Jazmine Sullivan, Ari Lennox, Queen Naija, and Ebony Riley host R&B Ladies Night in Atlantic City

Short N Sweet Ent

Photo Credit:Instagram of Jazmine Sullivan

The one thing that is certain about the Queens of R&B is that they are going to turn their mics on and sing the house down. If you are going through a breakup or celebrating your self-worth, you can easily find a song on your playlist that would uplift and motivate you to always show up and be the best version of yourself. The music industry has been known to have powerhouse female R&B singers who can go note for note on any given day but the icing on the cake is that they have passed the torches to women who have simply proven that they can also hold their ground.

Just a few months ago, the Internet went on a frenzy when Jazmine Sullivan, Jhene Aiko, and Queen Naija announced that they would be doing two special R&B nights, one at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City and one at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Before purchasing tickets, fans knew they had to save their coins to be in attendance to watch them put on a performance of a lifetime. A few days ago award-winning Jhene Aiko released a statement on her social media platforms and announced that she will no longer attend because she needs time after becoming a mother for a second time. Fans were upset but understanding about this news but when the venue announced that the Shea Butter Queen herself, Ari Lennox will be added to the bill they knew it was still going to be a show worth wild.

---

On June 10, 2023, it was show time and Jazmine Sullivan, Ari Lennox, and Queen Naija were ready to hit the stage with a special guest opener from Interscope’s newest R&B artist, Ebony Riley.

Photo Credit:artofthybeard

The world was first introduced to singer/songwriter Ebony Riley as a fashion model. She was hitting the runways and was serving looks and face for days. She gained attention through her captivating campaigns with luxury brands such as Marc Jacobs and Bottega Veneta. Although Riley, was and continues to be a successful model she switched careers and took the music industry by storm with the release of her debut EP, ebony. Riley is from Detroit and if you pay attention to her lyrics, you will go on a journey with her about her hometown and her deeply personal lifestyle that has shaped her to be the woman that we see today. As her very first time performing, Riley did not disappoint. She quickly mesmerized the crowd with her soft, angelic, and powerful voice. As Riley began to sing her words from her songs “Deuce Deuce” and “Save Me” it became evident that she touched the souls of everyone in the room. Do not forget the name Ebony Riley because she will be in this industry for a long time coming.

Photo Credit: visualsbyjve

A few years ago, the world was introduced to Queen Naija as she quickly rose to fame with her career as a vlogger on YouTube. She used her platform to discuss her lifestyle and how to maintain self-worth within relationships. As her journey was raw, uncut, and honest, fans were driven to her authentic and relatable lifestyle. When Queen appeared on season 13 of American Idol, her life started to shift and she was able to use her voice to impact lives across the world.

It was time to hit the stage and Queen’s smooth and sultry voice shined while she performed her hit records Medicine, Karma, and Hate or Love featuring Big Sean. On the big screen, “Words of Affirmation”, Queen’s newest single was plastered behind her so that her fans could sing along.

“Pretty, tell me I’m pretty

Even when I wake up without no makeup

Mornin’breath, still kiss me

Love me, tell me you love me

And even when I feel it, still need to hear it”

There is power in positive words and all we have is the faith to live by the words that center us. Queen Naija gave the crowd everything and more and is a force to be reckoned with.

Photo Credit: jadaimanim

Since being signed to Dreamville, the D.C. native and award- winning singer Ari Lennox has made tremendous growth as an artist. Through all her ups and downs Lennox has proved that her soulful voice will outshine in any given situation. Coming off the success of her tour, age/sex/location, Lennox put on another phenomenal performance. As the Shea Butter Baby Queen, Lennox walked out on stage looking effortlessly beautiful. She has a natural glow that makes her fans feel comfortable showing out with their best fits. Lennox’s voice is one of a kind and the crowd sang word for word as she began to sing her hit records “Break Me Off” and “Pressure”. Her ability to resonate with so many different women from diverse backgrounds is a testament to who she is. Ari Lennox has created her impressive lane and is truly an unforgettable vibe.

Photo Credit: Thomas E. Briglia/PhotoGraphics

With the release of her first single, “Need U Bad”, Philly’s own singer and songwriter Jazmine Sullivan has been making hit after hit. Sullivan has an undeniable voice and an exceptional talent that has allowed her to put out timeless music on her own accord. Even though she has lived and still continues to have an incredibly private and personal life, Sullivan has found a way to use music as a way open up and connect with her fans. Her trained vocal ability has allowed her to cross over various genres of music and dive into the complexities of R&B, Soul, Jazz, Gospel, and Hip-Hop. Sullivan is undeniably one of the greatest singers in our generation and has the voice to prove it. Sullivan is now a two-time Grammy Award winner for Best R&B Performance (Pick Up Your Feelings) and Best R&B Album of the Year for the creation of (Heaux Tales). During her acceptance speech, Sullivan addressed the audience by explaining that she wrote this project to deal with the shame that she faced from the decisions she made in the past but what she didn’t know at the time is what her project would turn into. Heaux Tales created a safe space for women all around the world to tell their own stories. It became a healing journey for people to go through difficult times and at the same time get back up and try again the very next day.

The crowd erupted into joy the moment that Sullivan hit the stage. She started her set with Bust Your Windows and immediately the audience held their hands high and swayed back and forth. As you looked around the venue, women began to cry when Sullivan sang her hit records, Girl Like Me, Hurt Me So Good, and Holding You Down. It was in this moment that we all knew that we aren’t alone & had each other to help us get through the struggles of life.

Jazmine then stopped her set and said,

“Life is hard & we all are just trying to make it. We are trying to make it each day. One thing we need though is each other & we need to give love to each other whenever we can. You never know what someone is going through in their life so just be kind. Say hey, girl you look cute. I like your outfit. I like your hair and that can go a long way. My life in general, you know I struggle myself with loving myself & giving the wrong n***** my energy & my time and letting them f*** s*** up but no more. Self-love is for everybody & today and forward I choose to love myself & put myself first. Ain’t nobody going to come before me. I’m going to do what’s best for me ‘cause I love me some me”.

Photo Credit: artofthybeard

The show was not over and Jazmine Sullivan surprised everyone when she brought our Ari Lennox to perform On It. This was the perfect representation of sisterhood, friendship, and melanin magic. Having two powerhouse Queens on the stage at the same time was a work of art. As the night came to a close, Sullivan took another moment to thank the audience for coming out and sharing this moment with her and the rest of the beautiful ladies that hit the stage. If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet to the show at the Prudential Center on June 23, please go ahead and do so quickly before they sell out. I promise that you will not be disappointed and will be in for a treat.

Written By: Shauntay Hallett

Until Next Post... Coach Tay