1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing
"We should always be praying"
"Unity in the Community" and "Prayer is Important" On Tour
Introductory Video Commentary by Rev. Cynthia D. Wilson
I have enjoyed following what has been proclaimed and has gained its rightful place as the biggest tour for Rhythm and Blues this year because of two of the biggest stars Chris Brown and Usher are co-headliners. As a promoter of prayer and co-founder of Chaplain of Pop outreach ministry of presence, through prayer and support, I was as thrilled to have been considered for the opportunity and happy to see the tour opened with prayer before Detroit's show at Ford Field last month by Rev. Gray. He did a great job. Also, Chris and Usher facilitated an opening prayer by a local pastor before one of the Detroit shows as well. I would have loved to have been present for such a monumental night giving the prayer myself or just being among the prayer circle. But due to unforseen reasons. I ask that you pray for me to get beyond and overcome these man-made obstacles.
I do look forward to attending in person in the future. In the meantime I can always do a video as I have been constantly reminded. Though hugs and handshakes are more effective in person. I still have enjoyed some of the performances via live stream and have messaged short prayers and comments during the "live chats". Those interactions are impotant as well.
Live chat provides an opportunity for me and others to message prayers and comments throughout the show. Its was good to listen to the perspectives and opinions of fans and also see the concert "live" from a different angle. When you can't be there in person to interview them or mingle for whatever reasons it is the next best thing. I really appreciated the setting even though intermittent loud and excited expressions from fans produced varied versions of the songs. The songs come off slightly different when overdubbed with exhilarated singing and shouts from loving fans. But I was glad to experience the concert all the more from that aspect. Though I would have preferred to be there in person even more. Working on it...!
The streamers are dedicated and very concerned about others being able to see the show, especially when the wifi connection is lost. The fade out happens but only lasts a few seconds usually. They demand uninterrupted continuity and flow of the show, as it must go on. A special "shout out" to the streamers who stood in the gap and also produced some entertainment of their own with their cheering and excited commentary. Though sometimes a bit risque you have to remember that Chris Brown is a co-headliner of the concert. And of course Usher's fans were as exhilarated from his performance as Brown's fans were of his. The tenor of the expressions and the language used varied a bit for each artist and was interesting to note.
Chris Brown and Usher continued their excellence in delivery of great music with impeccable vocals and dance routines with some exciting surprises in their guest line up and dance performance changes in the first night's show.
There was a beautifully tasteful and giant black and white background photo display of Chris Brown during the early days during one of the songs performed which provided a lovely touch.
Chris usually clad in chains, all black leather and all black pants when performing the "Under the Influence/ Take You Down" pole dance segment, the most sexually provocative scene of the show, was sporting overalls during the first night's skit which took the steaminess down a few notches. Also, the stage lights were dimmed during the ascending of the staircase scene after the pole dance interval leaving it to the audience's imagination, at least from my viewing angle. It was done in good taste though, in my opinion.
Check out this link for a terrific Instagram capture. Also you can go to Chris Brown or Usher's fan sites for other videos of this and other shows from the R&B Tour.
New York's concerts on both nights of the R&B Tour also took on a whole new dimension with an exciting line-up of guest performances. You had rappers like 50 Cents whose surprise appearance had the concert audience welcoming him to the stage with thunderous applause. Other rappers making surprise appearances were Jadakiss and Fat Joe who joined Usher on stage for a performance of a long rap and R&B medley of music and verse. The impromptu performance was reminiscent of homies in the neighborhood getting together and having a jam session of old friends. It was clear they and the audience were enjoying every second.
In non-verbal language when Jadakiss and Fat Joe swaggered onstage after climbing the stairs to join their friends their entrance body language spoke loud and clear--we are your back-up and have your back in our neighborhood. After the three of them performed together, Usher gracefully yielded the stage to Fat Joe and Jadakiss who rapped a few numbers together. There was also a surprise rap performance by Lil Baby. I couldn’t help but speculate that Jay-Z may have sent them as emissaries to roll out a New York homage and welcome for the two r&b icons. After all Usher did make a surprise appearance at his concert at Yankee Stadium.
It was great to see an array of rappers joining Usher’s and Chris Brown’s R&B Tour party. Eric Bellinger and Tank also made guest appearances performing their popular rhythm and blues songs.
R&B crooners Mario and Eric Bellinger also showed up again for the second show. The biggest surprise came the second night of the concert when two Hip Hop and r&b diva-icons Mary J. Blige and Ashanti joined Usher on stage for outstanding segments. It was great to see the ladies join the R&B Tour party. Rapper Fortune, Method Man, A Boogie made it as well.
Here's another nice video montage that was prepared of the special guests performing on day two.
Chaplain of Pop video updates forthcoming soon at link.
Cynthia Wilson, Chaplain of Pop
