In one of the more helpful moves by a major corporation during this pandemic, Verizon has partnered with a series of well know music artists to encourage support for small businesses around the country through its #PayItForward livestream campaign. Last night Usher gave a stripped down rendition of some of his most famous hits from “Confessions”, to “Got It Bad” to his latest banga “Don’t Waste My Time.” The setting was intimate, with real talk between Usher, Jermain Dupri and B. Cox, about the origin and inspiration for some of the songs, as well as shout outs of support for local restaurants severely impacted by COVID-19 forced shelter in place rules. Usher also took the time to give some literal “facetime” to “Chef Shay”, who owns a small business in Atlanta that recently served 2000 plant based comfort meals to the Atlanta community. The set was a true treat, and allowed us to hear the authenticity in Usher’s voice, with the live instrumentation on full display. You got a true feel for how the organic creative process works between these guys. We have had some treasures in this Quarantine Era, from Erykah and Jill’s collabo masquerading as a battle, to Luda and Nelly’s most recent versus. Usher’s PayItForward set proves that “The Culture” can consistently manufacture lemonade out of lemons.
The Livestream
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ckb7DSdxTNw
