By Tanyika Armstrong | Jacksonville Free Press – From the moment the lights dimmed inside VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, it was clear that Brandy and Monica’s “The Boy Is Mine Tour” was more than a walk down memory lane—it was a reminder of why classic R&B continues to hold its weight.
The evening opened with a surprise appearance by Keyshia Cole, instantly sending the crowd into excitement. Her presence felt like an unexpected bonus that set the tone early. She delivered a short but strong, emotional set that reminded the audience why her music continues to connect, pairing familiarity with raw feeling in a way that felt authentic and earned.
Kelly Rowland followed with a performance that was truly amazing, energetic, intentional, and engaging from start to finish. From her vocals to her choreography and movement, she was locked in the entire time. Every transition felt purposeful, and the momentum never dropped. One of the most meaningful moments came when her dancers paused to give her flowers on stage, a genuine show of appreciation that reflected the respect she commands.
Brandy and Monica then took the stage together and carried the remainder of the night in a back-and-forth format, trading songs one after the other. The exchange included some of their biggest hits: Brandy’s “I Wanna Be Down,” released in 1994 on her debut album and one of her earliest top hits; Monica’s “The First Night,” a chart-topping single from her 1998 album The Boy Is Mine; and of course the 1998 duet “The Boy Is Mine,” which became a cultural phenomenon. That song was released on May 19, 1998, spent 13 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, setting a record for longevity at the top of the chart and becoming the best-selling single of the year in the U.S. The track was a milestone for both artists — Brandy was 19 and Monica just 17 when it hit No. 1. It also earned them a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group
I knew who Monica was, but I was always a diehard Brandy fan. I grew up watching Moesha, so my connection to Brandy started before her music career fully took off. I was first introduced to Monica through “Don’t Take It Personal,” and later through her collaboration with Brandy on “The Boy Is Mine.” While I appreciated Monica’s music, I never followed her as closely as I followed Brandy. Seeing them share the stage and trade songs throughout the night gave me a new respect for Monica’s presence and consistency. I came in Team Brandy, but I’m walking away firmly in Monica’s orbit too.
Brandy’s performance leaned into her strengths as a singer. Throughout the night, she focused on delivering her vocals with control and clarity, letting the music lead rather than theatrics. Whether she was moving with her dancers or standing still, the emphasis stayed on how she sang measured, consistent, and familiar. Songs like “I Wanna Be Down,” “Brokenhearted,” and “Have You Ever” reflected the vocal style audiences have known her for over the years, reminding longtime fans why her voice continues to hold a place in R&B.
Near the end of the concert, the show paused to honor Whitney Houston, with actual footage playing on the screen showing early moments and interactions she shared with both Brandy and Monica at the start of their careers. It was a powerful reminder of Whitney’s impact on R&B and how her voice, presence, and legacy helped shape so many artists who came after her.
The biggest takeaway from the night was how different R&B felt in the ’90s compared to much of today’s music. Back then, the songs centered on love, wanting it, losing it, and working through it. Even when heartbreak was involved, the emotion still came from a place of feeling rather than retaliation. Today, many newer female singers and rappers express their stories through anger, payback, and survival. There’s nothing wrong with telling that truth, but it’s a different energy. This concert was a reminder of how powerful love-centered R&B once was.
Music may change, but the moments that move us stay the same.