( ENSPIRE Entertainment ) A Star-Studded Celebration of Timeless R&B Vibes in Atlanta
ENSPIRE Contributor: Shania Dixon
Photo Credit: Prince Williams/ATLpics
On Friday, June 20, 2025, the Buckhead Theater in Atlanta, GA, was the place to be. Whether you came with your crew, rolled in solo, or were there for date night, the energy was just right. Ladies Love R&B with Jermaine Dupri created an unmatched vibe that lasted until the lights came on. With throwbacks on rotation and hyped DJs keeping the crowd on their feet, there wasn’t a dull moment all night.
Atlanta’s reputation as a music mecca makes it no surprise that the city knows how to throw memorable R&B events. But this wasn’t your typical R&B night. The lineup featured well-known DJs like The Bowtie DJ and DJ Che Mack, along with guest appearances from Grammy-winning songwriter-producer Bryan-Michael Cox and the legendary Jermaine Dupri—rapper, songwriter, producer, and record executive.
Bryan-Michael Cox, a respected force in the industry, has penned and produced hits for icons like Mariah Carey, Usher, Mary J. Blige, and Beyoncé, racking up seven Grammy nominations and one win along the way. His long-standing partnership with Dupri at So So Def Recordings has shaped the sound of modern R&B.
And if you’re from Atlanta, you already know Jermaine Dupri is more than a name—he’s a legacy. Dupri has discovered and developed game-changing artists like Bow Wow, Da Brat, Kris Kross, and Xscape while leading So So Def to decades of influence. His 2018 induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame is just one of many milestones in his career.
Their presence at Ladies Love R&B elevated the experience, defining what a true R&B night in Atlanta looks and feels like. Bryan-Michael Cox hyped the crowd with his spunky dance moves, while Jermaine Dupri’s signature head bop and singalongs brought pure nostalgia.
From the moment the doors opened, the vibe was set. DJ Che Mack got things started, spinning staples like “Slow Jamz” (Kanye West), “Fortunate” (Maxwell), and “Can’t Get Enough” (Tamia), which had the crowd line-dancing in unison. In true Atlanta fashion, she sprinkled in a bit of hip-hop, dropping “WHIM WHAMIEE” (Pluto & YKNiece) and getting the ladies to shake the night away. She closed her set with “Tell Me” (Dru Hill), leading the crowd in a “Dru Hill Hop.”
Before handing things over, Che Mack introduced The Bowtie DJ, who made sure to clarify, “I go by The Bowtie DJ—not DJ Bowtie. We know there are other DJs in Atlanta trying to steal a boy’s swag, but we’re not going to talk about that.” He opened with Janet Jackson’s “Funny How Time Flies,” promising, “Oh, we’re going to have some fun tonight.” And he delivered, with a set packed with anthems like “So Good” (Destiny’s Child), “Emotion” (Destiny’s Child), “Right Here” (SWV), and more—tracks that had the ladies singing at the top of their lungs.
The energy of this event was undeniable. Whether you knew every lyric or just vibed along, a good time was guaranteed. As the crowd filtered out, conversations about the night’s success filled the streets—a testament to a party that truly captured the heart of Atlanta’s R&B scene.
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