Every A-list artist from your 2000s treasure trove of memories hit the stage in Vegas last weekend and put on the best one-day festival you could ever experience.
Image Credit: Alan Sabido
50 Cent, Shaggy, Mariah Carey, Usher, Missy Elliot, Soulja Boy, Busta Rhymes, Flo Rida, Nelly, Pitbull, Christina Aguilera, Lil Kim, Bow Wow, and many more performed at the Las Vegas festival on May 6, 2023.
Image Credit: MANDO HUNDREDS
Returning for its second year, Lovers & Friends put together another remarkable feat as more than 45 big-time artists took the stage (one of four) on a single day.
The festival marked Jhené Aiko’s return to the stage after giving birth to her first child with Big Sean. She serenaded her fans and was a class act as fans sang along with her. There was a sunrise appearance by Big Sean as he joined Jhené for a rendition of their famous “Beware” hit. He praised her on stage for the new mom that she is and for taking great care of their son. This left the crowd in awe of their adorable romance.
Image Credit: Alan Sabido
Shaggy put on one of the most energetic performances and danced his heart out along with the crowd as he sang his hits “Bombastic” and “It Wasn’t Me.” Soulja Boy had the crowd dancing to his hits “Pretty Boy Swag, “Kiss Me Thru The Phone,” and “Crank That.”
Image Credit: Luther Redd
Missy Elliot, one of the final performances of the night was the icing on a very memorable fest – she played her party hits “Get Ur Freak On” and “Lose Control,” making several wardrobe changes, including a fancy glittering pair of black overalls and a bling red jumpsuit.
50 Cent bought all the nostalgia as he rocked on stage and the crowd sang to every last song of his, including his classic “P.I.M.P.”
Image Credit: VIRISAYONG
Mariah Carey, a diva in her own right, was delayed by almost 30 minutes and once she arrived, she won the crowd over as they chanted her name. She sang renditions of her classics like “Obsessed” and “We Belong Together.” Boyz II Men, who also performed earlier in the day, joined her for their 1995 hit song “One Sweet Day.”
Image Credit: Greg Noire
The surprise guests during the performance were certainly a highlight of the fest: Lil’ Kim and Christina Aguilera reunited to perform their smash hit “Lady Marmalade,” Saweetie made a guest appearance during Jhene Aiko’s set, Usher and Muni Long performed a never-before-heard version of Muni’s song “Hrs & Hrs.” R&B singer Monica also joined Missy Elliott for a song.
The festival was one of the best I’ve ever been to – especially in the States, and it rocked. It wasn’t overcrowded, well-spaced out and everyone seemed to have a blast. The only drama that happened was behind the scenes as Chris Brown got into altercations with Usher and Missy Elliot’s team. Despite that, he did put on a good show for his fans.
Published by HOLR Magazine.