bass and percussion for an urban contemporary sound.[63] The remix was first released on a promotional 12-inch vinyl single in 2004 via LaFace Records, targeted at DJs and urban radio stations.[63] A digital version followed later in 2004 as part of the expanded single release. It was later included on the Confessions Special Edition album, released October 5, 2004, which added four bonus tracks to the original platinum-selling project.[64] These remixes bolstered the song's presence on R&B charts by appealing to urban audiences and extending radio airplay beyond the original's pop-R&B focus.[59]

Parodies and legacy

"Confessions Part II" has inspired several parodies, most notably "Weird Al" Yankovic's 2006 track "Confessions Part III" from his album Straight Outta Lynwood, which extends the original's confessional narrative into increasingly absurd admissions of guilt, satirizing the trend of sequel songs in pop music.[65] The parody mimics the song's structure and melody while exaggerating themes of infidelity and personal failings for comedic effect.[66] In the digital age, the song has fueled online memes, particularly the viral "Watch This" clip from Usher's 2022 NPR Tiny Desk Concert, where his ad-lib during the performance became a popular template on TikTok for humorous reactions to everyday confessions or mishaps.[67] The track has seen covers by independent artists, including acoustic renditions and live interpretations that emphasize its emotional balladry, as well as sampling in hip-hop; for instance, Plies incorporated elements into his 2007 song "Confessions," adapting the confessional motif to rap storytelling.[61] As a cornerstone of confessional R&B, "Confessions Part II" helped define the genre's mid-2000s shift toward raw emotional disclosures about love and infidelity, setting a template for vulnerability in male-led narratives.[51] The track resurged in popularity in 2024 via TikTok challenges tied to Usher's Super Bowl LVIII halftime show, where he performed it alongside other Confessions hits, boosting streams and user-generated content recreating its dramatic storytelling.[68] The track's enduring popularity was highlighted by its inclusion on the Confessions 20th Anniversary Edition, released on November 1, 2024.[69] Culturally, "Confessions Part II" has prompted discussions on gender dynamics in 2000s R&B, portraying male accountability in romantic failures while critiquing possessive attitudes toward partners in its lyrics.[33] It frequently appears in media compilations of iconic breakup anthems, recognized for its narrative depth in Billboard's 2024 ranking of Usher's greatest songs.[70]

References

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  2. The Number Ones: Usher's “Confessions Part II” - Stereogum
  3. Usher Got Intimate With 'Confessions' and Ruled 2004: Chart Rewind
  4. Confessions (Part II) (song by Usher) – Music VF, US & UK hit charts
  5. Usher's 'Confessions Part II': the Real Story Behind the Lyrics
  6. Confessions, Pt. 2 by Usher - Songfacts
  7. Jermaine Dupri on Usher's 'Confessions' Origin Story - Billboard
  8. Usher's 'Confessions' Album Hits 10 Million in U.S. Sales
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  13. https://www.discogs.com/release/694688-Usher-Confessions
  14. Usher's Chart History: Analyzing His No. 1 Singles and Their Reign ...
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  18. Phil Tan
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  21. https://www.discogs.com/release/1828403-Usher-Featuring-Shyne-Kanye-West-Twista-Confessions-Part-II-Remix
  22. https://www.discogs.com/release/4371720-Usher-Confessions-Part-2-My-Boo
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  28. https://eil.com/shop/moreinfo.asp?catalogid=400688
  29. Usher Confesses His Reasons For Making The 'Confessions' Album
  30. Usher "Confessions Part II" Sheet Music in F Minor (transposable) - Download & Print
  31. Confessions Part II - Usher - Custom Backing Track - Karaoke Version
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  34. The Best of Usher: All 175 of His Songs, Ranked - Vulture
  35. Knowledge Drop: Usher's "Confessions Part II" Is Actually Based On ...
  36. TLC's Chilli: Usher Never Cheated on Her, Was Her First "Real Love"
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  40. Usher, Keys Top Soul Train Awards - Billboard
  41. https://www.grammy.com/artists/usher/16167
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  43. Usher Announces 20th Anniversary Edition Of 'Confessions' - Rap-Up
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  45. Usher's CONFESSIONS Album's Truth Revealed | CLUB SHAY SHAY
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  48. Week of August 14, 2004 - Billboard Hot 100™
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  50. 2021 BPI Certifications - UK Charts - BuzzJack Music Forum
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  60. Usher's 'Confessions' at 10: An Oral History with Lil Jon, Jermaine ...
  61. USHER – Confessions Part II (Remix) Lyrics - Genius
  62. Confessions Part II by Usher - Samples, Covers and Remixes
  63. Confessions, Pt. II (G.O.O.D. Music Remix) Lyrics - Genius
  64. Usher's CONFESSIONS (Special Edition) is Coming October 5th
  65. "Weird Al" Yankovic – Confessions Part III Lyrics - Genius
  66. Confessions Part III | Weird Al Wiki - Fandom
  67. Hilarious "watch this" Usher meme makes a viral hit on the internet
  68. The Dual Impact of The Weeknd on Modern R&B - Medium
  69. Usher's Super Bowl Halftime show was chaotic but cemented his ...
  70. Best Usher Songs: 50 Top Hits - Billboard
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