It was a moment I thought I would never see. After more than two decades of rumored beefs and behind-the-scenes battles, two beloved powerhouse vocalists finally came together on one stage. Brandy and Monica co-headlined “The Boy is Mine Tour,” which wrapped up in December 2025.
During the show’s finale, with both songstresses dressed in all white, Brandy and Monica embraced one another and celebrated their collective achievement, having overcome years of tension to complete a successful tour.
Brandy carried the good girl image for years, and she wore it well. With sweet R&B pop hits like “Sittin’ Up in My Room” and “I Wanna Be Down,” she was the girl-next-door who became known as the ‘vocal Bible.’
Monica was the sassy ‘round-the-way’ girl with songs like “Don’t Take It Personal” and “So Gone,” where she sang that she may have to “kick down your doors and smack your chick.” She had a sweet side, with the hit songs “Angel of Mine” and “For You I Will,” but Monica fans know she’s not taking anything lying down.
Brandy was our Cinderella, with Whitney Houston as her fairy godmother. By their accounts Houston supported both young singers, personally and professionally. During their concert, they paid tribute to Houston’s legacy and her influence on their lives.
Coming together for this tour was no small feat. There were rumors of a backstage slap years ago, and ongoing shade on the internet over the years. Then came their 2020 Verzuz Battle, a highly anticipated event during which Brandy looked to be ever-the-optimist while Monica seemed to keep a safe and skeptical distance.
Earlier in 2025, as they went on the press tour to announce their upcoming tour, Monica stated that she wished they had just talked to each other a long time ago. She believed it could have cleared up so many misconceptions they had about one another. I’m glad they finally had the chance to do just that.
So, maybe, despite all the current happenings, with the seemingly never-ending list of political and ideological battles, we can one day come together, too.
2025, like the title of Leonardo DiCaprio’s latest movie was filled with, “One Battle After Another.”
We’ve seen the right and left battling. Then there’s the wealthy holding tightly to their tax cuts while the less fortunate plead with legislators for SNAP benefits and health care subsidies. We saw battles over who belongs in America and who needs to leave immediately via deportation from masked men.
It took more then 20 years for Brandy and Monica to unite. And I imagine many steps must have taken place for them to finally join forces.
First, Brandy said she had the idea for the song and tour years ago. She held on to this vision, despite all the obstacles she faced.
Next, at some point, there was clear, direct communication. They likely listened to one another in a way they never had before, taking the time to understand one another’s point of view, and possibly forgive a thing or two.
Then, they found the places where they aligned. By focusing on what they had in common, they could decide what they wanted to achieve as a collective.
“Unity is not uniformity.”
Nuri Muhammad
At a Steward Speakers Series event several years ago, panelist Nuri Muhammad said, “Unity is not uniformity.”
In other words, we do not have to agree on everything to work together toward a common goal. We have the power to choose to focus on what unites us, rather than what separates us, to achieve our agreed-upon objectives.
So, hats off to Brandy and Monica for reminding us of what’s possible. I shed real tears during that concert – tears of joy for the pre-teen and teen versions of myself who sang along to their cassette tapes in my bedroom. (I sang along with lyrics I didn’t even know I remembered.) And tears for the momentous occasion of witnessing two powerful people combine their gifts to make something beautiful happen.
If Brandy and Monica can do it …
Contact Editor-in-Chief Camike Jones at 317-762-7850 or camikej@indyrecorder.com.
Camike Jones is the Editor-in-Chief of the Indianapolis Recorder. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Jones has a lifelong commitment to advocacy and telling stories that represent the community.
