Brandy and Monica are hitting the road together for the very first time, and it’s not just a tour, it’s a full-circle moment. Announced under the name The Boy Is Mine Tour, the co-headlining journey kicks off on October 16, in Cincinnati and will wrap in Houston on December 7. The 24-city arena run is set to hit major markets like Los Angeles, Brooklyn, Newark, Atlanta, and more, with fans already buzzing in anticipation.
Joining Brandy and Monica on tour are a few powerful names that elevate the lineup into a must-see event. Grammy-winning powerhouse and Destiny’s Child icon Kelly Rowland will bring her signature elegance and vocal strength to the stage. Rising R&B star Muni Long, known for her storytelling style and viral ballads, adds a fresh, modern flair to the lineup. Also joining is Jamal Roberts, fresh off his Season 23 win on American Idol, who brings raw talent and soulful energy that aligns perfectly with this R&B legacy tour.
What Happened Between Brandy and Monica?
For those who remember the late ’90s, Brandy and Monica’s relationship was often portrayed through the lens of their chart-topping 1998 hit, “The Boy Is Mine.” The song itself became a cultural phenomenon, staying at number one for 13 weeks and earning a Grammy Award. But behind the scenes, the pair had a famously tense relationship. Monica has recently opened up, saying that as teenagers, they “could barely stay in the room with each other.” Their professional rivalry was fed by media speculation and the pressures of early fame. That tension carried into adulthood, including during their 2012 collaboration “It All Belongs to Me.”
However, their Verzuz battle in 2020 marked a major turning point. What could’ve been another moment of competition turned into a gateway for healing. Since then, they’ve shown increasing public solidarity, appearing in Ariana Grande’s 2024 remix video and earning new accolades together, including another Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance.
During a joint interview on CBS Mornings, the pair openly discussed the work it took to get here. Monica called their relationship a “musical marriage,” one that has required deep communication and a willingness to move past old misunderstandings. Brandy emphasized the importance of “direct conversations,” explaining that clarity and transparency have helped them align on everything from setlists to tour logistics. They both credited age, experience, and the unrelenting love from their fans as motivators for finally joining forces.
Who Came Out First, Brandy or Monica?
Brandy was the first to hit the mainstream music scene. Her self-titled debut album, Brandy, dropped in September 1994, and she immediately made waves with hits like “I Wanna Be Down” and “Baby.” Her blend of relatable lyrics, silky vocals, and girl-next-door charm helped usher in a new wave of young Black female R&B artists.
Monica released her debut album, Miss Thang, in July 1995, just under a year later. While she entered the game slightly after Brandy, she carved out her own space with a mature voice that defied her age and a confident, southern-rooted energy that set her apart.
How Old Was Monica When She Came Out?
Monica was just 14 years old when she released Miss Thang in 1995. Her voice was so rich and developed that many listeners assumed she was older, but her maturity in both sound and stage presence made her a standout in the R&B scene. Even at that age, she was recording songs about heartbreak, resilience, and womanhood that deeply resonated with fans far beyond her years.
Insights on The Boy Is Mine Tour
Framed as a 25th anniversary celebration of their signature duet, the tour will be an immersive and nostalgic experience. Fans can expect a two-hour show packed with hits like “I Wanna Be Down,” “So Gone,” “Full Moon,” and, of course, “The Boy Is Mine.” But beyond the throwbacks, this tour is also a celebration of growth. Brandy and Monica have each evolved, musically and personally, and this tour reflects a deeper narrative of sisterhood, healing, and maturity.
Tickets for The Boy Is Mine Tour go on presale starting June 26, with early access offered through Black Promoters Collective and other platforms. General ticket sales begin June 27 on Ticketmaster and additional ticketing sites. Fans should act quickly. Marquee dates like Newark’s Prudential Center on November 21 and Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on November 20 are expected to sell out fast.
This tour is not just about entertainment. It’s about two legendary Black women reclaiming their stories, showing what reconciliation looks like, and reminding a generation of women that healing is both possible and powerful. Their journey from perceived rivals to powerful co-creators speaks volumes about what it means to evolve, to forgive, and to shine even brighter after the storm.
Brandy and Monica continue making moves. Brandy, with her forthcoming memoir set to drop in October, and Monica balancing motherhood, executive producing, and creative collaborations, fans can expect more surprises along the way. This tour might even lay the groundwork for future joint projects, maybe even new music.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Monica ever punch Brandy?
There has long been speculation that Monica struck Brandy backstage before their 1998 VMAs performance of “The Boy Is Mine.” While neither artist has fully confirmed the incident in explicit detail, Monica has alluded to tension between them at the time, and Brandy has said in interviews that the conflict was real but ultimately forgivable. They’ve since made amends and have both moved forward, focusing on their bond rather than the rumors.
How did Brandy get in a car accident?
In December 2006, Brandy was involved in a tragic car accident in Los Angeles that led to the death of a 38-year-old woman. The incident was ruled a traffic accident, and Brandy was never criminally charged, but the emotional impact deeply affected her. She’s since spoken about how the experience led her to reevaluate her life and career and has become a key moment in her personal growth journey.
Who did Brandy have a baby with?
Brandy has one daughter, Sy’Rai, born in 2002. She had Sy’Rai with music producer Robert “Big Bert” Smith, who she was in a relationship with at the time. Though they presented themselves as married for a period, it was later clarified that they were not legally wed. Brandy has been candid about that chapter of her life and the lessons she learned in love, motherhood, and authenticity.