Millennium Tour 2025
Behind the Lens: My Millennium Tour Experience in Baltimore & Brooklyn
If someone told 13-year-old me that one day I’d be photographing the Millennium Tour, hanging out backstage with Ray J, getting slow-danced on stage by Pleasure P, and capturing portraits of Trey Songz—I probably wouldn’t have believed them. But that’s exactly what happened.
It all started with a call from my cousin, Eve.
She’s been Ray J’s barber for over a decade, and when she told me there might be an opportunity to work two dates of the Millennium Tour as a photographer, I didn't hesitate. I pulled together a pitch deck that same day and sent it off with my fingers crossed and prayers in the air.
Saturday, March 15th, the green light came through. I had hours to pack, prep, and rearrange my life. My friend and assistant, Alana Skye, stepped in like a superhero to feed my cats and move my car. Before I knew it, Eve and I were on the road to Baltimore, Maryland.
By the time we got there, I was exhausted but buzzing with anticipation. I brought all my gear, and Eve gave me one last instruction before the show:
“Don’t dress like somebody’s manager. Be sexy.”
Whew. As someone who’s been in director roles for eight years (and just left my Art Director position), that was harder than it sounds. But I did my best to tap into my alter ego.
Showtime in Baltimore – March 16th
On concert day, Eve was calm. Me? Anxious and praying hard. I needed my hands steady and my eyes sharp—this wasn’t just a gig; it was a possible gateway to more opportunities.
Backstage, Ray J welcomed me with open arms. His whole team was warm and made me feel like I’d been there for years. I got to meet Bobby Valentino, Sammy, and Pleasure P, collectively now known as RSVP. Bobby had jokes for days, Sammy was instantly familiar and kind, and Pleasure P had that quiet-cool energy you feel from across the room.
I started slow, capturing behind-the-scenes shots of Eve doing what she does best. I was still a bit shy, fangirling just a little, but I knew I had to lock in. I linked with Ray J’s security, Danny, who made things easier, helping me navigate through the backstage buzz.
Eventually, I made my way to the stage and started shooting the Ying Yang Twins. That’s when one of the stage managers, Manny, came up to me and asked, “Do you want to go on stage?”
Without hesitation, I said “YES.”
What I didn’t realize was that he didn’t mean as a photographer. Two minutes before I’m supposed to be on, someone grabs my camera and tells me to walk out to Pleasure P on stage. I’m thinking, “Walk to him? In the middle of his set? Nah, I’ll just stay here on the side…”
But Pleasure P had other plans.
Still singing, he comes to me. Suddenly, I’m center stage, lights hit me, the crowd screams, and I’m having a total out-of-body moment. Stage fright hits HARD. Next thing I know, he’s slow dancing with me, turns me around, and yes, you read that right, body shots me three times.
Then he drops to one knee, grabs my thigh, and sings directly to my vagina.
I was so shocked, I did what I always do when I’m nervous: I burst out laughing. The crowd is losing it. I can feel sweat dripping down my back and all I can think is, “Okay, well… this is happening!”
After the performance, he walks me off stage. I’m speechless. My cousin meets me with a grin and my camera in hand. Everyone backstage is lit with excitement. Pleasure P thanked me for going along with it, and I got right back to work, heading to the photographer’s pit to continue capturing the show.
Trey Songz closed out the night with an incredible performance and it didn’t end there. Ray J invited us to Trey’s dressing room. Trey was so genuine, warm, and fine as hell in real life, and also taller than I expected! He was kind enough to let me photograph him and gave me some time to grab a few portraits. A moment I’ll never forget.
We didn’t get back to the hotel until 5:00 AM. And the first thing I did when I woke up? Upload and start editing photos.
Brooklyn Vibes – March 21st
Two days after we returned to New York, I got a call from Bobby Valentino and Danny asking if I’d be at the Barclays Center show. I said “YES!” without blinking.
This time, I felt way more relaxed. My goal? Capture RSVP, network like hell, and shoot every headliner I could, Bow Wow, Omarion, Rick Ross, and of course, Trey Songz.
Meeting Bow Wow was dope, he was chill, respectful, and a real gentleman. But the real highlight? I'm standing in the hallway, and here comes Trey Songz with his entourage. He spots me, calls out my name, walks up, gives me a big kiss on the forehead, and asks if I’m going to the afterparty. Guys, Trey Songz remembered me and my name. I may have fangirled just a little.
That night, I snapped some of my best images yet. Fire portraits, live shots, and behind-the-scenes moments that I’m so proud of. I left the venue on a high, knowing I made a real impression and that the momentum I’ve been praying for is finally rolling in.
I was screaming on the inside like, TREY SONGZ REMEMBERS ME!
With that fuel in my spirit, I locked in. I captured fire images of everyone from the RSVP crew to Rick Ross and all the high-energy moments in between. The lights, the movement, the emotion, I caught it all.
Working on these two shows of the Millennium Tour gave me a taste of the life I’ve been chasing, creating timeless images, moving through backstage spaces, and making real connections with artists and creatives. These two shows reminded me that I belong in these rooms.
I’m so proud of the work I created, but more importantly, I’m proud of how I showed up, ready, present, and aligned with purpose.
To everyone who’s opened doors, handed me a pass, or given me a smile or a shot, I see you, and I’m grateful. This is just the beginning.
2025 just entered its second quarter, and I’ve already touched stages, connected with icons, and captured moments I used to dream about. So many more blessings are on the way; I feel it. 📸✨
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