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The album features productions by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Just Blaze, R. You gotta look for something different." Dupri also invited his frequent collaborator Bryan-Michael Cox. In spite of his vision, Usher contacted a few new producers as well: "With this album I choose some new producers who I figured would definitely allow me to really articulate myself in a different way . With the production started in 2003, he opted to continue creating music with Jermaine Dupri, who produced his last two albums, My Way (1997) and 8701 (2001). Usher did not think of collaborating with many new record producers to handle Confessions. According to Billboard, it is the second best-selling album of the 2000s decade in the US and has been regarded by music writers as Usher's greatest work. The album has sold over 10 million copies in the US and has been certified diamond in sales by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Despite some mixed criticism towards its lyrical substance, Confessions received mostly positive reviews and earned Usher several awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album. As a strategy to boost its sales amid threats of bootlegging, a special edition was issued with the hit single " My Boo". Its continued success was bolstered by its four chart-topping singles. The album was an instant commercial success in the United States, selling 1.1 million copies in its first week.
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The album's themes generated controversy about Usher's personal relationship however, the album's primary producer Jermaine Dupri claimed the record reflects his personal story. Primarily an R&B album, Confessions showcases Usher as a crooner and incorporates musical elements of hip hop and crunk. Recording sessions for the album took place during 2003 to 2004 with production by Jermaine Dupri, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and Lil Jon. Confessions is the fourth studio album by American R&B recording artist Usher, released March 23, 2004, on Arista-imprint label LaFace Records.
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