Coco Jones at Roadrunner: A Millennial R&B Dream with Vocals, Vibes, and Star Power

By Anytza Delgado

Boston was wrapped in velvet Monday night as Coco Jones lit up Roadrunner with a show that felt like the warmest hug and the fiercest flex all at once. From the moment the lights dimmed, it was clear: this wasn’t just a concert. It was a celebration of R&B, of millennial nostalgia, and of Coco’s moment—because this is her moment.

Before Coco even hit the stage, the energy was already climbing thanks to her opening act, Bronx rapper Lady London. With a flow as smooth as honey and punchlines that demanded attention, Lady London proved she’s not just a pretty pen—she’s a full package. A masterclass in mic control and charisma, her set featured crowd participation, quick wit, and a DJ hype man who knew exactly how to build the vibe. And speaking of DJs—shoutout to the one who kept the venue alive between sets with a flawless mix of millennial bangers, from Ashanti to Britney to Usher. The mostly adult crowd—clearly kids of the ‘90s and early 2000s—sang every single word. Loud. Off-key. Glorious.

Then came Coco.

Coco Jones stepped into the spotlight like she owned it—because she does. Opening with “Taste,” the sultry third single off her debut album Why Not More (out now via High Standardz/Def Jam), she immediately set the tone: desire, elegance, control. That haunting Britney Spears Toxic sample underneath her smooth, layered vocals? Chef’s kiss. The crowd was in from the very first note.

Draped in a royal blue ensemble that shimmered with every movement, Coco was breathtaking—very reminiscent of Mexican-American superstar Selena Quintanilla’s iconic Astrodome outfit. The visuals behind her flowed from golden sunsets to deep ocean blues and twilight skies, painting a dreamscape that matched her voice. It was poetic, magnetic, and millennial-core in the best way.

And Coco wasn’t just performing—she was vibing. Flirty and funny with the crowd, she addressed us between songs like we were catching up over drinks. She shared how “Why Not More” came from a place of reflection—a challenge to stop settling when we’re worthy of so much more. The crowd let out a collective “mhmm” like we were in church.

She ran through a tightly packed set that included “Keep It Quiet,” “Caliber,” “On Sight,” “Thang 4 U,” “Hit You Where It Hurts,” and the island-tinged title track “Why Not More.” Each one landed with its own mood—some had us dancing, others had us leaning into our feelings, all while singing like we were auditioning for the background vocalists.

There was chair choreography throughout the night, seamlessly woven into her performance—flawless, sexy, and confident. The entire show gave Velvet Rope-era Janet, right down to the teasing glances and synchronized body rolls. And when she brought an audience member on stage for a slow serenade, the venue absolutely lost it.

She also showed her softer side, slowing things down with an acoustic medley that included early favorites like “Put You On,” covered Usher’s “There Goes My Baby” like she owned it, and made sure we all melted when she closed with “ICU.” Lights low, vocals high.

She may seem new to some, but Coco has been at this for a minute. I remember watching her back on Radio Disney’s Next Big Thing, those little segments tucked between commercial breaks on Disney Channel. Even then, I knew. And she’s spent the last decade proving me right. After that came her breakout in Let It Shine with Abbott Elementary’s Tyler James Williams, and a string of credits followed: Good Luck Charlie, So Random!, Five Points, Vampires vs. the Bronx, and now a powerhouse turn as Hilary Banks in Bel-Air. She’s not new—she’s seasoned. And finally, the world is catching up.

So yes, Coco Jones sang. She danced. She served looks. But more than anything, she reminded us that R&B isn’t dead—it’s alive, thriving, and wearing blue on a stage in Boston.

And if you weren’t there? Baby, you missed it.