Brandy and Monica Bring 90s R&B Heavyweights' Reunion Magic to New York
When it comes to 90s R&B reunions, few pairings are as star-studded or enduringly captivating as Brandy and Monica. After years of denying any supposed feud between them, the duo has finally taken their harmonious sisterhood on tour, playing to packed venues in the Big Apple. Their New York City stop was a veritable love letter to 90s R&B nostalgia, replete with nostalgic nods, show-stopping performances, and an undeniable chemistry that left fans swooning.
Backstage, it seemed the two divas had made a point of putting any perceived tension to bed – or at least, setting up a hilarious social media bait to keep the tabloids on their toes. Still, as they emerged from the vintage elevator, sunglasses firmly in place and pouting expressions that screamed "I'm plotting my revenge," it was clear these two are no strangers to stage banter.
The concert itself was an expertly choreographed dance-off of sorts, with Brandy trading places with Monica and laying down three classic tracks apiece. The show cut some corners – a 90-second edit of What About Us? and Like This and Like That did little to hurt the proceedings – but it worked in favor of their undeniable camaraderie, which shone through like a beacon as Brandy broke character to join Monica on stage for a heartfelt rendition of Don't Take It Personal (Just One Of Dem Days). The real showstopper came when Brandy delivered her signature vocal range and control in the mid-tempo Full Moon, her tightly choreographed performances of Afrodisiac and Who Is She 2 U leaving even the most hardened critics awestruck.
Meanwhile Monica's solo set was a masterclass in understated showmanship. Her stripped-down rendition of Angel of Mine was nothing short of breathtaking – a tender love song with bite that showcased her incredible range and control. It was clear why she'd become the first female artist to headline Las Vegas' Omnia Nightclub, but it also highlighted just how much the stage is missing when live instruments aren't on hand.
Monica's setlist featured some inspired choices, including a Diana Ross mashup of The First Night that played off the song's Love Hangover sample and a spirited rendition of Street Symphony complete with hip-hop moves and shiny cane. It was clear she'd brought her A-game – even if not every live performance could ever hope to capture the thrill of her studio recordings.
It's worth noting, however, that some of the staging felt a bit gimmicky – video interludes punctuating the show in places seemed more like an attempt to generate buzz than anything truly organic. And, let's be real: at 11.30pm on a school night, Fabolous bursting onto stage for Into You did feel a tad out of place.
Still, as Brandy and Monica took their final bow over dry ice-lit scenery that perfectly captured the swirling drama of I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me), there was no denying it: these two 90s R&B legends have still got it. It's been an eventful couple of years for fans of the genre, but one thing is certain – Brandy and Monica are back, and they're here to stay.
When it comes to 90s R&B reunions, few pairings are as star-studded or enduringly captivating as Brandy and Monica. After years of denying any supposed feud between them, the duo has finally taken their harmonious sisterhood on tour, playing to packed venues in the Big Apple. Their New York City stop was a veritable love letter to 90s R&B nostalgia, replete with nostalgic nods, show-stopping performances, and an undeniable chemistry that left fans swooning.
Backstage, it seemed the two divas had made a point of putting any perceived tension to bed – or at least, setting up a hilarious social media bait to keep the tabloids on their toes. Still, as they emerged from the vintage elevator, sunglasses firmly in place and pouting expressions that screamed "I'm plotting my revenge," it was clear these two are no strangers to stage banter.
The concert itself was an expertly choreographed dance-off of sorts, with Brandy trading places with Monica and laying down three classic tracks apiece. The show cut some corners – a 90-second edit of What About Us? and Like This and Like That did little to hurt the proceedings – but it worked in favor of their undeniable camaraderie, which shone through like a beacon as Brandy broke character to join Monica on stage for a heartfelt rendition of Don't Take It Personal (Just One Of Dem Days). The real showstopper came when Brandy delivered her signature vocal range and control in the mid-tempo Full Moon, her tightly choreographed performances of Afrodisiac and Who Is She 2 U leaving even the most hardened critics awestruck.
Meanwhile Monica's solo set was a masterclass in understated showmanship. Her stripped-down rendition of Angel of Mine was nothing short of breathtaking – a tender love song with bite that showcased her incredible range and control. It was clear why she'd become the first female artist to headline Las Vegas' Omnia Nightclub, but it also highlighted just how much the stage is missing when live instruments aren't on hand.
Monica's setlist featured some inspired choices, including a Diana Ross mashup of The First Night that played off the song's Love Hangover sample and a spirited rendition of Street Symphony complete with hip-hop moves and shiny cane. It was clear she'd brought her A-game – even if not every live performance could ever hope to capture the thrill of her studio recordings.
It's worth noting, however, that some of the staging felt a bit gimmicky – video interludes punctuating the show in places seemed more like an attempt to generate buzz than anything truly organic. And, let's be real: at 11.30pm on a school night, Fabolous bursting onto stage for Into You did feel a tad out of place.
Still, as Brandy and Monica took their final bow over dry ice-lit scenery that perfectly captured the swirling drama of I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me), there was no denying it: these two 90s R&B legends have still got it. It's been an eventful couple of years for fans of the genre, but one thing is certain – Brandy and Monica are back, and they're here to stay.
. it's just music, right? they're not hurting anyone and they're still putting on a great show 
. some ppl might say their reunion feels forced or gimmicky, but honestly i think that's just ppl being salty because they weren't invited to the party 
. at the end of the day, it's all about the music & the energy the two divas bring to the stage 
. and tbh, who doesn't love a good ol fashioned 90s R&B dance party? 
. Still, I guess it was nice to see Brandy and Monica back together again, even if it felt a bit like they were just coasting on their past glories 
.
) - it's about the connection between them as artists and friends. And honestly, who needs live instruments when you have two of the most talented vocalists of our time killing it together? 
I'm living for this 90s R&B reunion!!! 
Brandy & Monica slayed the NYC show with their sick harmonies & stage presence 
they really did put any perceived drama to bed & just brought the magic 
full moon was EVERYTHING 
and brandy's vocals on that song? 
meanwhile monica's solo set was SO underrated – her love songs are giving me LIFE 
. The chemistry between them is still undeniable, even if they do play up the drama behind the scenes 
. But what really got me was how well Brandy held her own alongside Monica; those harmonies are still unmatched 
! Their reunion tour has been giving me major throwback vibes all week 
. And can we talk about Brandy's Full Moon performance? Her vocal range is still on point 
!
. These two divas are truly back and better than ever, and I'm so grateful to have witnessed this reunion magic for myself 
their harmonies, vocals, and performances are everything and more - I mean bruh Monica's solo set was on point 
.
the way they performed together was literally like a dream come true... but also can we talk about Monica's solo set? she brought the HEAT with that stripped-down rendition of Angel of Mine 
.
and then brandy came in with that show-stopping full moon performance 
) but overall it was an amazing night and i'm so grateful they're doing this tour again 
.
! The chemistry between them on stage was undeniable, and their performances had me singing along to all the classics 
like fabolous just jumping on stage outta nowhere lol 11:30pm show is already waaay too late 
The show had its moments of gimmickry, but honestly, it didn't detract from the magic of the night. It's like they knew exactly how to bring that 90s R&B nostalgia to life and give us a taste of what could've been back in the day. Now, I'm already counting down the days until their next tour stop 
!
anyway, i do think monica's solo set was pretty fire – that diana ross mashup was a sick choice! but fabolous bursting onto stage at 11:30pm on a school night was super weird.