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Nice & Slow
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"Nice & Slow"
Standard release
Single by Usher
from the album My Way
ReleasedJanuary 6, 1998 (1998-01-06)
Genre
Length3:48
Label
Songwriters
Producers
  • Jermaine Dupri
  • Manuel Seal
Usher singles chronology
"You Make Me Wanna..."
(1997) 		"Nice & Slow"
(1998) 		"The Party Continues"
(1998)
Music video
"Nice & Slow" on YouTube

"Nice & Slow" is a song from American singer Usher's second album, My Way (1997). Released on January 6, 1998 by LaFace and Arista, the song became Usher's first number-one single on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in February 1998. The song was written by Usher, Brian Casey of the R&B group Jagged Edge, Manuel Seal, and Jermaine Dupri.

Background and composition

[edit]

"Nice & Slow" was written by Usher, Jermaine Dupri, Manuel Seal, and Brian Casey, with Dupri producing the tune and Seal serving as co-producer and responsible for the guitar work. Jagged Edge provided background vocals in the record. "Nice & Slow" was recorded by Phil Tan at the Somewhere in College Park studio in College Park, Georgia. Tan and Dupri mixed the record with assistance from John and Brian Frye at Studio LaCoCo, in Atlanta, Georgia.[1] Dupri recalled telling Usher he needed a ballad to "knock out the world". The beat was created first, and the lyrics were fitted to it. The composition and recording of "Nice & Slow" took four hours, according to Dupri.[2]

"Nice & Slow" is a slow R&B and soul ballad with hip hop influences.[3][4][5] Musicologist Richard J. Ripani wrote that "Nice & Slow" is an example of the typical "R&B ballad style that became widely popular" in the late 1990s.[6] According to the sheet music published at Musicnotes.com by Universal Music Publishing Group, "Nice & Slow" is written in common time with a slow tempo of sixty-eight beats per minute. Set in the key of A♭ major, it follows the basic chord progression of Fm11–Cm7–D♭maj13–E♭9sus. Usher's voice spans from the low note of E♭4 to the high note of A♭5.[3] "Nice & Slow" features a spoken introduction,[3] while in the middle of the song Usher performs a melodic rap,[1] which Billboard's Shawnee Smith compared to the style of Do or Die.[7] Usher said to Time that "Nice & Slow" is "somewhat of an intimate story between a man and a woman."[8]

Release

[edit]

"Nice & Slow" was released via CD single and cassette single in the United States on January 6, 1998.[9][10][11] On February 3, 1998, it was serviced to US contemporary hit radio.[12] A maxi single was released on March 2, 1998, and a remixes CD was made available on March 9, 1998.[13][14] In the United Kingdom, "Nice & Slow" was issued as CD single, a 12-inch single, and a cassette single on April 20, 1998.[15]

Critical reception

[edit]

A writer for the Daily News complimented the song as "warmly engaging".[16] A writer for Jet praised Usher's "tender" vocals on the "sensuous ballad", stating that he displayed romance on the song.[4] British magazine Music Week wrote, "More ultra-smooth R&B from the crown prince of hip-hop soul, "Nice & Slow" is a superbly mellow, seductive tune which has Usher showing off his unhurried rapping skills."[17] In 2016, Complex ranked the song number seven on their list of the 25 greatest Usher songs,[18] and in 2021, American Songwriter ranked the song number eight on their list of the 10 greatest Usher songs.[19]

Chart performance

[edit]

"Nice & Slow" debuted at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 on the chart dated January 24, 1998, as "You Make Me Wanna...", the first single from My Way slipped from number seven to number ten.[20] On February 2, 1998, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) awarded the song a gold certification, following up with a platinum one on February 12.[21] "Nice & Slow" continued to ascend the Hot 100, reaching number one on February 14, succeeding "Together Again" by Janet Jackson.[22] It remained atop the chart on February 21, but on February 28 it was replaced by Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On".[23] On the UK Singles Chart, "Nice & Slow" reached number 24.[24]

Music video

[edit]

The music video for the song was directed by Hype Williams and shot in Paris in February 1998.[25][26] Kimora Lee Simmons plays Usher's love interest.[27] The video opens with the caption "4:00 pm Paris" as Usher gets out of an airplane. He is shown shirtless in a hotel room having a telephone conversation with his love interest, consisting of the song's spoken intro. Usher and Simmons prepare for their date and meet each other before sightseeing around Paris in a convertible. Interspersed are low-angle shots of Usher dancing on a sidewalk. As the day becomes night, Usher is seen wearing sunglasses playing the guitar and dancing shirtless in front of the Eiffel Tower.[27] Usher and Simmons drive across a bridge, and midway they are confronted by several gangsters, who kidnap and cage Simmons and beat Usher.[27] Usher appeals to the police, who are apparently of no help, and proceeds to locate the gangsters' lair himself. He offers a briefcase to the gangsters, which explodes after being opened and a grenade starts to blow. Usher and the gangsters then engage in hand-to-hand combat. Usher and Simmons are together riding escape away on a motorbike as the windows of the building behind them explode. They are then seen relaxing on a sofa in triumphant before she saw a computer zoomed in, which features the song's title written over and over on a word processor. The music video on YouTube has received over 80 million views as of May 2024.[28]

Track listing

[edit]
  1. "Nice & Slow"
  2. "Nice & Slow" (instrumental)
  1. "Nice & Slow" (Live Mix)
  2. "Nice & Slow" (B-Rock's Basement Mix)
  3. "Nice & Slow"
  4. "You Make Me Wanna..." (T & J Classic Garage Mix)
  • UK CD1
  1. "Nice & Slow"
  2. "Nice & Slow" (CD-Rom Video Element)
  3. "You Make Me Wanna..." / "Just Like Me" / "My Way" (Snippets)
  1. "Nice & Slow" (Radio Version)
  2. "Nice & Slow" (Live Version)
  3. "Nice & Slow" (B-Rock's Basement Mix)
  4. "Nice & Slow" (Suli & Stef's Club Class Mix – UK Mix)

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
New Zealand (RMNZ)[52]
Physical sales 		Gold 5,000*
New Zealand (RMNZ)[53]
Digital sales + streaming 		Platinum 30,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[54] Silver 200,000‡
United States (RIAA)[21] 3× Platinum 1,500,000[55]

* 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

Nice & Slow

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Nice & Slow" is a by American singer and songwriter Usher, released as the second single from his second studio album, , on January 6, 1998, by LaFace and . The track, co-written by Usher, , , and Brian Casey of the R&B group Jagged Edge, and produced by Dupri and Seal, features smooth, seductive lyrics centered on a desire for unhurried intimacy in a romantic setting. It marked Usher's breakthrough as a leading R&B artist, becoming his first number-one single on the , where it topped the chart for two weeks beginning February 14, 1998. The song's success propelled to multi- status and solidified Usher's transition from to mature R&B star, with its music video—directed by and featuring model —further boosting its cultural impact through its stylish, sensual aesthetic. By 2022, "Nice & Slow" had been certified triple by the RIAA, denoting three million units sold or streamed in the United States. In 2025, the track resurfaced in popular discourse when Usher clarified a longstanding lyric mishearing , confirming the line as "cruisin' the streets" during a promotional .

Background and development

Writing process

"Nice & Slow" was co-written by Usher Raymond IV, , , and Brian Casey of Jagged Edge. The track originated during sessions for Usher's sophomore album , conceived as a sensual R&B to highlight his evolving image as a maturing artist beyond the teen-oriented sound of his 1994 self-titled debut. Dupri and Seal collaborated on crafting a smooth, mid-tempo groove intended to provide a seductive contrast to the album's more upbeat tracks, such as "You Make Me Wanna...". Dupri, serving as a key mentor, fashioned the core musical elements and encouraged Usher to assert himself creatively during the process. Usher contributed significantly to the , drawing from his personal experiences of young romance and , including details like driving a drop-top and his routine of calling his girlfriend after late-night studio sessions. These elements infused the song with authenticity, positioning Usher as a "nice guy but not too nice," a balance Seal helped refine to avoid extremes like Michael Jackson's wholesomeness or Bobby Brown's edginess. A notable creative decision was the inclusion of the spoken introduction, inspired by Usher's real-life habit of phoning his partner at "7 o'clock on the dot" to set an intimate mood, adding a layer of chivalrous courtship to the track's R&B foundation. This feature was finalized amid the collaborative sessions.

Recording and production

The production of "Nice & Slow" was led by Jermaine Dupri as primary producer, with Manuel Seal serving as co-producer; Dupri crafted the core beats while Seal contributed to the overall arrangement and added guitar. The track was recorded in 1997 at Somewhere in College Park studio in College Park, Georgia, as part of sessions for Usher's second album My Way. Recording engineers Phil Tan and Rob Williams captured Usher's lead vocals, emphasizing a natural R&B style without digital pitch correction, alongside layered chorus elements and sensual ad-libs. Jagged Edge, consisting of Brian and Brandon Casey, provided backing vocals, which were integrated during the later stages of production to enhance the track's harmonic depth. The mixing was handled by Phil Tan and , assisted by Brian Frye, resulting in a polished, intimate sonic profile optimized for radio airplay.

Composition and lyrics

Musical elements

"Nice & Slow" is classified as a mid-tempo R&B/soul ballad incorporating subtle hip-hop elements, performed at 122 beats per minute in 4/4 time. The track's deliberate pace contributes to its seductive, intimate mood, aligning with the tradition in R&B while maintaining a groove suitable for rhythmic flow. Composed in , the song adheres to a conventional verse-chorus , featuring two verses, choruses, a bridge, and an outro that fades with repeated hooks. This format emphasizes Usher's vocal delivery, building tension through melodic repetition before resolving in the bridge. The centers on lush synth keyboards that provide a smooth, atmospheric backdrop, complemented by programmed soft drums and a understated bass line to evoke sensuality without overwhelming the vocals. These elements create a minimalist production that highlights emotional nuance. Produced by , the track blends influences from R&B production. A distinctive spoken-word introduction sets an tone, seamlessly transitioning into sung melodic verses that enhance the song's personal, confessional vibe. This hybrid approach underscores the track's innovative fusion of spoken storytelling and R&B .

Thematic content

"Nice & Slow" centers on the core theme of and a slow-burn romance, depicting a night of intimate connection marked by deliberate pacing and mutual anticipation. The song portrays Usher driving to meet his partner after a studio session, emphasizing a private, sensual encounter free from haste, as he promises to "take it nice and slow" throughout the evening. This narrative unfolds through a first-person perspective, blending with overt desire, reflecting a infused with classic R&B elements. Key lyrics establish this intimate scene from the outset, with lines like "Let me take you to a place nice and quiet / We don't have to rush, I just wanna take it nice and " in the chorus, underscoring patience in both physical and . The verses build the scenario with details such as leaving the studio at seven o'clock to "cruisin' " toward his lover, while the repeated bridge—"I'll you right, I will"—adds a layer of confident sensuality. Usher's playful rap verse, where he spells out "U-S-H-E-R" and asserts his appeal, injects lighthearted bravado into the otherwise tender exchange. These elements create an emotional depth that conveys longing tempered by reassurance, making the track a quintessential of restrained passion. Recurring motifs highlight the contrast between urgency and restraint, as the protagonist's immediate post-work drive clashes with his vows of unhurried affection, symbolizing the tension in budding desire. The song's structure reinforces this through its spoken-word intro mimicking a phone call, which transitions into sung verses that evoke a building intimacy without climaxing prematurely. At 3:48 in runtime, the track employs an in the verses—pairing lines like "deal" with "feel" and "through" with "you"—to maintain a rhythmic, conversational flow that mirrors the lyrical theme of easygoing seduction. Thematically, "Nice & Slow" draws from Usher's personal experiences during his transition to adulthood, capturing the desires and relational dynamics of young maturity as he moved beyond his image. In a interview, Usher reflected on the song's origins in his daily routine of connecting with a partner after late-night sessions, noting it represented a "new " for R&B that aligned with his evolving persona at age 18. This inspiration underscores the track's role in showcasing his growth into a more sophisticated artist addressing adult themes of romance and confidence.

Release and promotion

Single formats

The single "Nice & Slow" was initially released in the United States on January 6, 1998, through , with handling distribution. The primary physical format was a maxi-single (catalog number 73008-24307-2), which included the album version (3:48), version (3:48), version (3:48), and several such as B-Rock's Mix (4:34) and the Darkchild Remix (3:58). A standard (catalog number 73008-24290-2) featured the (3:48), , and tracks. Additionally, a cassette single (catalog number 73008-24290-4) was issued, containing the and on Side A, with the on Side B. Internationally, the single saw releases in various formats starting in early 1998. In the , it was issued on April 20, 1998, as a (catalog number 74321 57911 2), which included the radio edit (3:48), album version, a live mix, and club mixes like Suli & Stef's Club Class Mix (7:15). The UK release also encompassed a cassette single and a limited 12-inch vinyl edition in select markets, featuring extended club mixes. European variants, such as the (catalog number 74321 56458 2), added interactive elements like video clips alongside the standard tracks. Track variations primarily revolved around the core album recording produced by and , with the standard clocking in at 3:48 and an extended mix at 4:12 incorporating additional ad-libs for club play. No official digital single was available until the advent of streaming platforms in the mid-2000s, when it was bundled with the album reissues on services like around 2005. The single's packaging featured cover art of a shirtless Usher in a dimly lit pose, emphasizing the song's sensual R&B theme and aligning with the visual style of the era. Distribution was managed globally by , prioritizing an initial U.S. rollout before expanding to and other regions in spring 1998.

Marketing strategies

LaFace Records serviced "Nice & Slow" to US urban radio on February 3, 1998, marking it as the second single from Usher's sophomore album My Way. The label strategically positioned the track as Usher's transition to a more mature, "grown-up" sound, aiming to appeal to the 18-24 demographic through targeted airplay and video rotations on networks like MTV—where it reached #8—and BET, which featured it in heavy rotation. Promotional tie-ins included live performances on programs such as and at major award ceremonies, including the 1998 Soul Train Music Awards, where Usher showcased the song alongside his prior hit "You Make Me Wanna...". These efforts were bundled with broader album campaigns, leveraging the momentum from the lead single's success to build anticipation and drive sales of , which had already achieved multi-platinum status. In the international market, the push began in April 1998 with the release of singles and remixes, supported by premieres on channels like MTV and in-store displays at major retailers to capitalize on growing European interest in R&B. The overall employed a mid-level focused on video integration and multi-format radio exposure, ultimately helping to solidify Usher's credibility as a leading R&B artist transitioning from to adult performer.

Music video

Production details

The music video for "Nice & Slow" was directed by , a prominent figure in music video production known for his distinctive visual aesthetics in R&B and hip-hop. Cinematography was provided by , who collaborated with Williams on several projects. Filming took place in Paris, France, in early 1998, capitalizing on the city's romantic ambiance to align with the song's theme of intimate seduction. The production featured model as Usher's love interest, adding to the video's allure through her poised presence alongside the singer's charismatic performance. High-production values were evident in the use of slow-motion effects and warm lighting, which enhanced the sensual mood of the track while showcasing Williams' innovative approach to narrative visuals focused on romance and desire. The final edit resulted in a concise 4-minute runtime, emphasizing key moments of chemistry between the leads.

Visual narrative

The music video for "Nice & Slow," directed by Hype Williams, unfolds as a blend of romance and action set against the iconic backdrop of Paris, where Usher pursues a connection with his love interest, portrayed by model Kimora Lee Simmons. The narrative begins with Usher arriving in the city by plane, preparing for a date in a luxurious setting, and meeting Simmons for a flirtatious encounter that includes driving through the streets in a convertible and sharing intimate moments near the Eiffel Tower. However, the storyline takes a dramatic turn when Simmons is kidnapped by assailants, prompting Usher to embark on a high-stakes rescue mission involving chases, confrontations, and explosive action sequences, ultimately saving her and reaffirming their bond. Key scenes emphasize sensuality and dynamism, such as slow-motion where a shirtless Usher dances with low-angle shots highlighting his confident physique, interspersed with close-ups of and subtle touches during the romantic prelude. The escalates the tension with fast-paced pursuit footage through Parisian landmarks, including dialogue-driven confrontations and rescue efforts that integrate Usher's performance, while the climax features the couple reunited atop the for a passionate embrace. These elements visually echo the song's themes of deliberate seduction, contrasting tender moments like café dinners and walks with urgent action to build narrative momentum. Aesthetically, the video employs ' signature cinematic style with vibrant colors, fluid camera movements, and a mix of wide establishing shots of Paris's architecture and intimate framing to heighten emotional intensity, seamlessly weaving lip-syncing performance segments with the plot. Symbolic choices underscore the city's reputation as a hub of romance, mirroring the song's intimate lyrics through settings like secluded streets and the towering , which represent aspiration and connection, while the rescue motif amplifies Usher's portrayal as a suave, heroic figure whose body language conveys poise and desire amid chaos. The runtime spans 4:03, with edits that fluidly transition between narrative progression, dance breaks, and lyrical synchronization to maintain a cohesive, engaging flow without disrupting the storyline's pace.

Critical reception

Initial reviews

Upon its release as the second single from Usher's sophomore album in January 1998, "Nice & Slow" garnered largely positive initial reviews from music critics, who highlighted its sensual appeal and the singer's evolving artistry. While some reviewers pointed out the song's formulaic elements typical of late-1990s R&B slow jams, the overall reception positioned it as a significant step up from Usher's earlier teen-pop leanings, signaling his transition to more mature themes. Critics reached a consensus that "Nice & Slow" marked Usher's breakthrough as an adult-oriented artist, enhancing his credibility beyond his initial boyish image. In a 1997 album review, The Source stated that with , "Usher proves he's no longer a boy, but a man."

Retrospective rankings

In the years following its release, "Nice & Slow" has been frequently reevaluated by music critics and publications, often ranking highly in lists of Usher's greatest tracks. Complex placed the song at number 12 on its 2016 list of the 25 best Usher songs, praising its depiction of youthful romance and carnal anticipation as a pivotal shift toward maturity in the artist's catalog. Similarly, ranked it eighth on its top 10 Usher songs in 2023, highlighting its smooth production and enduring appeal as a seductive R&B classic. included it at number nine in its 2024 ranking of the best Usher songs, crediting the track with establishing Usher as a leading figure in late-1990s through its innovative blend of soulful balladry and subtle hip-hop rhythms. Retrospective analyses have emphasized the song's contributions to R&B's stylistic development. In a 2020 review of Usher's Confessions album, Pitchfork described "Nice & Slow" as a "ballad of pure libido," underscoring its lasting power as an archetype of sensual slow jams that influenced subsequent R&B seduction narratives. Rolling Stone's coverage in the 2020s has lauded its role in evolving R&B by fusing traditional soul elements with emerging hip-hop production techniques, marking a transitional moment in the genre's late-1990s sound. Recent commemorations by Usher himself have reinforced the track's timeless quality. In 2022, to mark the 25th anniversary of his album , Usher recreated the shirtless cover art for "Nice & Slow," posing with his signature "U" chain to evoke and affirm the song's ongoing relevance in his discography. By 2025, the song experienced renewed visibility through viral discussions and reinterpretations on platforms like , including a high-profile that sparked widespread fan engagement and covers by artists such as . While "Nice & Slow" did not secure major awards upon release, it won Best R&B/Soul Single - Male at the , recognizing its impact within the genre. Over time, praise has evolved to focus on its foundational influence in the slow-jam subgenre, blending R&B balladry with hip-hop influences to inspire fusions in later works, as evidenced by recent samplings like Chris Brown's 2025 interpolation. This recognition highlights how the track helped bridge traditional R&B with hip-hop elements, paving the way for hybrid slow jams in the and beyond.

Commercial performance

Chart trajectories

"Nice & Slow" debuted at number 9 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart dated January 24, 1998, before climbing rapidly to its peak position of number 1 on February 14, where it held the top spot for two consecutive weeks through March 1998. The single spent a total of 23 weeks on the Hot 100, marking a significant breakthrough for Usher as his first chart-topper. On other US charts, it dominated the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, reaching number 1 and remaining there for eight weeks, while peaking at number 9 on the Radio Songs chart. Internationally, the song achieved moderate success, peaking at number 24 on the UK Singles Chart in May 1998 after entering at number 27. It performed stronger in select markets, attaining a peak of number 7 on the New Zealand Singles Chart and number 20 on the Single Top 100. For year-end summaries, "Nice & Slow" ranked number 9 on the 1998 year-end chart and number 2 on the US R&B year-end chart, reflecting its enduring popularity that year. On the decade-end chart for the , it placed at number 75, underscoring its lasting impact amid sustained radio extending into the . In the streaming era, the track has amassed over 157 million streams on as of November 2025, contributing to renewed visibility on digital charts and global playlists.

Certifications and sales

In the United States, "Nice & Slow" was initially certified by the RIAA on February 2, 1998, for 500,000 units sold. The single later achieved status that same month and has since been upgraded to 3× Platinum as of 2022, recognizing 3 million units including equivalent album units from streams and track sales. Internationally, the song received a Gold certification from in 1998 for 7,500 units. In the , it was awarded Silver by the BPI in November 2021 for 200,000 units, reflecting combined physical, digital, and streaming equivalents. By 2000, estimates indicated that "Nice & Slow" had sold approximately 1.5 million physical singles worldwide, driven by its chart success across multiple markets. In the digital era, the track has amassed over 157 million streams on alone as of November 2025, contributing to its certifications for streaming equivalents; global streams exceed 800 million across platforms by the same date. The official music video on surpassed 80 million views by May 2024 and reached 101 million by late 2025. The song experienced a resurgence in popularity following the 25th anniversary reissue of Usher's album in September 2022, which included remastered tracks and boosted catalog sales and streams. Further gains occurred in 2025 due to viral trends incorporating the song in dance challenges and nostalgic R&B edits, adding significantly to its streaming totals.
RegionCertificationUnitsDateCertifier
3× Platinum3,000,000September 2022RIAA
Gold500,000February 1998RIAA
Gold7,5001998RMNZ
Silver200,000November 2021BPI

Legacy and influence

Cultural impact

"Nice & Slow" represented a pivotal career milestone for Usher, signaling his evolution from a teen idol to an established R&B . At just 19 years old, the track helped him shed his earlier boyish image, embracing a more sensual and mature persona that resonated with adult audiences. This transformation was instrumental in building momentum for his blockbuster 2004 album Confessions, which sold over 20 million copies worldwide and solidified his status as an R&B powerhouse. The song played a key role in the resurgence of slow jams within R&B, fusing soulful melodies with subtle hip-hop elements to create an intimate, seductive vibe that defined the era's romantic soundtracks. Usher's approach influenced subsequent generations of R&B artists, including and , who drew from his blueprint of blending vulnerability with charisma in slow-tempo tracks. In broader pop culture, "Nice & Slow" has endured as a touchstone for , appearing in various media depictions of romance and youth. To mark the 25th anniversary of his album in 2022, Usher recreated the single's iconic shirtless cover art, posing with his signature "U" chain necklace to evoke the original's allure. The track's themes of patient have cemented it as a symbol of millennial-era romance, evoking intimate connections from the late . In the , it saw renewed popularity on social platforms, with fans debating the lyrics—particularly lines like "Who's in the streets or cruising"—sparking viral discussions and recreations. This resurgence highlights its lasting appeal as a for slow, deliberate expressions of desire. "Nice & Slow" also bolstered Usher's recognition at the 1998 Soul Train Music Awards, where he secured the Best R&B/Soul Single - Male award for "Nice & Slow" and delivered a memorable performance of the single alongside "You Make Me Wanna." The song's contributions to these accolades underscored its role in elevating Usher's profile within the R&B community during a formative period.

Cover versions and sampling

"Nice & Slow" has inspired numerous covers by R&B artists, showcasing its enduring appeal as a seductive . In 2015, delivered a soulful acapella rendition during a live performance, highlighting the song's emotional depth through stripped-down vocals. Similarly, in June 2021, the duo performed an intimate cover at a event, earning praise for capturing the track's intimate vibe in front of an enthusiastic audience. More recent interpretations include a July 2025 mashup of Leon Thomas's "Yes It Is" with the melody of "Nice & Slow," blending contemporary R&B elements with the original's smooth vibe. In November 2025, Toni Braxton shared an acoustic-style TikTok rendition, infusing the song with her signature husky timbre and emphasizing its romantic essence. The track has also been sampled and interpolated in various hip-hop and R&B productions. Chris Brown's 2025 remix of "It Depends," featuring Usher himself, directly samples "Nice & Slow" as a nod to the classic, integrating its iconic chorus into a modern collaboration. Earlier examples include Bryson Tiller's 2017 song "7:00," which interpolates the song's melodic structure to evoke similar themes of longing. Usher continues to perform "Nice & Slow" as a staple in his live setlists, often teasing extended versions during high-profile shows. During the 2024 halftime performance, he included a snippet of the track amid a medley of hits, thrilling fans with its nostalgic sensuality. R&B tribute events have featured covers by emerging acts, such as Von Tae's medley inclusion in April 2025, paying homage to Usher's legacy. Remixes of "Nice & Slow" gained traction in club scenes during the early 2000s, with the B-Rock's Basement Mix featuring adding hip-hop flair and a faster for floors. The song has appeared in media parodies, such as comedic sketches reimagining its lyrics for humorous relationship scenarios. In 2025, "Nice & Slow" experienced a resurgence through viral TikTok duets and challenges, where users recreated its choreography and vocals, extending the song's digital footprint among younger audiences.

References

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  32. https://www.discogs.com/release/2311722-Usher-Nice-Slow-The-Remixes
  33. https://podcasts.musixmatch.com/search/topic/Nice_%2526_Slow/Q2551142
  34. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Hits/90s/1998/Hits-1998-03-20.pdf
  35. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8906972/
  36. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8906972/fullcredits/
  37. https://www.revolt.tv/article/13-best-usher-music-videos
  38. https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/usher-kimora-lee-simmons-las-vegas-concert-1234753154/
  39. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIpQ4AZSAf8
  40. https://www.complex.com/music/a/ross-scarano/best-usher-songs
  41. https://americansongwriter.com/top-10-usher-songs/
  42. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-usher-songs-1234951495/
  43. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/usher-confessions/
  44. https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/-55496/nice-slow-1997-55513/
  45. https://people.com/music/usher-recreates-nice-and-slow-single-cover-to-celebrate-25th-anniversary-of-my-way-album/
  46. https://www.tiktok.com/@leonthomas/video/7531450789479386381
  47. https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/930141-chris-brown-snippet-upcoming-song-sampling-usher-classic-rnb-news
  48. https://www.grammy.com/news/usher-songs-super-bowl-halftime-show-new-album-tour
  49. https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1998-01-24/
  50. https://tsort.info/music/1xpgy5.htm
  51. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/usher-nice-slow/
  52. https://charts.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=Usher&titel=Nice%2B%26%2BSlow&cat=s
  53. https://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Usher&titel=Nice%2B%26%2BSlow&cat=s
  54. https://www.scribd.com/document/446330030/Billboard-1990s-Decade-End-Hot-100
  55. https://kworb.net/spotify/artist/23zg3TcAtWQy7J6upgbUnj_songs.html
  56. https://ratedrnb.com/2022/09/usher-my-way-album-now-certified-7x-multi-platinum/
  57. https://aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz/archive/annual-singles/1998-12-31
  58. https://chartmasters.org/cspc-usher-popularity-analysis/
  59. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/usher-r-b-icon-trailblazer-185145850.html
  60. https://www.bet.com/article/6qx14q/soul-train-awards-2021-3-times-artist-sampled-nominee-usher
  61. https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0005174/1998/1/
  62. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4U_oPaAJyNc
  63. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/dvsn-usher-nice-and-slow-cover-spotify-party-video-9589019/
  64. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBwP7FuXX7E
  65. https://ratedrnb.com/2025/10/chris-brown-usher-it-depends-remix/
  66. https://www.whosampled.com/sample/824405/Bryson-Tiller-7%253A00-Usher-Nice-%2526-Slow/
  67. https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/usher-super-bowl-halftime-show-video-guest-performers
  68. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLDL56b0ua4
  69. https://open.spotify.com/track/01vGlen8zIZBIUnuCwQwtY
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