R & B Rumble: Usher Vs. Justin Timberlake

R & B singers seem to be popping up all over the place today. Even with these newcomers, there are still two leading guys in today's R & B world. Usher and Justin Timberlake are today's leading guys in the R & B world. Of course, Usher has not released an album for two years, but his music still has an edge in the R & B world. Justin Timberlake, on the other hand, just launched his sophomore solo album and has created a buzz in the music world.

Both of these young men are extremely talented, but which one is truly the better entertainer? What would happen if they had to compete in a contest of their own? Who would win? Would Usher give Timberlake a run for his money? Would Timberlake outwit his competition? Here is how this R & B rumble would turn out.

Round #1 - The Music

There is no doubt that both of these young men are talented singers. Here is a look at what Usher uses to push his resume to the top. Usher has been in the game a lot longer than Timberlake. Usher showed up on the R & B radar in 1994 when he was just 15 years old. His first single "Think of You" gave Usher gold status and made him one of R & B's new hottest young talents.

It would be three years since his debut to the world, before he would release his sophomore album "My Way." On his album "My Way" Usher showcases his songwriting talents and showed the world he was truly a star. Usher has also released three more albums: "All About U" (2000); "8701" (2001); and "Confessions" (2004). His "Confessions" album won him several Grammy nominations, notably for the first single "Yeah" featuring rappers Lil Jon and Ludacris. Usher always delivers, to his fans, the best sexy songs and dance songs. He is sure to be a sensation in the R & B world. Usher scores a 10 in this round.

When Justin Timberlake came on the scene, he was part of the boy band era and was possibly the reason N'Sync was so popular. When N'Sync went their separate ways, who would have thought a former boy band member would be such a sensation in the R & B world. In 2003, Justin Timberlake released his debut solo album, "Justified" featuring the hit single "Cry Me a River." It was the type of album that first made listeners believe Justin Timberlake could really sing.

When Justin Timberlake announced he was releasing his sophomore album "FutureSex/LoveSongs" nobody was prepared for the sensation it has become. When the first single "SexyBack" featuring producer/rapper Timbaland hit the airwaves, it was like a new Justin Timberlake had arrived in style. His vocal range is impeccable and his style is out of this world! Justin Timberlake has really made himself into one of the hottest singers in the R & B world. Justin scores a hot 9, handing Usher the win this round!

Round #2 - The Dance Moves

It seems singers these days cannot help themselves from moving on the stage with impressive dance moves. Both Justin Timberlake and Usher can dance their butts off and sing at the same time. Pretty impressive, since the American Idol contestants have a hard time holding a note!

Justin Timberlake's dance style is very modern and unique. If you have seen one of his recent videos or even his older works, his dance moves are fun to watch. He is quick on his feet and moves smoothly across the stage. He certainly knows how to work his audience with his complex dance moves. Some of his dance moves are reminiscent of the King of Pop's dance moves. With his twisting hips and fast foot work, he sure is a great entertainer. Justin brings in a nice 10 in this stage of the rumble.

Usher's dance style is one with a whole lot of flavor. A lot of Usher's dance moves, like Justin Timberlake's, resemble that of Michael Jackson. He slides across the floor and does a lot of what is known in the dance world as "pop and lock." Usher is a genius when it comes to his dance moves as a lot of the stuff he choreographs himself. It enables Usher to add his nice southern flavor to each of his routines. Usher's dance moves keeps his fans wishing they could have more. Usher is certainly a candidate for Mr. Entertainment!

Unfortunately, Usher's dance moves had been calming down from his earlier years. Yes, he still dances, but some of his dancing does not have the same hype it had in his earlier years. This leaves the judge only able to give Usher a nice 9 for round 2, and awarding Justin Timberlake with his first win of the night!

Round 3 - Extracurricular Activities

Both Justin Timberlake and Usher have been involved in activities outside of their musical careers. Both crooners have starred in movies. Both have taken part in charities as well. Here are the laundry lists for both singers.

Justin Timberlake has appeared on Saturday Night Live. He has starred in two movies in 2007 alone: "Black Snake Moan" which is now playing in theatres and "Alpha Dog" (February, 2007). He was also a star on Disney's Mickey Mouse Club in the early 1990's. Justin Timberlake is involved in charity work. He has his own charity "The Justin Timberlake Foundation" which helps promote music education for children. He is also involved in Childwatch, which helps children and adults who have been abused; RADD; MusiCares, a charity which gives back to the community in times of need; and Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, a charity, started by the late Steve Irwin, which focuses on animals and the environment. Justin Timberlake's long list of charities and new found acting career has earned him a high 10 this round!

Usher has tried his hand at acting. He was in the Broadway production "Chicago." Usher was also in the movie "The Faculty" and "In the Mix" (2005). He made appearances on several television series to include "7^th Heaven" and "Moesha." His acting skills have been less than stellar, to say the least. His first big role in a movie came when he starred in the 2005 movie "In the Mix." This movie became a big flop and did not receive the same reception as Justin Timberlake's roles as an actor have. Usher is said to lack creativity and style when it comes to acting. Still Usher believes he can make it on the big screen and will continue to pursue his career as an actor, alongside his singing career.

When it comes to charity work, Usher has given hope to many. Usher gave money and held a benefit concert, following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. He has his own foundation in Atlanta called New Look. The New Look organization allows children to dream big while attending his summer camp. Unfortunately, there is only room for about 150 children. He also used New Look to rebuild the gulf coast cities. He has a big heart when it comes to community. Unfortunately, his acting gigs could not hold him up to the same standards of Justin Timberlake. Usher leaves this round with a score of 9, giving the round to Justin Timberlake.

It is a shame there can only be three rounds in this match up. It was a close fight. From the singing to the dancing to the acting and charities, both Justin Timberlake and Usher gave it their all. Congratulations Justin Timberlake you win the R & B Rumble this time with a score of 29-28, but be careful because rumor has it that Usher is working on his next hot album!