Nice & Slow (song by Usher)

Composition and production

Musically, "Nice & Slow" is built around a slow, sensual groove typical of R&B slow jams from the era. The arrangement emphasizes warm keyboard pads, a steady drum-programmed beat, and close, breathy vocals that foreground romantic and seductive lyricism. Production is credited to established collaborators who helped shape the late-90s R&B sound.

Credits

• Writers: Brian and Brandon Casey (of Jagged Edge), Manuel Seal, Jermaine Dupri, and Usher.
• Producers: Jermaine Dupri and Manuel Seal (production and arrangement roles).
• Video cameo: model and personality Kimora Lee Simmons appears in the song's music video.

Release, chart performance and reception

Released as the follow-up to "You Make Me Wanna..." (a prior hit from the same album), "Nice & Slow" helped solidify Usher's commercial breakthrough. It reached the top of the US Billboard Hot 100, marking a milestone in his early career. Internationally the single had mixed results — for example it charted lower on the UK Singles Chart than his preceding single. Critics and audiences highlighted the song's polished production and Usher's vocal delivery.

Music video and cultural impact

The accompanying music video, directed to emphasize the song's intimate atmosphere, features narrative and performance elements and includes a cameo appearance by Kimora Lee Simmons. The visual helped promote the single on music television channels and contributed to the song's mainstream visibility. Over time, "Nice & Slow" has been cited as an example of late-1990s R&B slow jams and remains part of Usher's early catalog frequently included in retrospectives of his work.

Notable facts and references

1. The track was part of the My Way album cycle and was the album's final single release in many territories.
2. Songwriting and production involved collaborators associated with contemporary R&B groups and producers; for more on the producer's career see pages about Jermaine Dupri and his work.
3. For discography details and chart histories consult music databases or artist pages such as those linked here: You Make Me Wanna..., music video, and archival artist profiles Usher.