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{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2020}}
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{{About|the Usher EP|the Viviz EP|Versus (Viviz EP)}}
{{Infobox album
{{Infobox album
| name = Versus
| name = Versus
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| border = yes
| border = yes
| alt =
| alt =
| released = July 20, 2010
| released = {{start date|2010|7|20}}
| recorded =
| recorded =
| venue =
| studio =
| studio =
| genre = {{hlist|[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]|[[Pop music|pop]]}}
| genre = {{hlist|[[Electronic Dance Music|EDM]]|[[Europop]]|[[Contemporary R&B ]]<ref name="Allmusic"/>}}
| length = 37:51
| length = 37:51
| label = {{hlist|[[LaFace Records|LaFace]]|[[Jive Records|Jive]]}}
| label = {{hlist|[[LaFace Records|LaFace]]|[[Jive Records|Jive]]}}
| producer = {{hlist|[[Usher (musician)|Usher Raymond IV]] {{small|([[executive producer|exec.]])}}|Mark Pitts {{small|(exec.)}}|Alexander "Prettyboifresh" Parhm Jr.|[[Max Martin]]|[[Shellback (songwriter)|Shellback]]|[[Polow da Don]]|[[Rico Love]]|Dwayne "D-Town" Nesmith|[[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis|Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis]]|[[Jim Jonsin]]|[[Benny Blanco]]|[[Drumma Boy|Christopher "Drumma Boy" Gholson]]|The Avila Brothers}}
| producer = {{hlist|Alexander "Prettyboifresh" Parhm Jr.|[[Max Martin]]|[[Shellback (songwriter)|Shellback]]|[[Polow da Don]]|[[Rico Love]]|Dwayne "D-Town" Nesmith|[[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis|Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis]]|[[Jim Jonsin]]|[[Benny Blanco]]|[[Drumma Boy|Christopher "Drumma Boy" Gholson]]|[[The Avila Brothers]]}}
| prev_title = [[Raymond v. Raymond]]
| prev_title = [[Raymond v. Raymond]]
| prev_year = 2010
| prev_year = 2010
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| type = EP
| type = EP
| single1 = [[DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love]]
| single1 = [[DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love]]
| single1date = June 25, 2010
| single1date = July 12, 2010
| single2 = [[Hot Tottie]]
| single2 = [[Hot Tottie]]
| single2date = August 9, 2010
| single2date = August 9, 2010
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}}
}}


'''''Versus''''' is the first [[extended play]] by American singer [[Usher (musician)|Usher]]. It was released on July 20, 2010 on [[LaFace Records]] and [[Jive Records]] in conjunction with the deluxe edition of his sixth studio album ''[[Raymond v. Raymond]]''. Several producers contributed to the production of the EP, including [[Polow da Don]], [[Jim Jonsin]], [[Rico Love]], [[Drumma Boy]], [[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis]], and [[Max Martin]]. ''Versus'' is marked as "the last chapter of ''Raymond v. Raymond''", and follows the theme of Usher exploring around the subjects of being newly single and a father.
'''''Versus''''' is the first EP by American singer [[Usher (musician)|Usher]]. It was released on July 20, 2010 on [[LaFace Records]] and [[Jive Records]] in conjunction with the deluxe edition of his sixth studio album ''[[Raymond v. Raymond]]''. Several producers contributed to the production of the EP, including [[Polow da Don]], [[Jim Jonsin]], [[Rico Love]], [[Drumma Boy]], [[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis]], and [[Max Martin]]. ''Versus'' is marked as "the last chapter of ''Raymond v. Raymond''", and follows the theme of Usher exploring around the subjects of being newly single and a father.


Preceding the EP's release was the [[lead single]] "[[DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love]]", which achieved international success. The song peaked at number four on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], and peaked inside the top-ten in several other countries singles charts. "[[Hot Tottie]]" and "[[Lay You Down]]" were released as the second and third singles, respectively, with the former becoming a US top-thirty hit. To promote the album, Usher appeared in several award and television shows, including ''[[Good Morning America]]'', ''[[The Ellen DeGeneres Show]]'' and ''[[Jimmy Kimmel Live!]]''.
Preceding the EP's release was the [[lead single]] "[[DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love]]", which achieved international success. The song peaked at number four on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], and peaked inside the top-ten in several other countries singles charts. "[[Hot Tottie]]" and "[[Lay You Down]]" were released as the second and third singles, respectively, with the former becoming a US top-thirty hit. To promote the album, Usher appeared in several award and television shows, including ''[[Good Morning America]]'', ''[[The Ellen DeGeneres Show]]'' and ''[[Jimmy Kimmel Live!]]''.
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==Background==
==Background==
In 2009, in an interview with ''[[People Magazine]]'', Usher, whose private life has been highly documented after filing for divorce from wife Tameka Foster, told that his sixth studio album will be, "racy, risky and edgy, and sometimes about personal experiences."<ref name="people.com">{{cite web|last=Dyball |first=Rennie |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20286317,00.html |title=Usher's Got Milk – and a New Album – Usher |work=[[People (magazine)|People]]|publisher=[[Time Inc.]] ([[Time Warner]]) |date=June 19, 2009 |access-date=July 3, 2012}}</ref> In March, 2010, he released the album under the title ''[[Raymond v. Raymond]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/raymond-v-raymond/id361405193|title=Raymond v. Raymond by Usher|publisher=[[iTunes Store]] (US). [[Apple Inc]]|access-date=July 3, 2012}}</ref> Upon its release, ''Raymond v. Raymond'' received generally mixed reviews from [[Music journalism|music critics]], who were ambivalent towards its songwriting and themes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/raymond-v-raymond|title= Raymond v. Raymond (2010): Reviews|publisher=[[Metacritic]]. [[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=July 3, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Kellman">Kellman, Andy. [{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r1700764/review|pure_url=yes}} Review: ''Raymond v. Raymond'']. [[Allmusic]]. [[Rovi Corporation]]. Retrieved on July 3, 2012.</ref> However, the album was a commercial success and peaked at number one on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart, with sales of 329,000 for its first week; it became Usher's third consecutive US number one album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/958703/usher-scores-third-straight-no-1-on-billboard-200|title=Usher Scores Third Straight No 1 on Billboard|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=April 7, 2010|access-date=July 3, 2012}}</ref>
In 2009, in an interview with ''[[People Magazine]]'', Usher, whose private life has been highly documented after filing for divorce from wife Tameka Foster, told that his sixth studio album will be, "racy, risky and edgy, and sometimes about personal experiences."<ref name="people.com">{{cite web|last=Dyball |first=Rennie |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20286317,00.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120703173906/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20286317,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 3, 2012 |title=Usher's Got Milk – and a New Album – Usher |work=[[People (magazine)|People]]|publisher=[[Time Inc.]] ([[Time Warner]]) |date=June 19, 2009 |access-date=July 3, 2012}}</ref> In March, 2010, he released the album under the title ''[[Raymond v. Raymond]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/raymond-v-raymond/id361405193|title=Raymond v. Raymond by Usher|publisher=[[iTunes Store]] (US). [[Apple Inc]]|access-date=July 3, 2012}}</ref> Upon its release, ''Raymond v. Raymond'' received generally mixed reviews from [[Music journalism|music critics]], who were ambivalent towards its songwriting and themes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/raymond-v-raymond|title= Raymond v. Raymond (2010): Reviews|publisher=[[Metacritic]]. [[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=July 3, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Kellman">Kellman, Andy. [{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r1700764/review|pure_url=yes}} Review: ''Raymond v. Raymond'']. [[Allmusic]]. [[Rovi Corporation]]. Retrieved on July 3, 2012.</ref> However, the album was a commercial success and peaked at number one on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart, with sales of 329,000 for its first week; it became Usher's third consecutive US number one album.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/958703/usher-scores-third-straight-no-1-on-billboard-200|title=Usher Scores Third Straight No 1 on Billboard|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=April 7, 2010|access-date=July 3, 2012}}</ref>


On July 8, 2010, ''Versus'' was announced as a follow-up to ''Raymond v. Raymond'', and is Usher's first [[extended play]].<ref name="Newrelease"/><ref name="RapUp1"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.bet.com/music/soundOff/new-usher-ep-already/|title=New Usher EP Already?|work=[[Black Entertainment Television|BET Sound Off]]|publisher=[[Black Entertainment Television]]|access-date=2010-07-13}}</ref> Described during a press release as "the last chapter of ''Raymond v. Raymond''", he stated that the EP will explore the subjects of being newly single and a father.<ref name="independent.co.uk"/> It would include ''Raymond v. Raymond'' single "[[There Goes My Baby (Usher song)|There Goes My Baby]]", as well as 8 new tracks.<ref name="independent.co.uk"/> Several producers from the latter album contributed to the production of the EP, including [[Polow da Don]], [[Jim Jonsin]], [[Rico Love]], [[Drumma Boy]], [[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis]], Tha Cornaboyz and [[Max Martin]].<ref
On July 8, 2010, ''Versus'' was announced as a follow-up to ''Raymond v. Raymond'', and is Usher's first [[extended play]].<ref name="Newrelease"/><ref name="RapUp1"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.bet.com/music/soundOff/new-usher-ep-already/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100713064355/http://blogs.bet.com/music/soundOff/new-usher-ep-already/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 13, 2010|title=New Usher EP Already?|work=[[Black Entertainment Television|BET Sound Off]]|publisher=[[Black Entertainment Television]]|access-date=2010-07-13}}</ref> Described during a press release as "the last chapter of ''Raymond v. Raymond''", he stated that the EP will explore the subjects of being newly single and a father.<ref name="independent.co.uk"/> It would include ''Raymond v. Raymond'' single "[[There Goes My Baby (Usher song)|There Goes My Baby]]", as well as 8 new tracks.<ref name="independent.co.uk"/> Several producers from the latter album contributed to the production of the EP, including [[Polow da Don]], [[Jim Jonsin]], [[Rico Love]], [[Drumma Boy]], [[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis]], Tha Cornaboyz and [[Max Martin]].<ref
name="independent.co.uk">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/usher-announces-raymond-v-raymond-followup-for-august-release-2024228.html |title=Usher announces 'Raymond v. Raymond' follow-up for August release - Music, Arts & Entertainment |work=The Independent |date=2010-07-11 |access-date=2010-08-09 | location=London}}</ref> ''Versus''' track listing and album cover was revealed on July 21, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/07/24/ushers-versus-cover-and-tracklisting-revealed/#more-52567|title=Usher's 'Versus' Cover and Tracklisting Revealed|work=Rap-Up|access-date=2010-07-24}}</ref>
name="independent.co.uk">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/usher-announces-raymond-v-raymond-followup-for-august-release-2024228.html |title=Usher announces 'Raymond v. Raymond' follow-up for August release - Music, Arts & Entertainment |work=The Independent |date=2010-07-11 |access-date=2010-08-09 | location=London}}</ref> ''Versus''' track listing and album cover was revealed on July 21, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/07/24/ushers-versus-cover-and-tracklisting-revealed/#more-52567|title=Usher's 'Versus' Cover and Tracklisting Revealed|work=Rap-Up|access-date=2010-07-24}}</ref>


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| description = The chorus of "[[DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love]]", leading to Pitbull's verse.
| description = The chorus of "[[DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love]]", leading to Pitbull's verse.
}}
}}
The EP incorporates the genres [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]], [[Pop music|pop]], [[dance-pop]] and [[hip-hop]].<ref name="LaTimes"/><ref name="About"/><ref name="aol">{{cite web|url=http://www.aolradioblog.com/2010/07/30/usher-hot-tottie-jay-z/|title=Usher, 'Hot Tottie' Feat. Jay-Z -- New Song|first=Sara|last=Anderson|publisher=[[AOL]]|access-date=2010-11-20|date=2010-07-30}}</ref> Its lead single, "[[DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love]]" is a [[Europop]] track, with [[electronic music|electronic]] and dance-pop influence.<ref name="About"/><ref name="Menachem">{{cite web|last=Menachem|first=Michael|title=Usher featuring Pitbull, "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love" |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/review/1068838/usher-featuring-pitbull-dj-got-us-fallin-in-love |date=August 13, 2010|work=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=August 28, 2010}}</ref> [[About.com]]'s Mark Nero summed up its lyrics, to simply be "going clubbing on a Friday night".<ref name="About"/> "[[Hot Tottie]]" is an R&B song that incorporates hip-hop, which is over strobing, electronic beats with Usher's vocals [[auto-tune]]d in parts;<ref name="aol"/> the song contains a verse from rapper [[Jay-Z]], whose appearance was lauded by critics.<ref name="About"/><ref name="EW"/> "There Goes My Baby" is a down-tempo R&B ballad, with elements of [[neo soul]];<ref name="yah">{{cite web|url=http://uk.launch.yahoo.com/100504/33/222k2.html|title=Usher - Raymond Vs Raymond|date=2010-05-04|publisher=[[Yahoo!|Yahoo! Music UK]]|first=Jamie|last=Gil|access-date=2010-10-12}}</ref> the song primarily uses Usher's [[falsetto]] range. Both "[[Lay You Down]]" and "Lingerie" contain influences from pop artists, with the former channelling [[Prince (musician)|Prince]] whilst the latter, [[Michael Jackson]].<ref name="LaTimes"/> In an interview with music video website [[Vevo]], Usher explained that "Lay You Down" is a "classic R&B baby maker".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vevo.com/watch/usher/versus-track-by-track/USLV41000028|title=Versus Track-by-Track – Usher|publisher=[[Vevo]]|access-date=July 21, 2012}}</ref>
The EP is a [[Europop]] and [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] project<ref name="Allmusic"/> that also incorporates elements of [[Pop music|pop]], [[dance-pop]] and [[hip-hop]].<ref name="LaTimes"/><ref name="About"/><ref name="aol">{{cite web|url=http://www.aolradioblog.com/2010/07/30/usher-hot-tottie-jay-z/|title=Usher, 'Hot Tottie' Feat. Jay-Z -- New Song|first=Sara|last=Anderson|publisher=[[AOL]]|access-date=2010-11-20|date=2010-07-30}}</ref> Its lead single, "[[DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love]]" is a [[Europop]] track, with [[electronic music|electronic]] and dance-pop influence.<ref name="About"/><ref name="Menachem">{{cite magazine|last=Menachem|first=Michael|title=Usher featuring Pitbull, "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love" |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/review/1068838/usher-featuring-pitbull-dj-got-us-fallin-in-love |date=August 13, 2010|magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=August 28, 2010}}</ref> [[About.com]]'s Mark Nero summed up its lyrics, to simply be "going clubbing on a Friday night".<ref name="About"/> "[[Hot Tottie]]" is an R&B song that incorporates hip-hop, which is over strobing, electronic beats with Usher's vocals [[auto-tune]]d in parts;<ref name="aol"/> the song contains a verse from rapper [[Jay-Z]], whose appearance was lauded by critics.<ref name="About"/><ref name="EW"/> "There Goes My Baby" is a down-tempo R&B ballad, with elements of [[neo soul]];<ref name="yah">{{cite web|url=http://uk.launch.yahoo.com/100504/33/222k2.html|title=Usher - Raymond Vs Raymond|date=2010-05-04|publisher=[[Yahoo!|Yahoo! Music UK]]|first=Jamie|last=Gil|access-date=2010-10-12|archive-date=June 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613143057/http://uk.launch.yahoo.com/100504/33/222k2.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> the song primarily uses Usher's [[falsetto]] range. Both "[[Lay You Down]]" and "Lingerie" contain influences from pop artists, with the former channelling [[Prince (musician)|Prince]] whilst the latter, [[Michael Jackson]].<ref name="LaTimes"/> In an interview with music video website [[Vevo]], Usher explained that "Lay You Down" is a "classic R&B baby maker".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vevo.com/watch/usher/versus-track-by-track/USLV41000028|title=Versus Track-by-Track – Usher|publisher=[[Vevo]]|access-date=July 21, 2012}}</ref>


==Singles==
==Singles==
"DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love", featuring [[Pitbull (rapper)|Pitbull]], produced by Max Martin is the first single off the EP. It was released to iTunes on July 13, 2010 and officially sent to radio on July 20, 2010.<ref name="Newrelease">{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/957469/usher-announces-new-versus-album-deluxe-edition|title=Usher Announces New 'Versus' Album, Deluxe Edition|first=Mariel|last=Concepcion|work=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=2010-07-08|date=2010-07-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases |title=Top 40/M Future Releases &#124; Mainstream Hit Songs Being Released and Their Release |publisher=Allaccess.com |access-date=2010-07-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6JiSF8uQ1?url=http://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases |archive-date=September 18, 2013 }}</ref> The song received generally positive reviews from critics, who complemented its production but were ambivalent towards its lack of originality; the song was largely compared to "OMG" due to its club nature. Since its release, it has gained international success, peaking in the top three in [[Canadian Hot 100|Canada]],<ref name="versuscanada"/> [[Japan Hot 100|Japan]],<ref>[{{BillboardURLbyName|artist=usher|chart=Japan Hot 100}} Usher Japan Hot 100 History]. ''Billboard''. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved on July 15, 2012.</ref> [[ARIA Charts|Australia]],<ref name="ultratop"/> [[SNEP|France]],<ref name="ultratop"/> and [[Association of Hungarian Record Companies|Hungary]]<ref name="ultratop"/> and in the top ten in several other countries.<ref name="ultratop">[http://www.ultratop.be/fr/showitem.asp?interpret=Usher+feat.+Pitbull&titel=DJ+Got+Us+Fallin%27+In+Love&cat=s Usher – DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love] [[Ultratop 50]]. Hung Medien. Retrieved July 14, 2012</ref> The song became Usher's sixteenth [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] top-ten hit, peaking at number-four on the chart,<ref name="HOT100">{{cite web|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=usher|chart=all}}|title=Usher Hot 100 Songs Chart History|work=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=October 14, 2010}}</ref> and number two on the US Pop Songs Chart.<ref name="R&B">{{cite web|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=usher|chart=Pop Songs B}}|title=Usher Pop Songs Chart History|work=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=September 10, 2010}}</ref> As of February 2011, the song has sold over 3 million digital units, making it the second single to exceed the sales figure for both Usher and featured artist Pitbull.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart_watch/74334/week-ending-feb-20-2011-songs-gaga-defies-odds/ |title=Week Ending Feb. 20, 2011: Songs: Gaga Defies Odds – Chart Watch |publisher=New.music.yahoo.com |date=February 20, 2011 |access-date=February 26, 2011}}</ref>
"DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love", featuring [[Pitbull (rapper)|Pitbull]], produced by Max Martin is the first single off the EP. It was released to iTunes on July 13, 2010 and officially sent to radio on July 20, 2010.<ref name="Newrelease">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/957469/usher-announces-new-versus-album-deluxe-edition|title=Usher Announces New 'Versus' Album, Deluxe Edition|first=Mariel|last=Concepcion|magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=2010-07-08|date=2010-07-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases |title=Top 40/M Future Releases &#124; Mainstream Hit Songs Being Released and Their Release |publisher=Allaccess.com |access-date=2010-07-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921075435/http://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases |archive-date=September 21, 2013 }}</ref> The song received generally positive reviews from critics, who complemented its production but were ambivalent towards its lack of originality; the song was largely compared to "OMG" due to its club nature. Since its release, it has gained international success, peaking in the top three in [[Canadian Hot 100|Canada]],<ref name="versuscanada"/> [[Japan Hot 100|Japan]],<ref>[{{BillboardURLbyName|artist=usher|chart=Japan Hot 100}} Usher Japan Hot 100 History]. ''Billboard''. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved on July 15, 2012.</ref> [[ARIA Charts|Australia]],<ref name="ultratop"/> [[SNEP|France]],<ref name="ultratop"/> and [[Association of Hungarian Record Companies|Hungary]]<ref name="ultratop"/> and in the top ten in several other countries.<ref name="ultratop">[https://www.ultratop.be/fr/song/b1b0a/Usher-feat.-Pitbull-DJ-Got-Us-Fallin'-In-Love Usher – DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love] [[Ultratop 50]]. Hung Medien. Retrieved July 14, 2012</ref> The song became Usher's sixteenth [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] top-ten hit, peaking at number-four on the chart,<ref name="HOT100">{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=usher|chart=all}}|title=Usher Hot 100 Songs Chart History|magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=October 14, 2010}}</ref> and number two on the US Pop Songs Chart.<ref name="R&B">{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=usher|chart=Pop Songs B}}|title=Usher Pop Songs Chart History|magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=September 10, 2010}}</ref> As of February 2011, the song has sold over 3 million digital units, making it the second single to exceed the sales figure for both Usher and featured artist Pitbull.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart_watch/74334/week-ending-feb-20-2011-songs-gaga-defies-odds/ |title=Week Ending Feb. 20, 2011: Songs: Gaga Defies Odds – Chart Watch |publisher=New.music.yahoo.com |date=February 20, 2011 |access-date=February 26, 2011}}</ref>


"Hot Tottie", featuring [[Jay-Z]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usherworld.com/news/new-track-hot-tottie-featuring-jayz |title=Usher official website &#124; new track hot tottie featuring jayz |publisher=Usherworld.com |date=2010-08-02 |access-date=2010-08-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100806012621/http://www.usherworld.com/news/new-track-hot-tottie-featuring-jayz |archive-date=2010-08-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref> produced by [[Polow Da Don]] and written by Usher, Shawn Carter, and [[Ester Dean]], is the second single. It was released for urban radio on August 9, 2010.<ref name="RapUp1">{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/07/08/new-music-usher-f-pitbull-dj-got-us-fallin-in-love/|title=New Music: Usher f/ Pitbull – 'DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love'|work=[[Rap-Up]]|access-date=2010-07-08}}</ref> Ciara was originally reported to be on the song, but did not appear on the final track.<ref name="TIU">{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/10/21/new-music-ciara-f-usher-turn-it-up/|title=New Music: Ciara f/ Usher – 'Turn It Up'|work=Rap-Up|access-date=2010-10-21}}</ref> The song received very positive reviews from critics, who praised rapper Jay-Z's verse and Usher's vocals. It peaked at number nine on the [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs]] chart,<ref name="r&bchart">{{cite web|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=usher|chart=R&B/Hip-Hop Songs}}|title=Usher R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart History|work=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=September 10, 2010}}</ref> and number 21 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart.<ref name="HOT100"/> Internationally, "Hot Tottie" peaked at number sixty-two on the [[Canadian Hot 100]].<ref name="versuscanada">[{{BillboardURLbyName|artist=usher|chart=Billboard Canadian Hot 100}} Usher Canadian Hot 100 History]. ''Billboard''. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved on July 15, 2012.</ref> Although it was not released officially as a single in the UK, the song reached number 104 on the [[UK Singles Chart]] and number twenty-seven on the [[UK R&B Chart]] due to sales after the release of ''Versus'' only.<ref name="uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/101002cluk.txt|title=Chart Log UK: New Entries Update|access-date=November 20, 2010|publisher=Zobbel}}</ref> "[[Lay You Down]]", produced by Rico Love and Dwayne Nesmith, is the third single and was sent to urban radio on September 28, 2010.<ref name="aollay">{{cite news|url=http://www.aolradioblog.com/2010/09/29/usher-lay-you-down/|title=Usher, 'Lay You Down' -- New Song |publisher=AOL|date=September 29, 2010 |access-date=January 6, 2011}}</ref><ref name="allaccess">{{cite web|url=http://www.allaccess.com/urban/future-releases |title=Future Releases September 28, 2010 |publisher=allaccess.com |access-date=September 25, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6FlkdlldY?url=http://www.allaccess.com/urban/future-releases |archive-date=April 10, 2013 }}</ref> It maintained a peak of number fifty-six on the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, due to only being released to radio.<ref name="r&bchart"/> Sara Anderson of [[AOL]] wrote that the song opens "with improvisational, high-pitched 'ooohs' and base-driven [[Synthesiser|synth]] beats [...]."<ref name="aollay"/>
"Hot Tottie", featuring [[Jay-Z]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usherworld.com/news/new-track-hot-tottie-featuring-jayz |title=Usher official website &#124; new track hot tottie featuring jayz |publisher=Usherworld.com |date=2010-08-02 |access-date=2010-08-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100806012621/http://www.usherworld.com/news/new-track-hot-tottie-featuring-jayz |archive-date=2010-08-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref> produced by [[Polow Da Don]] and written by Usher, Shawn Carter, and [[Ester Dean]], is the second single. It was released for urban radio on August 9, 2010.<ref name="RapUp1">{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/07/08/new-music-usher-f-pitbull-dj-got-us-fallin-in-love/|title=New Music: Usher f/ Pitbull – 'DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love'|work=[[Rap-Up]]|access-date=2010-07-08}}</ref> Ciara was originally reported to be on the song, but did not appear on the final track.<ref name="TIU">{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/10/21/new-music-ciara-f-usher-turn-it-up/|title=New Music: Ciara f/ Usher – 'Turn It Up'|work=Rap-Up|access-date=2010-10-21}}</ref> The song received very positive reviews from critics, who praised rapper Jay-Z's verse and Usher's vocals. It peaked at number nine on the [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs]] chart,<ref name="r&bchart">{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=usher|chart=R&B/Hip-Hop Songs}}|title=Usher R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart History|magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=September 10, 2010}}</ref> and number 21 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart.<ref name="HOT100"/> Internationally, "Hot Tottie" peaked at number sixty-two on the [[Canadian Hot 100]].<ref name="versuscanada">[{{BillboardURLbyName|artist=usher|chart=Billboard Canadian Hot 100}} Usher Canadian Hot 100 History]. ''Billboard''. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved on July 15, 2012.</ref> Although it was not released officially as a single in the UK, the song reached number 104 on the [[UK Singles Chart]] and number twenty-seven on the [[UK R&B Chart]] due to sales after the release of ''Versus'' only.<ref name="uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/101002cluk.txt|title=Chart Log UK: New Entries Update|access-date=November 20, 2010|publisher=Zobbel}}</ref> "[[Lay You Down]]", produced by Rico Love and Dwayne Nesmith, is the third single and was sent to urban radio on September 28, 2010.<ref name="aollay">{{cite news|url=http://www.aolradioblog.com/2010/09/29/usher-lay-you-down/|title=Usher, 'Lay You Down' -- New Song |publisher=AOL|date=September 29, 2010 |access-date=January 6, 2011}}</ref><ref name="allaccess">{{cite web|url=http://www.allaccess.com/urban/future-releases |title=Future Releases September 28, 2010 |publisher=allaccess.com |access-date=September 25, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510234734/http://www.allaccess.com/urban/future-releases |archive-date=May 10, 2013 }}</ref> It maintained a peak of number fifty-six on the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, due to only being released to radio.<ref name="r&bchart"/> Sara Anderson of [[AOL]] wrote that the song opens "with improvisational, high-pitched 'ooohs' and base-driven [[Synthesiser|synth]] beats [...]."<ref name="aollay"/>


==Release and promotion==
==Release and promotion==
Line 61: Line 61:
[[File:Elephant Man ^ Usher - panoramio.jpg|thumb|250px|Usher and [[Chris Brown]] with [[Elephant Man (musician)|Elephant Man]] at the 2010 [[Reggae Sumfest]]. The two dancing stimulating rumours of a joint tour.]]
[[File:Elephant Man ^ Usher - panoramio.jpg|thumb|250px|Usher and [[Chris Brown]] with [[Elephant Man (musician)|Elephant Man]] at the 2010 [[Reggae Sumfest]]. The two dancing stimulating rumours of a joint tour.]]


Usher performed the lead single "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love" in several shows, the first being ''[[Good Morning America]]''; he performed it alongside "OMG".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/viral-videos/956756/usher-performs-omg-new-track-on-gma|title=Usher Performs 'O.M.G.,' New Track On GMA|first=Mariel|last=Concepcion|work=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=July 14, 2012|date=August 20, 2010}}</ref> He performed both songs again during the [[MTV Music Video Awards|2010 MTV Music Video Awards]].<ref name="vma">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1647708/ushers-vma-performance-proves-hes-still-king-making-show.jhtml|title=Usher's VMA Performance Proves He's Still King: Making The Show|first=Jayson|last=Rodriguez|publisher=[[MTV News]] ([[MTV Networks]])|access-date=July 14, 2012|date=August 20, 2010}}</ref> Jayson Rodriguez of [[MTV]] lauded the performance, writing that "Usher plays to win, and after his stirring performance it's clear that the crown still rests securely on his head".<ref name="vma"/> A few days later, Usher performed the song—whilst also interviewed—on ''[[The Ellen DeGeneres Show]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisrnb.com/2010/09/usher-performance-interview-on-ellen-show/|title=Usher Performs And Interview On Ellen Show |publisher=thisisRnB |date=September 15, 2010|access-date=July 14, 2012}}</ref> On September 17, 2010, he performed the song alongside "[[There Goes My Baby (Usher song)|There Goes My Baby]]" on ''[[Jimmy Kimmel Live!]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://idolator.com/5630391/usher-jimmy-kimmel-live|title=Usher Goes Green On 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'|first=Robbie|last=Daw|work=Idolator|publisher=Buzzmedia Publishers|date=2010-09-17|access-date=2010-10-14}}</ref> Usher performed "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love" in the season five finale of ''[[America's Got Talent]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thatgrapejuice.net/2010/09/usher-performs-americas-talent/|title=Usher Performs On 'America's Got Talent' |publisher=That Grape Juice |date=September 16, 2010|access-date=July 14, 2012}}</ref> and in the seventh season of ''[[The X Factor (TV series)|The X Factor]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thatgrapejuice.net/2010/10/usher-performs-xfactor/|title=Usher Performs On X-Factor|publisher=That Grape Juice |date=October 10, 2010|access-date=July 14, 2012}}</ref> Usher performed "Hot Tottie" on an untelevised portion of his appearance on ''[[The Early Show]]'' on September 3, 2010, and performed it on his [[OMG Tour]], alongside "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macombdaily.com/articles/2010/11/27/entertainment/doc4cefee9393e0c050940298.txt|title='Superstar' Usher wants fans to leave shows saying 'OMG'|date=2010-11-27|access-date=2010-11-28|work=The Macomb Daily|publisher=Journal Register MI}}</ref>
Usher performed the lead single "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love" in several shows, the first being ''[[Good Morning America]]''; he performed it alongside "OMG".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/viral-videos/956756/usher-performs-omg-new-track-on-gma|title=Usher Performs 'O.M.G.,' New Track On GMA|first=Mariel|last=Concepcion|magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=July 14, 2012|date=August 20, 2010}}</ref> He performed both songs again during the [[MTV Music Video Awards|2010 MTV Music Video Awards]].<ref name="vma">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1647708/ushers-vma-performance-proves-hes-still-king-making-show.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012082201/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1647708/ushers-vma-performance-proves-hes-still-king-making-show.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 12, 2011|title=Usher's VMA Performance Proves He's Still King: Making The Show|first=Jayson|last=Rodriguez|publisher=[[MTV News]] ([[MTV Networks]])|access-date=July 14, 2012|date=August 20, 2010}}</ref> Jayson Rodriguez of [[MTV]] lauded the performance, writing that "Usher plays to win, and after his stirring performance it's clear that the crown still rests securely on his head".<ref name="vma"/> A few days later, Usher performed the song—whilst also interviewed—on ''[[The Ellen DeGeneres Show]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisrnb.com/2010/09/usher-performance-interview-on-ellen-show/|title=Usher Performs And Interview On Ellen Show |publisher=thisisRnB |date=September 15, 2010|access-date=July 14, 2012}}</ref> On September 17, 2010, he performed the song alongside "[[There Goes My Baby (Usher song)|There Goes My Baby]]" on ''[[Jimmy Kimmel Live!]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://idolator.com/5630391/usher-jimmy-kimmel-live|title=Usher Goes Green On 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'|first=Robbie|last=Daw|work=Idolator|publisher=Buzzmedia Publishers|date=2010-09-17|access-date=2010-10-14|archive-date=July 11, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711050325/http://idolator.com/5630391/usher-jimmy-kimmel-live|url-status=dead}}</ref> Usher performed "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love" in the season five finale of ''[[America's Got Talent]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thatgrapejuice.net/2010/09/usher-performs-americas-talent/|title=Usher Performs On 'America's Got Talent' |publisher=That Grape Juice |date=September 16, 2010|access-date=July 14, 2012}}</ref> and in the seventh season of ''[[The X Factor (U.S. TV series)|The X Factor]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thatgrapejuice.net/2010/10/usher-performs-xfactor/|title=Usher Performs On X-Factor|publisher=That Grape Juice |date=October 10, 2010|access-date=July 14, 2012}}</ref> Usher performed "Hot Tottie" on an untelevised portion of his appearance on ''[[The Early Show]]'' on September 3, 2010, and performed it on his [[OMG Tour]], alongside "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macombdaily.com/articles/2010/11/27/entertainment/doc4cefee9393e0c050940298.txt|title='Superstar' Usher wants fans to leave shows saying 'OMG'|date=2010-11-27|access-date=2010-11-28|work=The Macomb Daily|publisher=Journal Register MI|archive-date=March 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302125032/http://www.macombdaily.com/articles/2010/11/27/entertainment/doc4cefee9393e0c050940298.txt|url-status=dead}}</ref>


===Tour===
===Tour===
{{Main|OMG Tour}}
{{Main|OMG Tour}}
In the summer of 2010, Usher competed in a dance battle against fellow [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] artist [[Chris Brown]] at the [[Reggae Sumfest]]. The battle sparked an Internet rumor of the two possibly going on tour. This was further pushed by producer [[Jermaine Dupri]] alluding that the two artist may be unaware of this upcoming tour. The singers later took to [[Twitter]] to ask who the fans would like to see them perform with.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/956814/usher-and-chris-brown-to-tour-together|title=Usher and Chris Brown to Tour Together?|date=2010-08-17|access-date=2010-12-06|last=Concepcion|first=Mariel|work=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media}}</ref> On September 8, 2010, the singer announced his touring trek (and revealed it was solo) for North America. Due to demand, many additional stops in Europe and Australasia were added. It is Usher's first arena tour since his 2004 effort, The Truth Tour.<ref name="nadatesA">{{cite web|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2010/09/usher-is-ready-to-make-you-say-omg-on-new-tour.html|title=Usher announces his 'OMG Tour,' teams with AEG Live for 25 dates|date=2010-09-08|access-date=2010-12-06|last=Kennedy|first=Gerrick D.|work=The Los Angeles Times|publisher=Tribune Company}}</ref> The then announced OMG Tour commenced on November 10, 2010 and concluded on June 1, 2011 with Usher performing in a total of 92 shows. In its conclusion, the tour placed seventh on ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'''s annual "Top 25 Tours", earning nearly $75 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/42159/top-25-tours-of-2011 |title=Top 25 Tours of 2011 |date=8 December 2011 |work=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=27 December 2011|archive-url=http://www.freezepage.com/1324984111AELBCMOXWV?url=http://www.billboard.com/features/top-25-tours-of-2011-1005641362.story%23/features/top-25-tours-of-2011-1005641362.story |archive-date=27 December 2011}}</ref>
In the summer of 2010, Usher competed in a dance battle against fellow [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] artist [[Chris Brown]] at the [[Reggae Sumfest]]. The battle sparked an Internet rumor of the two possibly going on tour. This was further pushed by producer [[Jermaine Dupri]] alluding that the two artist may be unaware of this upcoming tour. The singers later took to [[Twitter]] to ask who the fans would like to see them perform with.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/956814/usher-and-chris-brown-to-tour-together|title=Usher and Chris Brown to Tour Together?|date=2010-08-17|access-date=2010-12-06|last=Concepcion|first=Mariel|magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media}}</ref> On September 8, 2010, the singer announced his touring trek (and revealed it was solo) for North America. Due to demand, many additional stops in Europe and Australasia were added. It is Usher's first arena tour since his 2004 effort, The Truth Tour.<ref name="nadatesA">{{cite web|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2010/09/usher-is-ready-to-make-you-say-omg-on-new-tour.html|title=Usher announces his 'OMG Tour,' teams with AEG Live for 25 dates|date=2010-09-08|access-date=2010-12-06|last=Kennedy|first=Gerrick D.|work=The Los Angeles Times|publisher=Tribune Company}}</ref> The then announced OMG Tour commenced on November 10, 2010 and concluded on June 1, 2011 with Usher performing in a total of 92 shows. In its conclusion, the tour placed seventh on ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'''s annual "Top 25 Tours", earning nearly $75 million.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/42159/top-25-tours-of-2011 |title=Top 25 Tours of 2011 |date=8 December 2011 |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=27 December 2011|archive-url=http://www.freezepage.com/1324984111AELBCMOXWV?url=http://www.billboard.com/features/top-25-tours-of-2011-1005641362.story%23/features/top-25-tours-of-2011-1005641362.story |archive-date=27 December 2011}}</ref>


==Critical reception==
==Critical reception==
''Versus'' received generally positive reviews from music critics. At [[Metacritic]], which assigns a [[Standard score|normalized]] rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an [[weighted mean|average]] score of 65, based on 6 reviews.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/versus |access-date=August 24, 2010 |publisher= Metacritic. CBS Interactive|title=Versus - Usher}}</ref> Mikael Wood of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' gave it an "A–" and said that "'Love 'Em All' describes an egalitarian sexual appetite, while 'Lingerie' offers prime faux-[[Prince (musician)|Prince]] [[boudoir]] funk. The Max Martin-produced 'DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love' shows 'OMG' didn't satisfy Usher's dance-pop Jones, but he's hardly gone soft: 'Hot Tottie,' with Jay-Z, is nasty in all the right ways."<ref name="EW">{{cite news|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20409591,00.html|title=Versus - Music|first=Mikael|last=Wood|access-date=2010-08-24|work=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=August 11, 2010}}</ref> Sarah Rodman of ''[[The Boston Globe]]'' complimented its "compact running time" and stated "Instead of ho-hum filler, {{'}}''Versus''{{'}} offers the strongest arrows in Usher’s quiver".<ref name="BostonGlobe">{{cite news|url=http://www.boston.com/ae/music/cd_reviews/articles/2010/08/30/ushers_new_deluxe_ep_versus_sounds_much_better_than_an_afterthought/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+CD+reviews|title=Usher's new deluxe EP, 'Versus,' sounds much better than an afterthought|first=Rodman|last=Sarah|work=[[The Boston Globe]]|date=August 30, 2010|access-date=August 31, 2010}}</ref> [[About.com]]'s Mark Edward Nero gave the EP three-and-a-half out of five stars and wrote that Usher has "regained his mojo", while recommending it to fans of his music: "nine songs - seven of them new - clocking in at 38 minutes is a good deal for this solid package of music."<ref name="About">{{cite web|url=http://randb.about.com/od/reviews/fr/UsherVersus.htm|title=EP Review: Usher - Versus|first=Mark Edward|last=Nero|access-date=2010-08-24|publisher=[[About.com]]}}</ref> Steve Jones of ''[[USA Today]]'' gave ''Versus'' three out of four stars and called it "an abbreviated batch of fresh songs that can stand alone or as part of a deluxe original".<ref name="usatoday">{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2010-08-24-listen24_ST_N.htm|title=Listen Up: Usher is back in the game with 'Versus'|first=Steve|last=Jones|work=[[USA Today]]|access-date=August 24, 2010 | date=August 24, 2010}}</ref> ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''{{'}}s Gail Mitchell commended the album's guest artists and wrote that it "alternately bumps and throbs as a reinvigorated Usher further paves his comeback path"<ref name="Billboard">Mitchell, Gail (August 27, 2010). [http://www.billboard.com/articles/review/1068772/usher-versus Review: ''Versus'']. ''Billboard''. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved on 2010-09-05.</ref>
''Versus'' received generally positive reviews from music critics. At [[Metacritic]], which assigns a [[Standard score|normalized]] rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an [[weighted mean|average]] score of 65, based on 6 reviews.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/versus |access-date=August 24, 2010 |publisher= Metacritic. CBS Interactive|title=Versus - Usher}}</ref> Mikael Wood of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' gave it an "A−" and said that "'Love 'Em All' describes an egalitarian sexual appetite, while 'Lingerie' offers prime faux-[[Prince (musician)|Prince]] [[boudoir]] funk. The Max Martin-produced 'DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love' shows 'OMG' didn't satisfy Usher's dance-pop Jones, but he's hardly gone soft: 'Hot Tottie,' with Jay-Z, is nasty in all the right ways."<ref name="EW">{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2010/08/11/versus/|title=Versus|first=Mikael|last=Wood|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |access-date=2022-06-01|date=August 11, 2010}}</ref> Sarah Rodman of ''[[The Boston Globe]]'' complimented its "compact running time" and stated "Instead of ho-hum filler, {{'}}''Versus''{{'}} offers the strongest arrows in Usher’s quiver".<ref name="BostonGlobe">{{cite news|url=http://www.boston.com/ae/music/cd_reviews/articles/2010/08/30/ushers_new_deluxe_ep_versus_sounds_much_better_than_an_afterthought/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+CD+reviews|title=Usher's new deluxe EP, 'Versus,' sounds much better than an afterthought|first=Rodman|last=Sarah|work=[[The Boston Globe]]|date=August 30, 2010|access-date=August 31, 2010}}</ref> [[About.com]]'s Mark Edward Nero gave the EP three-and-a-half out of five stars and wrote that Usher has "regained his mojo", while recommending it to fans of his music: "nine songs - seven of them new - clocking in at 38 minutes is a good deal for this solid package of music."<ref name="About">{{cite web|url=http://randb.about.com/od/reviews/fr/UsherVersus.htm|title=EP Review: Usher - Versus|first=Mark Edward|last=Nero|access-date=2010-08-24|publisher=[[About.com]]|archive-date=December 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203032348/http://randb.about.com/od/reviews/fr/UsherVersus.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> Steve Jones of ''[[USA Today]]'' gave ''Versus'' three out of four stars and called it "an abbreviated batch of fresh songs that can stand alone or as part of a deluxe original".<ref name="usatoday">{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2010-08-24-listen24_ST_N.htm|title=Listen Up: Usher is back in the game with 'Versus'|first=Steve|last=Jones|work=[[USA Today]]|access-date=August 24, 2010 | date=August 24, 2010}}</ref> ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''{{'}}s Gail Mitchell commended the album's guest artists and wrote that it "alternately bumps and throbs as a reinvigorated Usher further paves his comeback path"<ref name="Billboard">Mitchell, Gail (August 27, 2010). [http://www.billboard.com/articles/review/1068772/usher-versus Review: ''Versus'']. ''Billboard''. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved on 2010-09-05.</ref>


Jeff Weiss of the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' gave the EP two-and-a-half out of four stars and found "[[Hot Tottie]]" to be "intoxicating as its namesake", but disapproved of some of the generic points and pop efforts.<ref name="LaTimes">{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2010/08/album-review-ushers-versus.html|title=Album review: Usher's 'Versus'|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|first=Jeff|last=Weiss|access-date=2010-08-24 | date=August 23, 2010}}</ref> ''[[The Washington Post]]''{{'}}s Sean Fennessey criticized its pop-oriented tracks, stating "Usher works best in emotional hailstorms, not candy rain", and viewed that it "finds him in [[Peter Pan]] mode, digging for remnants of a younger self that never existed".<ref name="WPost">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/23/AR2010082304006.html|title=Album review: Usher's 'Versus'|first=Sean|last=Fennessey|work=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=2010-08-24 | date=August 24, 2010}}</ref> Andy Kellman of [[AllMusic]] gave it two out of five stars and said that it "mostly resembles a batch of leftovers from his weakest album, even though it functioned as a momentum maintainer". Kellman dismissed its productions as "innocuous Euro-pop" and "merely passable contemporary R&B".<ref name="Allmusic">Kellman, Andy. [{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r1941929/review|pure_url=yes}} Review: ''Versus'']. Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved on 2010-08-24.</ref> In a one-star review, [[Slant Magazine]]'s Erich Henderson panned ''Versus'' as a "wretched collection of failed club-sex jams".<ref name="slant">{{cite web|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/usher-versus/2224|title=Versus Album Review|first=Eric|last=Henderson|publisher=[[Slant Magazine]]|access-date=August 24, 2010}}</ref>
Jeff Weiss of the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' gave the EP two-and-a-half out of four stars and found "[[Hot Tottie]]" to be "intoxicating as its namesake", but disapproved of some of the generic points and pop efforts.<ref name="LaTimes">{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2010/08/album-review-ushers-versus.html|title=Album review: Usher's 'Versus'|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|first=Jeff|last=Weiss|access-date=2010-08-24 | date=August 23, 2010}}</ref> ''[[The Washington Post]]''{{'}}s Sean Fennessey criticized its pop-oriented tracks, stating "Usher works best in emotional hailstorms, not candy rain", and viewed that it "finds him in [[Peter Pan]] mode, digging for remnants of a younger self that never existed".<ref name="WPost">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/23/AR2010082304006.html|title=Album review: Usher's 'Versus'|first=Sean|last=Fennessey|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=2010-08-24 | date=August 24, 2010}}</ref> Andy Kellman of [[AllMusic]] gave it two out of five stars and said that it "mostly resembles a batch of leftovers from his weakest album, even though it functioned as a momentum maintainer". Kellman dismissed its productions as "innocuous Euro-pop" and "merely passable contemporary R&B".<ref name="Allmusic">Kellman, Andy. [{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r1941929/review|pure_url=yes}} Review: ''Versus'']. Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved on 2010-08-24.</ref> In a one-star review, [[Slant Magazine]]'s Erich Henderson panned ''Versus'' as a "wretched collection of failed club-sex jams".<ref name="slant">{{cite web|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/usher-versus/2224|title=Versus Album Review|first=Eric|last=Henderson|date=August 24, 2010 |publisher=[[Slant Magazine]]|access-date=August 24, 2010}}</ref>


=== Accolades ===
=== Accolades ===
The EP's lead single "[[DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love]]" earned Usher several award nominations, including a [[Billboard Music Award|''Billboard'' Music Award]], an [[Winter Music Conference|International Dance Music Award]] and a NRJ Music Award. "[[There Goes My Baby (Usher song)|There Goes My Baby]]" also earned Usher nominations, for a ''Billboard'' Music Award and a [[Soul Train Music Award]];<ref>{{cite web|url=http://singersroom.com/content/2010-11-29/2010-Soul-Train-Award-Winners-Melanie-Fiona-Usher-Keys-and-More/ |title=2010 Soul Train Award Winners: Melanie Fiona, Usher, Keys and More|publisher=Singersroom|date=November 29, 2010 |access-date=July 15, 2012}}</ref> the song won its nomination at the [[53rd Grammy Awards]] in 2011, for [[Best Male R&B Vocal Performance]].<ref>[https://www.webcitation.org/5wbR7csHU?url=http://www.grammy.com/NOMINEES Nominees and Winners: 2010 – 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards]. [[Grammy Award|Grammy.com]]. Retrieved on 2011-02-17.</ref> As an act, Usher received numerous accolades, such as being ranked as the third most successful [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] artist of 2010,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2010/hot-100-artists |title=Top Artists Music Chart |work=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=2011-02-26}}</ref> and the top R&B/Hip Hop Artist of that year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2010/hot-r-b-hip-hop-songs-artists |title=Top Artists Music Chart |work=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media|date=2010-12-31 |access-date=2011-02-26}}</ref> He was ranked as the sixth top overall artist of 2010, from the success of both ''[[Raymond v. Raymond]]'' and ''Versus''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2010/top-artists |title=Top Artists Music Chart |work=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media|date=2010-12-31 |access-date=2011-02-26}}</ref>
The EP's lead single "[[DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love]]" earned Usher several award nominations, including a [[Billboard Music Award|''Billboard'' Music Award]], an [[Winter Music Conference|International Dance Music Award]] and a NRJ Music Award. "[[There Goes My Baby (Usher song)|There Goes My Baby]]" also earned Usher nominations, for a ''Billboard'' Music Award and a [[Soul Train Music Award]];<ref>{{cite web|url=http://singersroom.com/content/2010-11-29/2010-Soul-Train-Award-Winners-Melanie-Fiona-Usher-Keys-and-More/ |title=2010 Soul Train Award Winners: Melanie Fiona, Usher, Keys and More|publisher=Singersroom|date=November 29, 2010 |access-date=July 15, 2012}}</ref> the song won its nomination at the [[53rd Grammy Awards]] in 2011, for [[Best Male R&B Vocal Performance]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110219234915/http://www.grammy.com/NOMINEES Nominees and Winners: 2010 – 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards]. [[Grammy Award|Grammy.com]]. Retrieved on 2011-02-17.</ref> As an act, Usher received numerous accolades, such as being ranked as the third most successful [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] artist of 2010,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2010/hot-100-artists |title=Top Artists Music Chart |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=2011-02-26}}</ref> and the top R&B/Hip Hop Artist of that year.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2010/hot-r-b-hip-hop-songs-artists |title=Top Artists Music Chart |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media|date=2010-12-31 |access-date=2011-02-26}}</ref> He was ranked as the sixth top overall artist of 2010, from the success of both ''[[Raymond v. Raymond]]'' and ''Versus''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2010/top-artists |title=Top Artists Music Chart |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media|date=2010-12-31 |access-date=2011-02-26}}</ref>


==Commercial performance==
==Commercial performance==
''Versus'' debuted at number four on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart, selling 46,000 copies in its first week.<ref name="debut">{{cite web|last=Kreps|first=Daniel|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/katy-perry-grabs-number-one-from-eminem-175762/|title=Katy Perry Grabs Number One From Eminem|publisher=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=September 2, 2010|access-date=September 2, 2010}}</ref> This became Usher's sixth US top-ten album.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/956562/katy-perry-doubles-up-no-1s-on-billboard-200-digital-songs-charts|title=Katy Perry Doubles Up No. 1s on Billboard 200, Digital Songs Charts|work=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media|date=September 1, 2010|access-date=September 1, 2010}}</ref> In its second week, the EP dropped to number 13 on the chart, selling an additional 22,450 copies.<ref>{{cite web|last=Jacobs|first=Allen|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12168/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-9-5-2010 |title=Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 9/5/2010 &#124; Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales |publisher=HipHopDX |date=September 8, 2010|access-date=September 8, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2010-09-18|title=BB200 - 2010-09-18|access-date=March 1, 2020}}</ref> In its third week, the EP dropped to number 15 on the chart, selling 17,000 more copies.<ref>{{cite web|last=Jacobs|first=Allen|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12233/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-9-12-2010/ |title=Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 9/12/2010 &#124; Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales |publisher=HipHopDX |date=September 12, 2010|access-date=September 12, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2010-09-25|title=BB200 - 2010-09-25|access-date=March 1, 2020}}</ref> In its fourth week, the EP dropped to number 16 on the chart, selling 18,000 copies, bringing its four-week total to 103,450 copies.<ref>{{cite web|last=Jacobs|first=Allen|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12313/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-9-19-2010|title=Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 9/19/2010 &#124; Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales |publisher=HipHopDX |date=September 19, 2010|access-date=September 19, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2010-10-02|title=BB200 - 2010-10-02|access-date=March 1, 2020}}</ref> As of May 2012, the EP has sold 302,000 copies in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rogers|first=Ray|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/489044/usher-the-billboard-cover-story |title=Usher: The Billboard Cover Story|work=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media|date=May 7, 2012 |access-date=June 4, 2012}}</ref>
''Versus'' debuted at number four on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart, selling 46,000 copies in its first week.<ref name="debut">{{cite web|last=Kreps|first=Daniel|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/katy-perry-grabs-number-one-from-eminem-175762/|title=Katy Perry Grabs Number One From Eminem|publisher=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=September 2, 2010|access-date=September 2, 2010}}</ref> This became Usher's sixth US top-ten album.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/956562/katy-perry-doubles-up-no-1s-on-billboard-200-digital-songs-charts|title=Katy Perry Doubles Up No. 1s on Billboard 200, Digital Songs Charts|magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media|date=September 1, 2010|access-date=September 1, 2010}}</ref> In its second week, the EP dropped to number 13 on the chart, selling an additional 22,450 copies.<ref>{{cite web|last=Jacobs|first=Allen|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12168/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-9-5-2010 |title=Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 9/5/2010 &#124; Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales |publisher=HipHopDX |date=September 8, 2010|access-date=September 8, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2010-09-18|title=BB200 - 2010-09-18|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=March 1, 2020}}</ref> In its third week, the EP dropped to number 15 on the chart, selling 17,000 more copies.<ref>{{cite web|last=Jacobs|first=Allen|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12233/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-9-12-2010/ |title=Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 9/12/2010 &#124; Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales |publisher=HipHopDX |date=September 12, 2010|access-date=September 12, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2010-09-25|title=BB200 - 2010-09-25|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=March 1, 2020}}</ref> In its fourth week, the EP dropped to number 16 on the chart, selling 18,000 copies, bringing its four-week total to 103,450 copies.<ref>{{cite web|last=Jacobs|first=Allen|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12313/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-9-19-2010|title=Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 9/19/2010 &#124; Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales |publisher=HipHopDX |date=September 19, 2010|access-date=September 19, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2010-10-02|title=BB200 - 2010-10-02|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=March 1, 2020}}</ref> As of May 2012, the EP has sold 302,000 copies in the United States.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Rogers|first=Ray|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/489044/usher-the-billboard-cover-story |title=Usher: The Billboard Cover Story|magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media|date=May 7, 2012 |access-date=June 4, 2012}}</ref>


The EP obtained moderate to high charting success outside of the US;<ref name="ultratopversus"/> it debuted and peaked at number twelve in [[Canadian Albums Chart|Canada]].<ref name="Allmusic albums"/> In [[Belgian Albums Chart|Belgium]] (Flanders) the EP peaked at number twenty-seven, and remained on the chart for the longest compared to other countries it charted in, staying for twenty-eight weeks.<ref name="ultratopversus"/> ''Versus'' achieved similar success in [[French Albums Chart|France]], [[Dutch Albums Chart|Netherlands]] and [[German Albums Chart|Germany]], peaking in the top-40.<ref name="ultratopversus"/><ref name="achartsalbums"/>
The EP obtained moderate to high charting success outside of the US;<ref name="ultratopversus"/> it debuted and peaked at number twelve in [[Canadian Albums Chart|Canada]].<ref name="Allmusic albums"/> In [[Belgian Albums Chart|Belgium]] (Flanders) the EP peaked at number twenty-seven, and remained on the chart for the longest compared to other countries it charted in, staying for twenty-eight weeks.<ref name="ultratopversus"/> ''Versus'' achieved similar success in [[French Albums Chart|France]], [[Dutch Albums Chart|Netherlands]] and [[German Albums Chart|Germany]], peaking in the top-40.<ref name="ultratopversus"/><ref name="achartsalbums"/>
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| title5 = Lingerie
| title5 = Lingerie
| writer5 = {{hlist|Raymond|[[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis|James Harris III]]|[[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis|Terry Lewis]]|Bobby Ross Avila|Issiah J. Avila}}
| writer5 = {{hlist|Raymond|[[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis|James Harris III]]|[[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis|Terry Lewis]]|[[The Avila Brothers|Bobby Ross Avila]]|[[The Avila Brothers|Issiah J. Avila]]}}
| extra5 = {{hlist|[[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis|Jimmy Jam]]|Lewis|The Avila Brothers}}
| extra5 = {{hlist|[[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis|Jimmy Jam]]|Lewis|[[The Avila Brothers]]}}
| length5 = 4:13
| length5 = 4:13


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| title8 = [[Somebody to Love (Justin Bieber song)|Somebody to Love]]
| title8 = [[Somebody to Love (Justin Bieber song)|Somebody to Love]]
| note8 = [[Justin Bieber]] featuring Usher
| note8 = featuring [[Justin Bieber]]
| writer8 = {{hlist|[[Stereotypes (producers)|Jeremy Reeves]]|[[Stereotypes (producers)|Ray Romulus]]|[[Stereotypes (producers)|Jonathan Yip]]|[[Heather Bright]]}}
| writer8 = {{hlist|[[Stereotypes (producers)|Jeremy Reeves]]|[[Stereotypes (producers)|Ray Romulus]]|[[Stereotypes (producers)|Jonathan Yip]]|[[Heather Bright]]}}
| extra8 = {{hlist|[[Benny Blanco]]|[[Stereotypes (producers)|Stereotypes]] {{small|(vocal)}}}}
| extra8 = {{hlist|[[Benny Blanco]]|[[Stereotypes (producers)|Stereotypes]] {{small|(vocal)}}}}
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}}
}}
{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = International bonus tracks<ref name="International">{{cite web|access-date=November 12, 2010|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003Z5BS4E|title=Usher - Versus(EP) Int'l Version|website=Amazon }}</ref>
| collapsed = yes
| headline = International bonus tracks<ref name="International">{{cite web|access-date=November 12, 2010|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003Z5BS4E|title=Usher - Versus(EP) Int'l Version}}</ref>
| total_length =
| total_length =
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| extra_column = Producer(s)
Line 174: Line 173:
Credits for ''Versus'' adapted from [[Allmusic]].<ref>[{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r1941929/credits|pure_url=yes}} Credits: ''Versus'']. Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved on September 10, 2010.</ref>
Credits for ''Versus'' adapted from [[Allmusic]].<ref>[{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r1941929/credits|pure_url=yes}} Credits: ''Versus'']. Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved on September 10, 2010.</ref>


{{col-start}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
* The Avila Brothers – [[Record producer|producer]]
* [[The Avila Brothers]] – [[Record producer|producer]]
* Bobby Ross Avila – [[synthesizer]], [[Bass (instrument)|bass]], [[guitar]], [[String instrument|strings]], [[vocoder]], [[Fender Rhodes]]
* [[The Avila Brothers|Bobby Ross Avila]] – [[synthesizer]], [[Bass (instrument)|bass]], [[guitar]], [[String instrument|strings]], [[vocoder]], [[Fender Rhodes]]
* Walid Azami – photography
* Walid Azami – photography
* Charlie Bisharat – strings
* Charlie Bisharat – strings
* Benny Blanco – [[drum]]s, [[Keyboard instrument|keyboards]], [[Programming (music)|programming]], remix producer, remix engineer
* [[Benny Blanco]] – [[drum]]s, [[Keyboard instrument|keyboards]], [[Programming (music)|programming]], remix producer, remix engineer
* Al Burna – [[Audio engineering|vocal engineer]]
* Al Burna – [[Audio engineering|vocal engineer]]
* Dru Castro – [[harp]]
* Dru Castro – [[harp]]
* Lysa Cooper – [[Wardrobe stylist|stylist]]
* Lysa Cooper – [[Wardrobe stylist|stylist]]
* Tom Coyne – [[Audio mastering|mastering]]
* [[Tom Coyne (music engineer)|Tom Coyne]] – [[Audio mastering|mastering]]
* Ian Cross – engineer
* Ian Cross – engineer
* Lisa D. Dandlinger – strings
* Lisa D. Dandlinger – strings
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* Lamar Edwards – keyboards
* Lamar Edwards – keyboards
* [[Lauren Evans]] – [[Singing|vocals]] {{small|(background)}}
* [[Lauren Evans]] – [[Singing|vocals]] {{small|(background)}}
* Serban Ghenea – mixing
* [[Serban Ghenea]] – mixing
* [[Drumma Boy|Christopher "Drumma Boy" Gholson]] – programming, producer
* [[Drumma Boy|Christopher "Drumma Boy" Gholson]] – programming, producer
* Matty Green – assistant
* Matty Green – assistant
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* Hot Sauce – keyboards
* Hot Sauce – keyboards
* [[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis|Jimmy Jam]] – strings, producer
* [[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis|Jimmy Jam]] – strings, producer
* Jaycen Joshua – mixing
* [[Jaycen Joshua]] – mixing
* [[Jim Jonsin]] – keyboards, programming, producer
* [[Jim Jonsin]] – keyboards, programming, producer
* Josh Mosser – engineer
* Josh Mosser – engineer
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* Jonnetta Patton – [[A&R|artist development]]
* Jonnetta Patton – [[A&R|artist development]]
* Mark Pitts – [[executive producer]]
* Mark Pitts – [[executive producer]]
* Polow da Don – producer
* [[Polow da Don]] – producer
* Shawn Porter – groomer
* Shawn Porter – groomer
* Usher Raymond – executive producer
* Usher Raymond – executive producer
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* Brian Stanley – mixing
* Brian Stanley – mixing
* Mark "Spike" Stent – mixing
* Mark "Spike" Stent – mixing
* The Stereotypes – vocal producer
* [[The Stereotypes]] – vocal producer
* Jay Stevenson – engineer, mixing
* Jay Stevenson – engineer, mixing
* Jeremy Stevenson – engineer
* Jeremy Stevenson – engineer
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* James Wisner – engineer
* James Wisner – engineer
* Emily Wright – engineer
* Emily Wright – engineer
* Christine Wu – strings
* [[Christine Wu]] – strings
* Andrew Wuepper – assistant
* Andrew Wuepper – assistant
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}
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| style="text-align:center;"|27
| style="text-align:center;"|27
|-
|-
!scope="row"| [[Ultratop 50|Belgium Albums Chart]] (Wallonia)<ref name="ultratopversus">[http://www.ultratop.be/nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Usher&titel=Versus&cat=a Usher – Versus (EP)] Ultratop 50. Hung Medien. Retrieved October 1, 2010</ref>
!scope="row"| [[Ultratop 50|Belgium Albums Chart]] (Wallonia)<ref name="ultratopversus">[https://www.ultratop.be/nl/album/21bf0/Usher-Versus Usher – Versus (EP)] Ultratop 50. Hung Medien. Retrieved October 1, 2010</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|55
| style="text-align:center;"|55
|-
|-
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|200
|200
|-
|-
!scope="row"| US ''Billboard'' 200<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2010/the-billboard-200 |title=Best of 2010 - Billboard Top 200 |work=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=2010-12-31}}</ref>
!scope="row"| US ''Billboard'' 200<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2010/the-billboard-200 |title=Best of 2010 - Billboard Top 200 |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=2010-12-31}}</ref>
|186
|186
|-
|-
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|LaFace Records
|LaFace Records
|-
|-
! scope="row"| Brazil<ref name="Brazil">{{cite web|url=http://www.livrariacultura.com.br/scripts/musica/resenha/resenha.asp?nitem=22348029&sid=2051661091298293541897653&k5=1FF79EC1&uid=|archive-url=https://archive.is/20121231150923/http://www.livrariacultura.com.br/scripts/musica/resenha/resenha.asp?nitem=22348029&sid=2051661091298293541897653&k5=1FF79EC1&uid=|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 31, 2012|title=Versus - Usher (Brazil release date)|language=pt|publisher=Livrariacultura.com.br|access-date=November 12, 2010}}</ref>
! scope="row"| Brazil<ref name="Brazil">{{cite web|url=http://www.livrariacultura.com.br/scripts/musica/resenha/resenha.asp?nitem=22348029&sid=2051661091298293541897653&k5=1FF79EC1&uid=|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121231150923/http://www.livrariacultura.com.br/scripts/musica/resenha/resenha.asp?nitem=22348029&sid=2051661091298293541897653&k5=1FF79EC1&uid=|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 31, 2012|title=Versus - Usher (Brazil release date)|language=pt|publisher=Livrariacultura.com.br|access-date=November 12, 2010}}</ref>
| November 15, 2010
| November 15, 2010
|Sony Music Entertainment
|Sony Music Entertainment
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Versus (Usher Ep)}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Versus (Usher Ep)}}
[[Category:2010 EPs]]
[[Category:2010 EPs]]
[[Category:Usher (musician) albums]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Benny Blanco]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Benny Blanco]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Drumma Boy]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Drumma Boy]]
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[[Category:Albums produced by Rico Love]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Rico Love]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Shellback (record producer)]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Shellback (record producer)]]
[[Category:Jive Records EPs]]
[[Category:LaFace Records EPs]]
[[Category:LaFace Records EPs]]
[[Category:Usher (musician) albums]]
[[Category:Jive Records EPs]]
[[Category:Europop albums]]

Latest revision as of 01:47, 18 December 2024

Versus
EP by
ReleasedJuly 20, 2010 (2010-07-20)
Genre
Length37:51
Label
Producer
Usher chronology
Raymond v. Raymond
(2010)
Versus
(2010)
Looking 4 Myself
(2012)
Singles from Versus
  1. "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love"
    Released: July 12, 2010
  2. "Hot Tottie"
    Released: August 9, 2010
  3. "Lay You Down"
    Released: September 28, 2010

Versus is the first EP by American singer Usher. It was released on July 20, 2010 on LaFace Records and Jive Records in conjunction with the deluxe edition of his sixth studio album Raymond v. Raymond. Several producers contributed to the production of the EP, including Polow da Don, Jim Jonsin, Rico Love, Drumma Boy, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and Max Martin. Versus is marked as "the last chapter of Raymond v. Raymond", and follows the theme of Usher exploring around the subjects of being newly single and a father.

Preceding the EP's release was the lead single "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love", which achieved international success. The song peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100, and peaked inside the top-ten in several other countries singles charts. "Hot Tottie" and "Lay You Down" were released as the second and third singles, respectively, with the former becoming a US top-thirty hit. To promote the album, Usher appeared in several award and television shows, including Good Morning America, The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live!.

Versus debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 46,000 copies in its first week.[2] It became Usher's sixth top-ten album and has sold 302,000 copies in the US. Despite some criticism towards its pop-oriented material, the EP received generally positive reviews from most music critics. It earned Usher several nominations, including a Billboard Music Award, an International Dance Music Award and a NRJ Music Award.

Background

[edit]

In 2009, in an interview with People Magazine, Usher, whose private life has been highly documented after filing for divorce from wife Tameka Foster, told that his sixth studio album will be, "racy, risky and edgy, and sometimes about personal experiences."[3] In March, 2010, he released the album under the title Raymond v. Raymond.[4] Upon its release, Raymond v. Raymond received generally mixed reviews from music critics, who were ambivalent towards its songwriting and themes.[5][6] However, the album was a commercial success and peaked at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, with sales of 329,000 for its first week; it became Usher's third consecutive US number one album.[7]

On July 8, 2010, Versus was announced as a follow-up to Raymond v. Raymond, and is Usher's first extended play.[8][9][10] Described during a press release as "the last chapter of Raymond v. Raymond", he stated that the EP will explore the subjects of being newly single and a father.[11] It would include Raymond v. Raymond single "There Goes My Baby", as well as 8 new tracks.[11] Several producers from the latter album contributed to the production of the EP, including Polow da Don, Jim Jonsin, Rico Love, Drumma Boy, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Tha Cornaboyz and Max Martin.[11] Versus' track listing and album cover was revealed on July 21, 2010.[12]

Composition

[edit]

The EP is a Europop and R&B project[1] that also incorporates elements of pop, dance-pop and hip-hop.[13][14][15] Its lead single, "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love" is a Europop track, with electronic and dance-pop influence.[14][16] About.com's Mark Nero summed up its lyrics, to simply be "going clubbing on a Friday night".[14] "Hot Tottie" is an R&B song that incorporates hip-hop, which is over strobing, electronic beats with Usher's vocals auto-tuned in parts;[15] the song contains a verse from rapper Jay-Z, whose appearance was lauded by critics.[14][17] "There Goes My Baby" is a down-tempo R&B ballad, with elements of neo soul;[18] the song primarily uses Usher's falsetto range. Both "Lay You Down" and "Lingerie" contain influences from pop artists, with the former channelling Prince whilst the latter, Michael Jackson.[13] In an interview with music video website Vevo, Usher explained that "Lay You Down" is a "classic R&B baby maker".[19]

Singles

[edit]

"DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love", featuring Pitbull, produced by Max Martin is the first single off the EP. It was released to iTunes on July 13, 2010 and officially sent to radio on July 20, 2010.[8][20] The song received generally positive reviews from critics, who complemented its production but were ambivalent towards its lack of originality; the song was largely compared to "OMG" due to its club nature. Since its release, it has gained international success, peaking in the top three in Canada,[21] Japan,[22] Australia,[23] France,[23] and Hungary[23] and in the top ten in several other countries.[23] The song became Usher's sixteenth Billboard Hot 100 top-ten hit, peaking at number-four on the chart,[24] and number two on the US Pop Songs Chart.[25] As of February 2011, the song has sold over 3 million digital units, making it the second single to exceed the sales figure for both Usher and featured artist Pitbull.[26]

"Hot Tottie", featuring Jay-Z,[27] produced by Polow Da Don and written by Usher, Shawn Carter, and Ester Dean, is the second single. It was released for urban radio on August 9, 2010.[9] Ciara was originally reported to be on the song, but did not appear on the final track.[28] The song received very positive reviews from critics, who praised rapper Jay-Z's verse and Usher's vocals. It peaked at number nine on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart,[29] and number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.[24] Internationally, "Hot Tottie" peaked at number sixty-two on the Canadian Hot 100.[21] Although it was not released officially as a single in the UK, the song reached number 104 on the UK Singles Chart and number twenty-seven on the UK R&B Chart due to sales after the release of Versus only.[30] "Lay You Down", produced by Rico Love and Dwayne Nesmith, is the third single and was sent to urban radio on September 28, 2010.[31][32] It maintained a peak of number fifty-six on the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, due to only being released to radio.[29] Sara Anderson of AOL wrote that the song opens "with improvisational, high-pitched 'ooohs' and base-driven synth beats [...]."[31]

Release and promotion

[edit]

The EP was released on August 24, 2010 in the United States.[33] The set was preceded by the lead single "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love" for mainstream audiences, and "Hot Tottie" for urban audiences. Versus' tracks are included on the deluxe edition of Raymond v. Raymond; the album was released in the United States conjointly with Versus, and released in the United Kingdom on September 20, 2010.[34] The international version of Versus was not released as an EP, but instead as a full album in select countries.[35][36][37] It includes the original tracks from the EP, as well as singles from Raymond v. Raymond, including "More", "OMG", "Lil Freak", "Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)" and "Papers".

Usher and Chris Brown with Elephant Man at the 2010 Reggae Sumfest. The two dancing stimulating rumours of a joint tour.

Usher performed the lead single "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love" in several shows, the first being Good Morning America; he performed it alongside "OMG".[38] He performed both songs again during the 2010 MTV Music Video Awards.[39] Jayson Rodriguez of MTV lauded the performance, writing that "Usher plays to win, and after his stirring performance it's clear that the crown still rests securely on his head".[39] A few days later, Usher performed the song—whilst also interviewed—on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.[40] On September 17, 2010, he performed the song alongside "There Goes My Baby" on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.[41] Usher performed "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love" in the season five finale of America's Got Talent,[42] and in the seventh season of The X Factor.[43] Usher performed "Hot Tottie" on an untelevised portion of his appearance on The Early Show on September 3, 2010, and performed it on his OMG Tour, alongside "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love".[44]

Tour

[edit]

In the summer of 2010, Usher competed in a dance battle against fellow R&B artist Chris Brown at the Reggae Sumfest. The battle sparked an Internet rumor of the two possibly going on tour. This was further pushed by producer Jermaine Dupri alluding that the two artist may be unaware of this upcoming tour. The singers later took to Twitter to ask who the fans would like to see them perform with.[45] On September 8, 2010, the singer announced his touring trek (and revealed it was solo) for North America. Due to demand, many additional stops in Europe and Australasia were added. It is Usher's first arena tour since his 2004 effort, The Truth Tour.[46] The then announced OMG Tour commenced on November 10, 2010 and concluded on June 1, 2011 with Usher performing in a total of 92 shows. In its conclusion, the tour placed seventh on Billboard's annual "Top 25 Tours", earning nearly $75 million.[47]

Critical reception

[edit]

Versus received generally positive reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 65, based on 6 reviews.[48] Mikael Wood of Entertainment Weekly gave it an "A−" and said that "'Love 'Em All' describes an egalitarian sexual appetite, while 'Lingerie' offers prime faux-Prince boudoir funk. The Max Martin-produced 'DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love' shows 'OMG' didn't satisfy Usher's dance-pop Jones, but he's hardly gone soft: 'Hot Tottie,' with Jay-Z, is nasty in all the right ways."[17] Sarah Rodman of The Boston Globe complimented its "compact running time" and stated "Instead of ho-hum filler, 'Versus' offers the strongest arrows in Usher’s quiver".[49] About.com's Mark Edward Nero gave the EP three-and-a-half out of five stars and wrote that Usher has "regained his mojo", while recommending it to fans of his music: "nine songs - seven of them new - clocking in at 38 minutes is a good deal for this solid package of music."[14] Steve Jones of USA Today gave Versus three out of four stars and called it "an abbreviated batch of fresh songs that can stand alone or as part of a deluxe original".[50] Billboard's Gail Mitchell commended the album's guest artists and wrote that it "alternately bumps and throbs as a reinvigorated Usher further paves his comeback path"[51]

Jeff Weiss of the Los Angeles Times gave the EP two-and-a-half out of four stars and found "Hot Tottie" to be "intoxicating as its namesake", but disapproved of some of the generic points and pop efforts.[13] The Washington Post's Sean Fennessey criticized its pop-oriented tracks, stating "Usher works best in emotional hailstorms, not candy rain", and viewed that it "finds him in Peter Pan mode, digging for remnants of a younger self that never existed".[52] Andy Kellman of AllMusic gave it two out of five stars and said that it "mostly resembles a batch of leftovers from his weakest album, even though it functioned as a momentum maintainer". Kellman dismissed its productions as "innocuous Euro-pop" and "merely passable contemporary R&B".[1] In a one-star review, Slant Magazine's Erich Henderson panned Versus as a "wretched collection of failed club-sex jams".[53]

Accolades

[edit]

The EP's lead single "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love" earned Usher several award nominations, including a Billboard Music Award, an International Dance Music Award and a NRJ Music Award. "There Goes My Baby" also earned Usher nominations, for a Billboard Music Award and a Soul Train Music Award;[54] the song won its nomination at the 53rd Grammy Awards in 2011, for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.[55] As an act, Usher received numerous accolades, such as being ranked as the third most successful Billboard Hot 100 artist of 2010,[56] and the top R&B/Hip Hop Artist of that year.[57] He was ranked as the sixth top overall artist of 2010, from the success of both Raymond v. Raymond and Versus.[58]

Commercial performance

[edit]

Versus debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 46,000 copies in its first week.[2] This became Usher's sixth US top-ten album.[59] In its second week, the EP dropped to number 13 on the chart, selling an additional 22,450 copies.[60][61] In its third week, the EP dropped to number 15 on the chart, selling 17,000 more copies.[62][63] In its fourth week, the EP dropped to number 16 on the chart, selling 18,000 copies, bringing its four-week total to 103,450 copies.[64][65] As of May 2012, the EP has sold 302,000 copies in the United States.[66]

The EP obtained moderate to high charting success outside of the US;[67] it debuted and peaked at number twelve in Canada.[68] In Belgium (Flanders) the EP peaked at number twenty-seven, and remained on the chart for the longest compared to other countries it charted in, staying for twenty-eight weeks.[67] Versus achieved similar success in France, Netherlands and Germany, peaking in the top-40.[67][69]

Track listing

[edit]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Love 'em All"
Parhm Jr.3:48
2."DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love" (featuring Pitbull)
  • Martin
  • Shellback
3:40
3."Hot Tottie" (featuring Jay-Z)
Polow da Don4:59
4."Lay You Down"
  • Love
  • Nesmith
4:03
5."Lingerie"4:13
6."There Goes My Baby"4:43
7."Get in My Car" (featuring Bun B)
Polow da Don4:09
8."Somebody to Love" (featuring Justin Bieber)3:28
9."Stranger"
Drumma Boy4:48
Total length:37:51
International bonus tracks[70]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
10."Dirty Dancer" (with Enrique Iglesias)
RedOne3:39
11."More"
RedOne3:49
12."OMG" (featuring will.i.am)William Adamswill.i.am4:29
13."Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)"
  • The Runners
  • Love
4:16
14."Papers"
4:21
15."Lil Freak" (featuring Nicki Minaj)
Polow da Don3:54
Sample credits

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Credits for Versus adapted from Allmusic.[73]

Charts

[edit]

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Label Version
Australia[79] July 20, 2010 LaFace Records EP
New Zealand[80]
United States[33] August 24, 2010
Canada[81]
Netherlands[82] September 17, 2010 Jive Records Album
United Kingdom[83] September 26, 2010 Sony Music Entertainment EP
Germany[35] October 1, 2010 Arista Records Album
Switzerland[36] Jive Records
France[84] October 25, 2010 LaFace Records
Brazil[37] November 15, 2010 Sony Music Entertainment

References

[edit]
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