Ryan Leslie paid tribute to Cassie Ventura during his Tiny Desk performance, which was released on Friday, July 26.
During his set on the NPR showcase, Leslie honored Cassie by performing their 2006 single “Long Way 2 Go” followed by “Addiction” a hit song that features Cassie on the hook.
Let’s take ya’ll back … Leslie and Cassie’s professional relationship began in 2006 with the release of her debut single, “Me & U,” which Ryan wrote and produced along with most of her debut album.
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If you recall, Leslie released his self-titled debut album in 2009, solidifying his career with a series of chart-topping hits, innovative ventures in tech, and collaborations with top artists. His discography includes four albums, notably his acclaimed sophomore album, *Transition*.
What’s crazy is over the years, Leslie openly discussed Cassie leaving him for Diddy. There’s context to that assertion and it may not be that cut and dry but that’s what Leslie as alluded to.
Thankfully for Cassie’s sake, she finally left Diddy and ended their relationship in 2018 after ten years.
As you may know, in 2023, Cassie filed a lawsuit against Diddy, accusing him of sexual assault, sex trafficking, rape, and physical abuse, which was later settled.
Get this, following the lawsuit settlement, Leslie shared plans to collaborate with Cassie again and possibly plan a tour. Speaking to TMZ, he said, “I think that was much further past after our working relationship … The last conversation we had, she’s planning a tour.”
Check out Ryan Leslie’s Tiny Desk below, it’s pretty cool TBH.
