The second-annual Lovers & Friends festival had the unenviable task of following what was considered one of the best throwback events of the season last year. But to fans' delight, it upstaged the festival's 2022 debut with more surprises, vibes and shade (literally and figuratively) than before. Here are a few of our standout moments. 

1. Misdemeanor Mayhem. Performance delays on the main stage pushed Missy Elliott’s set back well past midnight, but fans who stuck around to see the reigning hip-hop icon (and recently named addition to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) were treated to a stadium-sized experience. It was a Missy Elliott music video brought to life, as Elliott fully embraced her otherworldly origins with a full spectrum of kaleidoscopic stage visuals and alien abduction backdrops. Between party pleasers like “Get Ur Freak On” and “Lose Control,” the rapper made several wardrobe changes, at one point donning a glittering pair of black overalls and a ruby red jumpsuit. Celebration felt evident here, as even Elliott’s dancers appeared to be giving it their all— and gladly— for the legendary rapper. In a fun surprise, R&B singer Monica also joined Elliott for a song, bringing the hype to an absolute fever pitch. 

2. Usher’s Surprise Guests. We already knew this Lovers & Friends headliner and festival presenter would bring a show. We just didn't expect him to do it with so many people. The “My Boo” star brought Jermaine Dupri and a very pregnant Da Brat onstage to rap through “Welcome to Atlanta” and “Money Ain’t a Thang.” Next came fellow headliner Summer Walker, who joined Usher in a sultry duet of their single “Come Thru.” Then, just because, Usher introduced Ari Lennox, who had the crowd singing every word of her hit “Pressure.” This slew of guest performances has become somewhat of a staple for Lovers & Friends. You never know who you’re going to see, and that's what makes it so fun. 

3. 50 Cent Being … 50 Cent. This was a set of No. 1 hits for the G-Unit leader. Tracks from 50’s early career —“P.I.M.P.,” “Candy Shop” and “Magic Stick”—sent the crowd into a twerking frenzy, and the New York rapper kept it rolling even as his microphone mysteriously cut out during “In Da Club.” Rap star Bia made a surprise appearance, too, and together they blew through “Whole Lotta Money” like lifelong collaborators. Never shy about stirring the pot (see: all the times he has trolled his Power co-stars), 50 Cent also weighed in on an alleged altercation between Usher and Chris Brown from one night earlier. 50 congratulated Usher for organizing the festival, then followed it up by saying Brown must not have liked that—hence the punch to the face. The joke shocked fans, but 50 quickly moved on with a relentless dive into his discography that concluded with fireworks. 

4. Jhene Aiko’s Breezy Family Reunion. The easy listenings of Jhene Aiko were a welcome addition to this year’s crunk lineup. Aiko, who made her first public performance in months since the birth of her and Big Sean’s child, appeared like an island vision in a flowing white skirt, her back tattoos exposed and pastel sunglasses that matched the breezy air of her songs. “While We'ere Young” and “Sativa” relaxed the crowd into a collective sway, and Aiko harnessed that energy throughout her run-through of Chilombo tracks. In another surprise, she welcomed rap star Saweetie onstage for a rendition of “My Type,” complete with high-key ass shaking. Big Sean then joined Aiko to cap off the set, hyping the crowd with “Beware.” In a tender moment, he also turned his attention to the mother of his child. “It took a lot for her to get up on this stage,” he told the crowd, “and I appreciate all the love you guys are showing her.” He then offered a shoutout to all the mothers in the audience. 

5. En Vogue’s Rapturous Performance. Is there such a thing as a perfect set? The Oakland R&B trio behind harmonious classics like "Hold On" and "Give Him Something He Can Feel" might have achieved it. After more than 30 years, Rhona Bennett, Terry Ellis and Cindy Herron have never sounded better together. Songs like "Don't Let Go (Love)" became borderline cathartic for the women in the audience, and the rock-inflected "Free Your Mind" was sang with the kind of conviction you save for a Sunday service. En Vogue fully showcased its grandiosity and longevity here. As one person in the crowd, who ran from Nelly's set to see the group, put it, "Nelly was fun, but this touched my soul."