On Sunday, June 23rd, the Eaglebank Arena in Fairfax, VA, hosted “The Love Hard Tour,” an unforgettable night of love songs and memories. Initially scheduled for spring, the show was postponed to the summer. The Love Hard Tour, brought to you by the Black Promoters Collective, features R&B sensations K. Michelle, Trey Songz, Jaheim, and headliner Keyisha Cole. I’ve enjoyed seeing all of these performers on previous tours. However, given the consistent success and promptness of the promoters at concerts since their formation, I made it a priority to experience this show.
During her performance, K. Michelle showcased a set list that included soulful renditions of her popular songs such as “Love Em All,” “V.S.O.P.,” “Mindful,” “Pay My Bills,” “Hard To Do,” “I Cry,” and “Maybe I Should.” Of note was her tribute to the classic New Edition ballad “Can You Stand The Rain” with her performance of “The Rain.” However, her rendition of “Can’t Raise a Man” particularly resonated with her female audience, securing her a lasting place in their admiration. As she exited the stage, K. Michelle announced her upcoming foray into country music.
After an energetic DJ set, Jaheim took the stage. Although his attire prompted some chuckles from the audience, it was good to see him back on stage after years of personal struggles. Jaheim began his set with “Ain’t Leavin Without You” and kept fans singing along as he performed hits such as “Put That Woman First,” “Anything,” “Fabulous,” and a personal favorite, “Finding My Way Back.” Jaheim had a successful set but lost some cool points for his tepid rendition of the Luther Vandross version of “A House Is Not A Home” and for omitting “Never.”
Virginia’s own Trey Songz was up next, and judging from the audience’s applause, he was missed. To my adoration, Songz kicked off his set with “Gotta Go” from his debut and followed with a plethora of hits, including “Can’t Help But Wait,” “I Need A Girl,” and “Heart Attack.” Of course, the ladies in the audience were blissful when Trigga went into his slow jam bag. “Pantry Dropper,” “Dive In,” and “Neighbors Know My Name” were all met with hooting and hollering from the primarily female audience. Trey closed his portion of the show with a lively rendition of “Bottoms Up.
Finally, it was time for headliner Keyisha Cole to take the stage. Ms. Cole quickly brought the audience to her feet, opening with “Let It Go” and “Last Night.” Mrs. Cole was backed up by a full band and some impressive dancers and backing vocalists. Other up-tempo bops in her set included “Shoulda Let You Go,” “Give It Up To Me,” and “I Changed My Mind.” Naturally, I was there for the ballads and slow jams, though, so hearing “I Should’ve Cheated,” “Heaven Sent,” and “I Remember” made my night. Cole closed the night out with her signature song, “Love.”
“The Love Hard Tour” was another successful tour series by The Black Promoters Collective. Hopefully, they will make this an annual event, as I would love to see other artists on the bill.
Final Grade: B+
My introduction to Nate Dogg goes back to Dr. Dre’s 1992 debut, The Chronic, and the song “Deeez Nuuuts.” Even then, something about Nate’s voice set him apart from everybody else. He wasn’t just singing on rap records. He was bringing soul, gospel, street knowledge, and West Coast cool into the same space. He set the standard for hook singers in hip-hop, and dare I say, he’s still vastly underrated.
For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to give Stevie Wonder his due as he prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his masterpiece, “Songs in the Key of Life,” on tour. While the easy choice could have been “Knocks Me Off My Feet”—a classic that still resonates fifty years later—I chose “From the Bottom of My Heart,” the second single from his twenty-third studio album, “A Time to Love,” released in 2005.
It’s hard to believe that an iconic singing competition like American Idol has produced only two Black male winners in its more than two-and-a-half-decade history. Jamal Roberts made history last year when he won the show, following Ruben Studdard’s well-deserved victory in Season Two.