I knew it was going to be a memorable night the moment my parents agreed to watch the kids. On Friday, I unexpectedly scored two tickets to ‘The R&B Tour,’ and after all the times I begged my parents to look after their grandkids so my partner and I could attend the Jay-Z concert, I figured my chances of them pulling another all-nighter were slim. But I decided to try anyway. To my surprise, they agreed—no questions asked. I took it as a sign from above that we were meant to be there. Then reality set in: what would I wear? I headed straight to my closet and pulled out a black bandage jumpsuit I had worn for our anniversary last year. It felt perfect. I booked an Uber for 6 p.m.
The night began as we rolled into MetLife Stadium. Entry was swift and simple. It didn’t take long to locate seats in section 137. DJ I Am Fresh offered a tasty prelude of tunes before the main course. I found myself thoroughly entertained by the fans showcased on the Jumbotron.
Around 8:56, the lights dimmed and the energy level shot up in an instant. Usher stepped out in a deep blue full-length fur, a NY Yankee fitted cap, a navy suit and fresh Timbs. It might have felt like 100 degrees, yet the seasoned performer stayed true to the look. I initially thought that was my favorite outfit—until his next appearance, a bedazzled NY Yankees varsity jacket, arrived. Fire.
By the end of the night, my favorite had shifted three times, because the Evisu jeans, a bedazzled tee bearing a photo of a younger Chris Brown, truly captured my New York heart. At another moment, he claimed the throne again, wearing an ornate crown crafted by jewelry designer Laurel DeWitt.
Usher Brings Out Mary J. Blige
Because this was the second night of the two-night MetLife Stadium run, we anticipated a few guests, but nothing could prepare us for Mary J. Blige gracing the stage. Mary looked sleek in a black leather look, her signature blonde tresses braided into a half-up, half-down style. The crowd roared for the Queen of hip-hop soul. The din only intensified when Method Man came out to perform their classic track, “All I Need.”
And just when we thought Usher couldn’t top those guests, he then brought out Future. And then, Ashanti, who strutted across the stage in a sultry bedroom-inspired black look, styled by Timb.
Mario, Tank and Eric Bellinger contributed backing vocals despite light shade from Jacquees. Perhaps that’s why Tank stepped out with such purpose. R&B business.
A genuine highlight of the night was the palpable aura of romance sweeping through the crowd. Like me, numerous couples were on date night, and you could feel it when Usher paused his flirtatious solo to spotlight other couples. We watched couples tease, entice and show off with cherries.
Chris Brown Flies Through The Air
Chris Brown also delivered an impressive show. The chemistry between him and his dancers makes their movements look effortless. He crooned through a medley of his biggest hits. At the end of the performance, the duo shared a respectful handshake before joining forces to perform their 2014 hit “New Flame.”
The evening culminated with fireworks erupting above MetLife Stadium and a sea of cars in the parking lot. Traffic aside, it was the perfect date night.
