On Friday night (Aug. 7), a menacing cluster of clouds and thunderstorms sought to play spoiler ahead of Chris Brown and Usher’s Raymond & Brown Tour performance at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The venue that hosted the 2026 World Cup less than a month ago on a balmy Sunday afternoon was hit by torrential rain that could have KO’d the entire show.
Fortunately, the rain subsided, allowing a throng of R&B lovers to trek from the five boroughs and various counties in New Jersey to see a once-in-a-lifetime tour. A smattering of howls and cheers filled the stadium as fans eagerly waited for their arrival.
Since June, Brown and Raymond have already delivered viral gold with their nostalgic efforts, thrilling performances and racy escapades. The blockbuster trek comes on the heels of Brown’s career-defining Breezy Bowl Stadium Tour, which featured Jhené Aiko, Summer Walker and Bryson Tiller, while this run is Usher’s first since his Past Present Future Tour in 2024. So when the Marvel-like team-up of Breezy and Raymond was announced this past spring, excitement came with plenty of questions. Can two icons share the same stage? Who’ll perform first? Who’ll perform last?
Despite the delayed start, Brown and Usher answered most of those questions emphatically and delivered a seamless performance. The three-hour bonanza was littered with dance numbers, acrobatic moves, special guests ranging from Lil Baby to 50 Cent and, of course, picture-perfect moments of Brown and Usher crossing paths onstage to deliver their classic collaborations.
Check out Billboard’s seven best moments from night one of the Raymond & Brown Tour at MetLife Stadium below.
