Jodeci’s ‘Summer Block Party Tour,’ featuring SWV and Dru Hill, gives us 90s nostalgia
If the 90s were your favorite era, the “Summer Block Party” is the tour for you.
The iconic R&B group Jodeci announced they will be headlining the North American tour, set to kick off in June 2023. The four founding members announced the much-anticipated show on Sunday via a video on their official Instagram.
“Y’all asked for it… Here we come,” Dalvin “Mr. Dalvin” DeGrate said in the video. He was followed by remarks from group members, Donald “DaVante Swing” DeGrate and Joel “JoJo” Hailey. Lead singer Cedric “K-Ci” Hailey is ready to return to the stage. “Can’t wait to see y’all,” he said. “Jodeci for life, baby.”
The group comprises two sets of brothers and was formed in Charlotte, NC. Jodeci owned the airwaves in the 90s with their steamy R&B hits and soulful ballads. Their groundbreaking hits included “Forever My Lady,” “Come and Talk to Me,” and “Freek’n You.” Their sex-fueled songs and in-your-face energy gained them the moniker “the bad boys of R&B.”
SWV (Sisters With Voices) and Dru Hill are slated to join Jodeci on tour, further adding to the 90s nostalgia.
Cheryl “Coko” Gamble, Tamara “Taj” Johnson-George, and Leanne “Lelee” Lyons form the all-female R&B trio SWV. The group shot to stardom with chart-topping hits like “Weak,” “Right Here/Human Nature,” and “I’m So Into You.” Known for their sultry vocals and precise harmonies, SWV became a standard in R&B girl groups.
With the release of their self-titled debut album in 1996, Baltimore-based quartet Dru Hill gained success with their smooth, dynamic sound. Members Sisqó, Jazz, Nokio, and Tao dropped hits like “In My Bed,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” and “Never Make a Promise.” Their signature harmonies and romantic lyrics have captivated audiences since the beginning.
Official tour stops for the Summer Block Party Tour have not been revealed, but Jodeci’s first return to the stage as a group is taking place in May at Mary J. Blige’s second annual Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit in Atlanta. Revolt reports that it’s unclear if the appearance marks the first official stop on the tour. Regardless, fans are sure to get a taste of what’s to come.
To stay in the loop about the Summer Block Party Tour, fans are encouraged to sign up for updates on the tour’s website. A pre-sale code is set to be sent out on Monday, April 24, and general tickets go on-sale opens on Friday, April 28.
Martie Bowser is a journalist and public relations professional in Charlotte, NC. She enjoys amplifying the voices of POC and women that fill a void within their community. Her bylines include “person of interest” interviews, small business highlights, pop culture commentary, entertainment features, and everything Beyonce.
This story was originally published April 11, 2023 at 12:21 PM with the headline "Jodeci’s ‘Summer Block Party Tour,’ featuring SWV and Dru Hill, gives us 90s nostalgia."