Passion, Pain and Pleasure Tour Meets Philadelphia

August 25, 2010 not only was the nine year anniversary of singer/actress Aaliyah's death, it also was the night veteran artist Monica and Trey Songz visited the Tower Theater in Upper Darby, PA to give the mostly young crowd of teenage girls an unforgettable night. The show's opening act was So, So Def recording artist Dondria. Dondria's singing a few of her songs off of her recently released album, Dondria finished her brief set with her single "Your The One" the crowd anxiously waiting to see the main attraction. Monica dressed in all black entered the stage singing the title track from her album "Still Standing". Monica sang songs from multiple albums, mostly her hit singles, "Don't Take It Person (Just One of Dem Days), Before You Walk Out of My Life,and Angel of Mine," While singing "Angel Of Mine" she admittedly forgot some of the lyrics. "I truly apologize y'all, I have two kids; a two-years-old and a five-year-old, and an album out, I wrote this song when I was 14 years old, please forgive me for forgetting the lyrics." After a quick costume change she stated this portion of the show was about relationships. Some good ones, some bad ones, and some stank relationships. Monica continued with her set singing, "So Gone, Love All Over Me, which she stopped and began singing one of her childhood idols Whitney Houston's classic "I Have Nothing". Monica finished with a melody of more of her singles, "Why I Love You So Much, You Should've Known Better, The First Night, Here I Am," and closed out her set with "Everything to Me." Throughout her set, she repeatedly thanked her fans for supporting her throughout her 16 year career.

After an intermission and the stage being prepared for the headliner Trey Songz, screams of admiration rang clear in the Tower Theater, the self proclaimed "Prince of VA" was set to hit the stage. Trey Songz started his set off with "Invented Sex," certain portions of the concert was hard to hear with the excessive screams from the crowd. Trey sang songs mostly from his last two albums, "I Need A Girl, I Can't Help But Wait, Last Time, Ready To Make Luv." As he prepared to began singing "Jupiter Love," he stated it was getting hot in there, and began loosening his tie, he stooped down to a young lady in the front row, she proceeded to taking his tie off, and he gave her a kiss. Trey began talking about crossing the fine line between being friends and lovers, some can turn into good relationships, while others can become f----d up.  Trey sang one of his new singles off his forthcoming album "We Can't Be Friends," in the middle of his song he stated, "Certain relationships should never be broken, some should stay together forever." Trey sang Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" before taking a brief intermission.






Trey continued the second part of his show with "Black Roses and "One Love" before going into the second verse, the crowd finished the lyrics for him. "In the two, three weeks I've been touring, that has never happened." Trey quickly went back to singing the song. Next, he sung another new single "Love Faces," and decided he was going to pick a young lady out of the crowd to give a massage. This has become a regular part of his show since on tour. Once he found a young lady, complete with massage oil, he massaged her back while kissing her on her neck, grinding on her, hugging and caressing her. After his mini show, he went into "Panty Droppa, and Neighbors Know My Name, while simulating sexual positions. A brief incident occurred where a young man tried to jump on stage, only to be escorted out by security. It was unclear what his intentions were for doing so, one can only assume it was to start trouble. Trey finished his set with "Bottoms Up, and Say Ahh." Trey thanked everyone for their support on his first headlining tour and to pick up his new album "Passion, Pain and Pleasure" due in stores and iTunes September 14. Monica showcased true talent and in return her fans should her the dedication she appreciated throughout her career. Trey Songz has made a name for himself in his albums, mixtapes, and collaborations the past two summers. Although he hasn't yet reached superstardom, he his well on his way to proving he can hold his own in competitive world of R&B. ~L.G.~