Lovers & Friends Festival Archives

Lovers & Friends Festival Canceled Due To Weather Conditions

May 4, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Folks in Las Vegas are feeling quite disappointed right now… at least, if they had tickets to attend the Lovers & Friends festival this year. Moreover, the music extravaganza celebrating many iconic artists from the ’90s, 2000s, and beyond was scheduled to take place today (Saturday, May 4). Unfortunately, event organizers issued a statement announcing the cancellation of the event due to risky weather conditions, which is a saddening blow considering the wealth of amazing acts slated for it. These include Usher, Alicia Keys, Nas, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Janet Jackson, and many more. This festival began in 2022 after COVID-19 delayed its premiere, it shut down early in its first year due to a reported shooting, but it ran smoothly last year.

“Lovers & Friends Festival organizers have been monitoring the weather for several days and proactively preparing for a windy Saturday,” the statement read. “However, the National Weather Service has now issued a High Wind Warning, including dangerous 30-35 mph sustained winds with gusts potentially more than 60 mph. Following advice from the National Weather Service and in consultation with local public officials, we must make the safest decision for our fans, artists, and staff, and cancel tomorrow’s Lovers & Friends Festival.

Missy Elliot Performs At Lovers & Friends 2023

Lovers Friends Canceled Hip Hop News — LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MAY 06: Missy Elliott during the Lovers & Friends music festival at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on May 06, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kaitlyn Morris/FilmMagic/Getty Images)

“This was an incredibly heartbreaking decision to make as we are aware that fans have traveled from all over the world to enjoy this incredible lineup of superstars and have been looking forward to this event for several months,” it continued. “We’ve worked hard to create an amazing event for you, and we are just as disappointed as you are. Ticket holders who purchased their tickets directly through Front Gate Tickets will receive a refund within 30 days to the original form of payment.”

Meanwhile, that mention of last year’s Lovers & Friends wasn’t completely without controversy, as performers Usher and Chris Brown had allegedly fought shortly prior. Regardless, here’s wishing the best of luck for next year’s rendition. Some of these artists have probably already addressed this online, whereas others will surely have something to say in the near future. Luck in Vegas is a fickle thing.

[via]

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Here Are The Lovers & Friends Festival Set Times For 2024

May 1, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Lovers & Friends is coming up this weekend, on May 4 in Las Vegas. The one-day lineup this year is pretty killer, so if you’re planning to go, here’s what to know about who’s performing when.

Lovers & Friends Festival Set Times For 2024

On the Lovers Stage, Ginuwine goes on at 12:20 (all times p.m. and PT), Xscape at 1:20, Ne-Yo at 2:30, TLC at 3:30, Ludacris at 4:30, Ciara at 5:30, Snoop Dogg at 6:40, Mary J. Blige at 7:40, Usher (performing Confessions at 9:05, and Janet Jackson at 11:05.

Performers hitting the Friends stage include Ja Rule and Ashanti at 3, Nelly at 4, Nelly Furtado at 5, Gwen Stefani at 6, Lil Wayne (performing The Carter III at 7:10, Backstreet Boys at 8:25, and Alicia Keys at 10:20.

The Crunk Stage will host, among others, Kelly Rowland at 4:05, Jeremih at 5:15, T-Pain at 5:50, Robin Thicke at 7:15, Monica at 9:15, Brandy at 10:05, and Nas at 11.

Highlights from the Bling Stage include Majid Jordan at 4:55, 98 Degrees at 6:10, 6lack at 6:50, Craig David at 7:25, Akon at 8:05, Timbaland at 8:45, Sean Paul at 9:20, Eve at 9:55, Keyshia Cole at 10:30, and M.I.A. at 11:05.

Finally, over at the Poppin’ Stage, there’s Ying Yang Twins at 2:55, Too Short at 3:30, Lupe Fiasco at 4:05, Fabolous at 4:40, E-40 at 5:15, T.I. at 5:50, Fat Joe at 6:25, Jeezy at 7, Rick Ross at 7:35, Method Man and Redman at 8:10, Juvenile at 8:55, Cam’ron at 9:30, Twista at 10, and Paul Wall at 10:35.

Check out the full schedule of set times below.

GET READY TO DROP IT LIKE ITS HOT!! SATURDAY IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER SEE YOU SOON pic.twitter.com/VsuZZ3mtTQ

— Lovers & Friends Festival (@lvrsnfrndsfest) May 1, 2024

Juvenile Calls Out Lovers & Friends Festival Over Not Receiving A Deposit

February 1, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The highly anticipated Lovers & Friends Festival, slated for May 2024 with headliners Usher, Janet Jackson, and Backstreet Boys, has found itself embroiled in controversy as yet another artist disputes their inclusion. This time, it’s the renowned Cash Money Records rapper, Juvenile, who took to Instagram to express his frustration and disappointment with the festival organizers. In an Instagram Reel posted on Wednesday, Juvenile didn’t hold back. In fact, he delivered a candid and less-than-cordial message to the Lovers & Friends team.

“Here we go again, man. These cats at Lovers & Friends. Whoever in charge of Lovers & Friends, man, y’all doing bad business,” he began. The rapper continued to detail his grievances. Emphasizing that despite being featured on the festival’s lineup poster, he hadn’t received any deposit or compensation for his potential performance. “Y’all done put my name on the flyer, and y’all know you ain’t sent me no deposit. Ain’t sent me no bread or nothin’. Keep on playing games. Talking ’bout y’all gonna get back at me. Look, y’all playing games with the wrong mothaf*cka, man,” Juvenile asserted in the video. His frustration was palpable as he conveyed his displeasure with the festival’s handling of the situation.

Juvenile Goes On A Rant

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A post shared by Juvenile (@juviethegreat)

The rapper’s message adds to the growing discontent surrounding the festival’s lineup announcement. Just a week earlier, Mary J. Blige had clarified on her Instagram Story that her inclusion was an error due to prior commitments. However, apparently a solution was reached because it was announced that Mary would in fact be there after all. However, Juvenile’s response was notably more direct and less diplomatic, expressing his dissatisfaction with the festival’s alleged failure to compensate him for the use of his name in promotional materials.

As the controversy unfolds, questions arise about the festival’s organizational practices and the impact of such disputes on the credibility of large-scale events. The Lovers & Friends Festival, initially hailed for its star-studded lineup, now faces scrutiny and skepticism from both fans and artists alike. Whether the festival organizers can address and rectify these issues will likely determine the success and reputation of the event in the eyes of the music industry and festivalgoers. For those eager to witness the performances at Lovers & Friends 2024, the festival is set to take place on Saturday, May 4, at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds.

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Mary J. Blige Says Her Lover & Friends Fest Inclusion Was A Mistake

January 25, 2024 by newhiphopnews

In a surprising turn of events, Mary J. Blige has found herself in the midst of a festival fiasco as she expresses regret over her inclusion in the lineup for this year’s highly anticipated Lovers & Friends festival in Las Vegas scheduled for May 4. The R&B icon took to Instagram on Thursday (Jan. 25) to clarify that her name being on the star-studded bill was, in fact, a mistake. Despite the overwhelming flood of kind words and excitement from fans following the festival announcement, Blige revealed in an Instagram story, “Unfortunately my inclusion was an error as I will be busy in preparation for my Strength of a Woman Summit just one week later!”

Moreover, she went on to express gratitude for the enthusiastic response, stating, “I have the greatest fans in the world and can’t wait to see you in New York in a few short months!” Blige had recently unveiled the sizzle reel for the upcoming Strength of a Woman Summit, generating anticipation for the event. However, specific details regarding dates and the lineup for this year’s summit are yet to be disclosed, leaving fans eager for more information. As fans eagerly awaited her performance at Lovers & Friends, it appears that Blige’s festival plans clash with her commitment to the Strength of a Woman Summit. Despite her attempts to rectify the error, a spokesperson for Lovers & Friends, at press time, had not responded to Billboard’s request for comment on Blige’s statement.

Mary J Blige Will Not Be At Lovers & Friends

Mary J. Blige says her inclusion in the Lovers & Friends Festival lineup was an error: pic.twitter.com/qY5Me72Bda

— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) January 25, 2024

Sources close to the acclaimed artist informed Billboard that Blige’s representatives have diligently sought the removal of her name from the festival’s promotional materials over the past 24 hours, yet their efforts have been in vain, creating a discordant note in the festival’s lead-up. The festival, set to unfold on May 24 at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds, boasts an impressive lineup featuring Janet Jackson, Usher (performing “Confessions”), Backstreet Boys, Lil Wayne (performing Tha Carter III), Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Alicia Keys, Nelly Furtado, Nas, Ludacris, Ciara, Nelly, and many more.

However, Mary J. Blige‘s unexpected withdrawal from the festival adds a layer of intrigue to the event, leaving fans and industry insiders curious about the backstage dynamics and the potential impact on the festival’s overall atmosphere. As the saga unfolds, the festival organizers’ response and any potential adjustments to the lineup will be closely watched by fans eagerly anticipating what promises to be a monumental event. Mary J. Blige’s festival misstep adds a surprising twist to the narrative, making her absence a point of conversation leading up to the highly awaited Lovers & Friends festival in Las Vegas.

[Via]

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Will Mary J. Blige Perform At Lovers & Friends 2024?

January 25, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Earlier this week, the Lovers & Friends music festival in Las Vegas announced their 2024 lineup. The single-day event on May 4 will feature Usher, Backstreet Boys, Snoop Dogg, Janet Jackson, Gwen Stefani, Lil Wayne, Alicia Keys, and more talented performers.

However, some things have changed since that initial reveal, including the fate of Mary J. Blige‘s festival appearance.

Will Mary J. Blige Perform At Lovers & Friends 2024?

Just days after the Lovers & Friends lineup reveal, Mary J. Blige took to social media to share that despite being on the poster, she will not actually be there.

“I am beyond humbled by the response from all of you about the announcement of me on Lovers & Friends Festival,” Blige posted to her Instagram story. “Unfortunately, my inclusion was an error as I will be busy in preparation for my Strength of a Woman Summit just one week later! I have the greatest fans in the world and can’t wait to see you in New York in a few short months!”

As of right now, no other performers besides Blige have pulled out of Lovers & Friends. Presale passes will go on sale tomorrow, January 26 at 10 a.m. PT, with General Admission passes starting at $325. More information about the festival can be found here.

Mary J. Blige is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Hopefully You Weren’t Excited To See Mary J. Blige At Lovers & Friends 2024 Because She Actually Won’t Be There

January 25, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Mary J Blige Today Show 2023 — Getty Image

Earlier this week, Lovers & Friends unveiled its 2024 lineup. The festival will be headlined by Usher (performing Confessions for its 20th anniversary), Janet Jackson, and Backstreet Boys, while Lil Wayne (performing Tha Carter III), Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Alicia Keys, and more. Mary J. Blige was listed on the stacked poster, but don’t get too excited.

“I am beyond humbled by the response from all of you about the announcement of me on Lovers & Friends Festival,” Blige wrote on her Instagram Story this morning, January 25. “Unfortunately, my inclusion was an error as I will be busy in preparation for my Strength of a Woman Summit just one week later! I have the greatest fans in the world and can’t wait to see you in New York in aa few short months!”

So, Lovers & Friends will have to forge on without Mary J. The festival is slated for Saturday, May 4, at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds. The ticket presale is scheduled for Friday, January 26, beginning at 10 a.m. PST. According to the Lovers & Friends official website, general admission tickets (starting at $325), GA+ (starting at $595), and VIP (starting at $695), and hotel and ticket packages (starting at $679) are available. All tickets start at $19.99 down.

Before Lovers & Friends, Usher will perform the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium on February 11, the release date of Usher’s Coming Home album.

Lovers & Friends 2024: Here Are The Details To Know Ahead Of The Festival (January 2024 Update)

January 25, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Las Vegas’ Lovers & Friends music festival will be coming back for another year. With Usher, Backstreet Boys, Snoop Dogg, and many more musicians set to perform, it is truly gearing up to be another jam-packed day for those attending.

Given the festival announced its 2024 lineup just a few days ago, there is a ton of new information to know about it — along with how to get tickets.

Here’s everything to help you be prepared.

When Is Lovers & Friends 2024?

The Lovers & Friends Festival will take place on Saturday, May 4, as the artists will be only performing at the one-day event.

Where Is Lovers & Friends 2024 Held?

The Lovers & Friends event is being held at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds.

Who Is Headlining Lovers & Friends 2024?

There are quite a few headliners for this year, with Janet Jackson, Usher, Backstreet Boys, Lil Wayne, Gwen Stefani, and Snoop Dogg being among the top-billed performers.

When Does The Lovers & Friends 2024 Lineup Come Out?

The lineup for Lovers & Friends 2024 has already been released, as it dropped earlier this week. You can view the poster below.

Is Lovers & Friends 2024 Sold Out?

Right now, no. Tickets for the Lovers & Friends festival have yet to go on sale, but will likely wind up selling out.

Can You Still Buy Tickets For Lovers & Friends 2024?

Those interested in attending the festival can sign up for the presale through their website. The tickets will go on sale tomorrow (January 26) at 10 a.m. PT.

How Much Are These Lovers & Friends 2024 Tickets?

A General Admission pass starts at $235, and GA+ begins at $595. A VIP ticket starts at $695. There is also a VIP Cabana option, along with hotel and ticket packages starting at $679.

How Long Is The Lovers & Friends 2024 Festival?

January 24, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Earlier this week, Usher announced the return of his nostalgia-packed festival, Lovers & Friends, bringing both excitement and confusion from fans of turn-of-the-millennium hip-hop and R&B. Both emotions were largely reactions to the same thing: The sheer number of artists listed on the flyer, from headliners Backstreet Boys, Janet Jackson, and Snoop Dogg to the one-hit-wonders hovering near the bottom of the list like Lumidee, J-Kwon, and Iyaz.

On one hand, there wer enough to justify the price of the ticket (and standing up for hours on end) for the millennials who came of age during the 2000s, but on the other, there are so many names, it’s hard to believe that they would all fit in just one day when the festival returns to Las Vegas Festival Grounds on May 4. However, that certainly seems to be what the organizers will attempt to do, as the festival’s flyer only advertises a one-day event.

This reflects the flyer for the original event way back in 2020, when dozens of names were stuffed onto the flyer. However, after the initial confusion about who all was actually booked was cleared up, the festival added a second day, allowing for some adjustments to the lineup, and presumably, more equitable distribution of time slots. However, as with so many other events that year, Lovers & Friends was postponed, then moved to Las Vegas when it finally returned in 2022.

For those last two iterations, it remained a one-day festival, with last year’s concert headlined by Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey, and Pitbull. So, it stands to reason that it will continue to be a one-day festival, but as the lineup continues to expand year after year, its fans would almost certainly love to see it expand once again to accommodate all those early-aughts favorites. Check out the full lineup below:

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

How Much Are Tickets For Lovers & Friends 2024?

January 23, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Usher, Backstreet Boys, Janet Jackson, and Snoop Dogg have been announced as the headliners for the 2024 Lovers & Friends Festival in Las Vegas, and millennials everywhere are checking their bank accounts and stacking their coins in anticipation of the presale this week. Fortunately, if they miss the presale on Friday (January 26), they’ll have plenty of time to make arrangements ahead of the festival’s May 4 date (and cop some orthopedics). So…

How Much Are Tickets For Lovers & Friends 2024?

General Admission tickets start at $235, GA+ starts at $595, and VIP starts at $695. Friday’s pre-sale begins at 10 am PT, and if any tickets are left over, a general sale will follow. You can visit loversandfriendsfest.com for more information.

Find the full festival lineup below.

Lovers & Friends Festival 2024 Lineup

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Jermaine Dupri Recalls Latto’s Appearance On “The Rap Game”

May 14, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Jermaine Dupri recently reflected on Latto’s appearance on the reality show, The Rap Game. Speaking with HipHopDX, he discussed how Latto blew up after the series aired and fired back at people who say he “dropped the ball.” At the time, Latto had been going by the name, “Miss Mulatto.”

“People keep saying, ‘Jermaine, you dropped the ball on [Latto],’” he told the outlet at the Lovers & Friends festival earlier this month. “But what people don’t understand is, I put Latto’s record out. The deal was, if you win on The Rap Game, you get a single from Jermaine Dupri. So that single came out.”

Jermaine Dupri With Latto

NEW YORK – MARCH 31: Miss Mulatto and Jermaine Dupri attend Miss Mulatto Visits Music Choice at Music Choice on March 31, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Santiago Felipe/Getty Images)

He continued: “The problem was, was that Latto was 16 years old, and the outlets didn’t support it. And nobody was like speaking on it. Nobody talked about it. If you watched the TV show, you saw it. But people didn’t really start talking about Latto until she started making more vulgar records, dressing more sexual, and being more adult.”

The premise of The Rap Game was that five young rappers would face off in a competition to win a recording contract with Dupri’s So So Def imprint. The contestants were Miss Mulatto, Lil Niqo, Lil Poopy, Supa Peach, and Young Lyric.

Jermaine Dupri Reflects On Latto’s Career

Elsewhere in the interview, Dupri spoke about his 14-year-old artist, Young Dylan. In doing so, he called out hip-hop blogs for their lack of support for the rapper. Dylan made a name for himself as a contestant in America’s Got Talent at the age of 10. He also stars in his own Nickelodeon show. “I’m the young man game giver. But everybody keeps saying it’s a young man’s game. So if it’s a young man’s game then why hasn’t — you know, if it is and all these different sites claim – like AllHipHop, they claim it’s all Hip Hop. But they ain’t posted a Dylan record,” Dupri complained. “The Source is supposed to be the source of Hip Hop. They ain’t talked about the Dylan project.”

[Via]

Missy Elliot Performs At Lovers & Friends 2023

Lovers & Friends Festival Set Times For 2024

Juvenile Goes On A Rant

Mary J Blige Will Not Be At Lovers & Friends

Will Mary J. Blige Perform At Lovers & Friends 2024?

When Is Lovers & Friends 2024?

Where Is Lovers & Friends 2024 Held?

Who Is Headlining Lovers & Friends 2024?

When Does The Lovers & Friends 2024 Lineup Come Out?

Is Lovers & Friends 2024 Sold Out?

Can You Still Buy Tickets For Lovers & Friends 2024?

How Much Are These Lovers & Friends 2024 Tickets?

The Full Lovers & Friends Festival 2024 Lineup

How Much Are Tickets For Lovers & Friends 2024?

Lovers & Friends Festival 2024 Lineup

Jermaine Dupri With Latto

Jermaine Dupri Reflects On Latto’s Career