1999’s Live was recorded in October 1998 at two free concerts Usher performed in his hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee, following his opening stint on Janet Jackson’s Velvet Rope Tour. It was his only commercial live project until he released his 2012 EP, iTunes Festival: London 2012. The album contains live performances of songs from his 1994 self-titled album and his 1997 follow-up, My Way, as well as live medelys of several Bobby Brown’s hits, including May 1988’s “Don’t Be Cruel,” June 1988’s “Every Little Step,” June 1988’s “Rock Wit'cha” and December 1988’s “Roni.” There are also additional covers of Force MDs‘ December 1985 song, “Tender Love” and LL Cool J’s July 1987 song, “I Need Love.” Speaking with MTV News a month prior in February 1999, Usher said why he wanted to make a live album: I really like the sound of a band, that’s one, just for myself, but there were so many people who didn’t get a chance to see the concert, so I came out with a live version of most of the songs on my album. The reception for Live wasn’t pretty, however—it received overall negative reviews from music critics, with some noting it’s “tired and weary” and others describing Usher’s voice as “tinny.” Despite the reviews, it still managed to sell over 200,000 copies in the US and receive a gold certification.