Bigger cultural impact, Justin Timberlake or Usher

[hidizzyguy]

I think his music career eclipses anything he's really done with movies. I think he was just okay in the Social Network, and outside of that movie, I think he's a horrible actor.

[carrieidol1]

Feb 14, 2013 14:20:47 GMT -5 hidizzyguy said:

I think his music career eclipses anything he's really done with movies. I think he was just okay in the Social Network, and outside of that movie, I think he's a horrible actor.

But his movie career should still be considered, regardless of wether you liked his movies or not...

Obviously his music career eclipses his movie career, he's a singer before actor. However, the fact that he does both puts him ahead of Usher in terms of cultural impact, imo at least.

[hidizzyguy]

That's stupid. That's like saying Mariah trumps Whitney in cultural impact because Mariah has been in more movies. Disregarding the fact that Mariah has been part of crappy films and is a horrible actress.

Usher has been in movies too.

[dbhmr]

Feb 14, 2013 14:34:52 GMT -5 hidizzyguy said:

That's stupid. That's like saying Mariah trumps Whitney in cultural impact because Mariah has been in more movies. Disregarding the fact that Mariah has been part of crappy films and is a horrible actress.

Usher has been in movies too.

But Justin has become known for his movies in a way that Usher has not. That's what I meant. I can't think of a movie Usher has been in--I didn't even realize he had been in any. I don't think Justin is a particularly strong actor nor does he have a good resume of films, but I know of them.

[allow that]

Justin's movie's definitely enhance his star power but are they influential? He hasn't gotten many accolades for his acting chops and with the exception of The Social Network (where he played a supporting role) I don't see many of his films having extensive shelf lives. I don't foresee an Oscar in his future. He's more a descendant of the Freddie Prinz, Jr. school of acting. Ten years later how many of you hold him close to mind?

But I concede Justin's acting benefits beyond the roles themselves; they give him a fresh face in the public. This is why I think The Voice is a great move for Usher. Many will base his stint on the show on whether or not he grabs a quick hit out of the gig. That won't be how I base the success of his venture though. He's got nothing left to prove in terms of hit making capabilities.

Rather I will see The Voice as a successful decision for him if he can manage to bolden the face behind those dozens of smashes that have already happened. It's time for him to connect with the public on a personal level.

[hidizzyguy]

^
Agreed.

Though if we're using the medium of movies just as a gauge of how much exposure it gives an artist, I still don't think it's a great tool for measuring impact. Especially with Justin, and Usher, who haven't really done anything for themselves in film - EXCEPT for keeping their exposure ongoing between musical projects.

[carrieidol1]

Feb 14, 2013 14:34:52 GMT -5 hidizzyguy said:

That's stupid. That's like saying Mariah trumps Whitney in cultural impact because Mariah has been in more movies. Disregarding the fact that Mariah has been part of crappy films and is a horrible actress.

Usher has been in movies too.

I think calling that "stupid" is a bit harsh. I was not talking about the critical acclaim, quality, or reception of the movies. However, I was referring to the popularity of Justin's movies. Not only is he a notable musician, he has become somewhat of a notable actor as well. He's no 'Denzel Washington', but his movie roles have advanced his popularity, at least a little bit. I can't say the same for Usher because I don't even know if he ever acted before. Usher is a musician who may have dabbled in acting in the past. Justin is a musician AND accomplished actor. Not in the respect that he's an acclaimed actor, because he's not, but he's definitely had a successful acting career thus far, no? Obviously the impact of his movies is up for debate, but it shouldn't be a discarded component because they are, in fact, a part of Justin's overall popularity and cultural impact.

[think pink.]

I would not call Justin a "notable" actor. With the exception of the Social Network, he's been in nothing but flop movies. His movies didn't enhance his career at all and I don't think that gives him the edge over Usher. Nobody cares about Justin the actor nor his movies.

Regarding the poll, my vote goes to Usher hands down.

[Nephalem]

Impact =/= celebrity status.

When it comes to which one of these guys has had the bigger impact on society and the music world...the answer is obvious: Usher.

Justin's biggest legacy is his connection with Britney Spears. This was proven true just a couple of weeks ago when the rumor of him calling her a "bitch" became so rampant, Justin himself had to send out a tweet to dispel the rumor. The fact that the story was false isn't the point, it's the fact that a relationship that ended 10 years ago still has such a massive grasp on his career. Justin's "celebrity" status may be bigger than Usher's in terms of name recognition, but let's not pretend it's because of his talent alone. It's mostly from Britney.

Now when you factor in Justin's professional career, it still goes little in the way of justifying his impact on the industry. Yes, he's had hits, but when you go outside of the pop stratosphere not many people know Justin outside of being Britney's ex-boyfriend. Aside from SexyBack, his songs are all but forgotten to people who don't follow pop music on a hardcore level. Justin's movie career is an even dryer wasteland, and anyone using it as an example of his impact are only damaging their argument further. As Queen B said, The Social Network is really his only major hit...and that's hardly due to his involvement. Justin's movie career neither hurt nor enhanced his career. It was so bland that people, in general, simply forget he attempted an acting career.

Now getting to Usher, it's easy to see how he's had an major impact in the industry. First of all, he's known solely for music. He's raised himself up as the top male star among his peers with singing, and nothing else. No scandals. No relationship drama. No gimmicks. Nine #1 hits, an avalanche of R&B #1 hits, as well as album sales that shatter any other male star of his generation speaks volumes. To me, the word impact is another word for influential. This is a man who has had taken not one, but two genres and conquered them with equal success. He's as much of a dominating force of R&B as he is a pop music powerhouse. That kind of success is unrivaled.

Usher can easily appeal to an urban culture who also celebrates Rick Ross and Young Jeezy, as well capture the attention of tweens who listen to Justin Beiber and One Direction. What makes it even more impressive is that this is a feat Usher has steadily maintained for 15 years. How anyone can claim Justin has had more of an impact is insane to me. Justin has never come close to having that level of reach and versatility in the industry. Justin is a big name in the tabloid celebrity blogs and inside of the pop world...but even with that said, he's still overshadowed by bigger pop acts like Lady Gaga and Britney Spears. Usher's legacy will ultimately be his music, and because of that more people are already influenced by him...which means his impact on the industry is greater than what Justin has accomplished.

[think pink.]

Feb 15, 2013 20:44:55 GMT -5 Nephalem said:

Impact =/= celebrity status.

When it comes to which one of these guys has had the bigger impact on society and the music world...the answer is obvious: Usher.

Justin's biggest legacy is his connection with Britney Spears. This was proven true just a couple of weeks ago when the rumor of him calling her a "bitch" became so rampant, Justin himself had to send out a tweet to dispel the rumor. The fact that the story was false isn't the point, it's the fact that a relationship that ended 10 years ago still has such a massive grasp on his career. Justin's "celebrity" status may be bigger than Usher's in terms of name recognition, but let's not pretend it's because of his talent alone. It's mostly from Britney.

Now when you factor in Justin's professional career, it still goes little in the way of justifying his impact on the industry. Yes, he's had hits, but when you go outside of the pop stratosphere not many people know Justin outside of being Britney's ex-boyfriend. Aside from SexyBack, his songs are all but forgotten to people who don't follow pop music on a hardcore level. Justin's movie career is an even dryer wasteland, and anyone using it as an example of his impact are only damaging their argument further. As Queen B said, The Social Network is really his only major hit...and that's hardly due to his involvement. Justin's movie career neither hurt nor enhanced his career. It was so bland that people, in general, simply forget he attempted an acting career.

Now getting to Usher, it's easy to see how he's had an major impact in the industry. First of all, he's known solely for music. He's raised himself up as the top male star among his peers with singing, and nothing else. No scandals. No relationship drama. No gimmicks. Nine #1 hits, an avalanche of R&B #1 hits, as well as album sales that shatter any other male star of his generation speaks volumes. To me, the word impact is another word for influential. This is a man who has had taken not one, but two genres and conquered them with equal success. He's as much of a dominating force of R&B as he is a pop music powerhouse. That kind of success is unrivaled.

Usher can easily appeal to an urban culture who also celebrates Rick Ross and Young Jeezy, as well capture the attention of tweens who listen to Justin Beiber and One Direction. What makes it even more impressive is that this is a feat Usher has steadily maintained for 15 years. How anyone can claim Justin has had more of an impact is insane to me. Justin has never come close to having that level of reach and versatility in the industry. Justin is a big name in the tabloid celebrity blogs and inside of the pop world...but even with that said, he's still overshadowed by bigger pop acts like Lady Gaga and Britney Spears. Usher's legacy will ultimately be his music, and because of that more people are already influenced by him...which means his impact on the industry is greater than what Justin has accomplished.

[allow that]

Feb 15, 2013 20:44:55 GMT -5 Nephalem said:

This is a man who has had taken not one, but two genres and conquered them with equal success. He's as much of a dominating force of R&B as he is a pop music powerhouse. That kind of success is unrivaled.

Usher can easily appeal to an urban culture who also celebrates Rick Ross and Young Jeezy, as well capture the attention of tweens who listen to Justin Beiber and One Direction. What makes it even more impressive is that this is a feat Usher has steadily maintained for 15 years.

Totally agree.

30 years from now when the glory days of either are just folklore, Usher will have the legacy. His body of work will live on while Justin's media hype is temporary. Of course, a few Justin songs will go down as classics- but for each immortal Justin song there will be three or four Usher songs to match.

[Live Your Life]

Just to clarify, before I respond, are we talking about impact on the music industry, or impact on society?

[allow that]

Feb 15, 2013 22:24:25 GMT -5 Live Your Life said:

Just to clarify, before I respond, are we talking about impact on the music industry, or impact on society?

I took it to mean if Usher never existed or if Justin never existed, in which scenario would the world we live in be more different? (stoner thoughts )

ETA: I'm not actually high tho, just to clarify

[Live Your Life]

Well, I'll echo the sentiments of a lot of the early posts in this thread. To put it simply:

Black culture: Usher
Pop/mainstream culture: Justin

...for obvious reasons.

But I have to say, I don't agree with this at all:

he's known solely for music. He's raised himself up as the top male star among his peers with singing, and nothing else. No scandals. No relationship drama. No gimmicks.

The entire "Confessions" era was built off of a story people thought they were getting regarding he and Chilli's relationship. Both have since come out and said that the songs had no direct relation to their breakup, and that it was actually Jermaine Dupri's life, at the time, in the form of songs. To a much lesser extent, his marriage to Tameka Raymond was used to market a "grown and mature" Usher with "Here I Stand," and when he got divorced, "Papers" was released and his Lothario image was back for "Raymond v. Raymond." And that doesn't discredit any of his work, but yeah.

[Dalliance]

Dead at black vs. mainstream culture. Is it still that bad?

Anyways, I just think it's a case of Justin being more relevant at the moment than Usher is and him having a more recent peak period. But let him flop and his career hit a permanent wall and let's see what we think five years thereafter. Although, knowing the media and, yes, given Justin's whiteness, he'll probably find a way to remain more relevant than Usher will be.

That said, Justin is known for his relationship with Britney, for his role in the "Social Network" and for his SNL stints as a wannabe comedian. In addition to high musical credibility, I think all of this has allowed him to tap into markets/audiences/cultivate a pop culture presence that is greater than Usher's. I do think Usher has had a greater musical legacy in terms of popularity and success, however, and I agree with the notion that he, at the very least, has had a greater impact in the black community.

[kristal]

Feb 15, 2013 19:51:16 GMT -5 think pink. said:

I would not call Justin a "notable" actor. With the exception of the Social Network, he's been in nothing but flop movies. His movies didn't enhance his career at all and I don't think that gives him the edge over Usher. Nobody cares about Justin the actor nor his movies.

Regarding the poll, my vote goes to Usher hands down.

Justin has not been in nothing but flop movies. Unless having 5 straight films make over 100 million worldwide is a flop. Justin has two films coming out this year. One of those films is a role in a coveted Cohen brothers film.

[kristal]

Feb 15, 2013 20:44:55 GMT -5 Nephalem said:

Impact =/= celebrity status.

When it comes to which one of these guys has had the bigger impact on society and the music world...the answer is obvious: Usher.

Justin's biggest legacy is his connection with Britney Spears. This was proven true just a couple of weeks ago when the rumor of him calling her a "bitch" became so rampant, Justin himself had to send out a tweet to dispel the rumor. The fact that the story was false isn't the point, it's the fact that a relationship that ended 10 years ago still has such a massive grasp on his career. Justin's "celebrity" status may be bigger than Usher's in terms of name recognition, but let's not pretend it's because of his talent alone. It's mostly from Britney.

Now when you factor in Justin's professional career, it still goes little in the way of justifying his impact on the industry. Yes, he's had hits, but when you go outside of the pop stratosphere not many people know Justin outside of being Britney's ex-boyfriend. Aside from SexyBack, his songs are all but forgotten to people who don't follow pop music on a hardcore level. Justin's movie career is an even dryer wasteland, and anyone using it as an example of his impact are only damaging their argument further. As Queen B said, The Social Network is really his only major hit...and that's hardly due to his involvement. Justin's movie career neither hurt nor enhanced his career. It was so bland that people, in general, simply forget he attempted an acting career.

Now getting to Usher, it's easy to see how he's had an major impact in the industry. First of all, he's known solely for music. He's raised himself up as the top male star among his peers with singing, and nothing else. No scandals. No relationship drama. No gimmicks. Nine #1 hits, an avalanche of R&B #1 hits, as well as album sales that shatter any other male star of his generation speaks volumes. To me, the word impact is another word for influential. This is a man who has had taken not one, but two genres and conquered them with equal success. He's as much of a dominating force of R&B as he is a pop music powerhouse. That kind of success is unrivaled.

Usher can easily appeal to an urban culture who also celebrates Rick Ross and Young Jeezy, as well capture the attention of tweens who listen to Justin Beiber and One Direction. What makes it even more impressive is that this is a feat Usher has steadily maintained for 15 years. How anyone can claim Justin has had more of an impact is insane to me. Justin has never come close to having that level of reach and versatility in the industry. Justin is a big name in the tabloid celebrity blogs and inside of the pop world...but even with that said, he's still overshadowed by bigger pop acts like Lady Gaga and Britney Spears. Usher's legacy will ultimately be his music, and because of that more people are already influenced by him...which means his impact on the industry is greater than what Justin has accomplished.

I so disagree with this entire post. Justin's biggest legacy is not dating britney spears. Of course a rumor like that would spread because the two of them are big stars who use to date. Also because for some reason people are still obsessed about the two of them dating. But that has no relation to Justin's own professional career. And of course people know Justin far more than just being britney spears exboyfriend. Justin is known for his music, for his viral videos on SNL, known for the viral videos of the history of rap with Jimmy Fallon, and for his movies. His movies which did really well worldwide. It is amazing to me how people who don't like Justin like to negate all of his commercial and critical accomplishments. And I don't agree that besides Sexyback people have forgotten his other songs. I consistently see people tweet about songs from Justin's first album and they are not just pop fans.

[hidizzyguy]

I mean, really, the ONLY draw Justin ever had for me for any movies of his, was this:

2.bp.blogspot.com/-wxSVTezX_Pg/TlU0f_Gn85I/AAAAAAABD3A/jJqOv8xkd7g/s1600/timberlake%2Bnaked%2B1.jpg

[hidizzyguy]

Omg, I need a moderator, I had no fucking clue that pic was gonna be that big!

I'm so sorry everybody! Lol

[Lozzy]

Feb 16, 2013 13:09:49 GMT -5 hidizzyguy said:

Omg, I need a moderator, I had no f**king clue that pic was gonna be that big!

I'm so sorry everybody! Lol

You could shrink it down yourself? Or better yet remove it because porn is against board rules.

I reported your post anyway!

[hidizzyguy]

Lol thanks. Damn, double post fail.

And no matter how big that pic came out, that don't help the fact that Justin has no ass!

[think pink.]

Feb 16, 2013 12:27:24 GMT -5 kristal said:

Feb 15, 2013 19:51:16 GMT -5 think pink. said:

I would not call Justin a "notable" actor. With the exception of the Social Network, he's been in nothing but flop movies. His movies didn't enhance his career at all and I don't think that gives him the edge over Usher. Nobody cares about Justin the actor nor his movies.

Regarding the poll, my vote goes to Usher hands down.

Justin has not been in nothing but flop movies. Unless having 5 straight films make over 100 million worldwide is a flop. Justin has two films coming out this year. One of those films is a role in a coveted Cohen brothers film.

His successful movies are Shrek 3, Yogi Bear, The Social Network, Bad Teacher and Friends With Benefits. The only one he can take credit for is Friends With Benefits. The other's would have done well without him, he played no part in their success. That does not make him a "notable" actor. LOL @ the thought.

[SPRΞΞ]

Oh the things I'm imagining in regards to that pic. And I'm totally oblivious to the female part of it.

[kristal]

Feb 16, 2013 13:15:29 GMT -5 think pink. said:

Feb 16, 2013 12:27:24 GMT -5 kristal said:

Justin has not been in nothing but flop movies. Unless having 5 straight films make over 100 million worldwide is a flop. Justin has two films coming out this year. One of those films is a role in a coveted Cohen brothers film.

His successful movies are Shrek 3, Yogi Bear, The Social Network, Bad Teacher and Friends With Benefits. The only one he can take credit for is Friends With Benefits. The other's would have done well without him, he played no part in their success. That does not make him a "notable" actor. LOL @ the thought.

Did I say he was a notable actor? You wrote that besides Social Network Justin had been in nothing but flops. Which I said was not true. He was in 5 straight films that made over 100 million worldwide. In Time is one of those films. And since he was either the star of the film or prominently used in the advertising of all of those films how can you say he played no part in their success? And even if you want to claim he played no part in their success they still weren't flops.

[think pink.]

Feb 16, 2013 13:27:43 GMT -5 kristal said:

Feb 16, 2013 13:15:29 GMT -5 think pink. said:

His successful movies are Shrek 3, Yogi Bear, The Social Network, Bad Teacher and Friends With Benefits. The only one he can take credit for is Friends With Benefits. The other's would have done well without him, he played no part in their success. That does not make him a "notable" actor. LOL @ the thought.

Did I say he was a notable actor? You wrote that besides Social Network Justin had been in nothing but flops. Which I said was not true. He was in 5 straight films that made over 100 million worldwide. In Time is one of those films. And since he was either the star of the film or prominently used in the advertising of all of those films how can you say he played no part in their success? And even if you want to claim he played no part in their success they still weren't flops.

Well, you quoted my post about me saying he wasn't a notable actor and told me he was in films that made over 100 million. It came off as you trying to tell me was a notable actor. I had no idea In Time did that well....that film appeared to have came and went so I assumed it flopped like the majority of his films. So okay, that's two films Justin can take credit for. I still wouldn't call him a notable actor which was the point of my original post and I certainly would not say him being in successful films puts him ahead of Usher in terms of over all impact their careers have had. That would be like saying Beyonce has made more of an impact than Madonna because she's been in more successful films.

[kristal]

I quoted you but I specifically said that he has not been in nothing but flop movies. That is why I stated he had 5 straight films that had made over 100 million. I don't care if his films put him ahead of Usher in terms of cultural impact. I don't care at all if he has had a bigger or less cultural impact than Usher. I was disagreeing with the notion that Justin has not been successful in films and that he had been in nothing but flop movies.

[allow that]

Feb 16, 2013 15:12:58 GMT -5 kristal said:

I quoted you but I specifically said that he has not been in nothing but flop movies. That is why I stated he had 5 straight films that had made over 100 million.

The point is Justin didn't carry the films he's in to the point where people may not even remember he's in them.

I don't care at all if he has had a bigger or less cultural impact than Usher.

Then maybe this isn't the topic for you? *looks at subject line*

[Live Your Life]

Normally, I wouldn't say bringing up a musician's film career would add anything to a discussion like this, but since we're talking about cultural impact (I think, because y'all are all over the place lol), something like that would need to be factored in to give an accurate response. And the one thing that's clear is Justin has much more of a media presence, which is why I can see people voting for him.

Despite them both being successful, I don't think comparing them by album sales and #1 singles quite work. Usher has sold more albums than Justin, but Usher has released more albums. Usher has 9 #1 singles to Justin's 4, but Usher has released more singles. However, I don't feel like Justin could have scanned 10M copies of any album (as a solo artist), as Usher did with "Confessions." Then again, you never know. But you could also factor Justin's *NSYNC days into it, and that would put him over the edge. They've both crossed over to different demos (Usher to Pop, Justin to Urban), but is it easier for black artists to get airplay at Top 40 radio than it is for a white artist to get airplay at Urban radio? Hmm.

I mean, you really can go back and forth with this all day.

[Rurry]

Justin Timberlake isn't neccessarily an A-list film actor, but he does have some respect as a comic actor. His performances on Saturday Night Live especially really earned him a lot of respect from a crowd that normally wouldn't care about a pop star.

[carrieidol1]

Feb 16, 2013 16:11:10 GMT -5 Rurry said:

Justin Timberlake isn't neccessarily an A-list film actor, but he does have some respect as a comic actor. His performances on Saturday Night Live especially really earned him a lot of respect from a crowd that normally wouldn't care about a pop star.

Thank you. He's become generally respected by the industry, not necessarily acclaimed, but he's a musician who has successfully crossed over into acting, and that's not something Usher has going for him.

Just because they may not have been blockbusters doesn't make them "flops"... I "lol @ the thought" that people think being in hundred-million dollar movies is flopping and not in anyway a boost to one's entertainment career. How anyone could claim being in movies, flop or not, isn't a career booster is beyond me. He was in moderately successful movies! It'd be one thing if we were talking about Mariah and "Glitter", that was a true flop in every way. But his movies, overall, have done well. So to argue they have no affect on his career is mind boggling in my opinion. Clearly they did, otherwise we wouldn't be talking about it.