Alicia Keys, Missy Elliott, and Beyoncé, photographed performing during the “Verizon Ladies First Tour” by Allison Murphy in 2004.

Murphy’s photography was featured in the July issue of Vibe magazine for their ‘Live’ segment. The ladies performed at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, N.J., on April 5th.

Missy was first, performing hits “One Minute Man,” “Hot Boyz,” “Work It,” “Pass That Dutch,” and “I’m Really Hot.” Encoring with a homage to the late Aaliyah, who passed in August 2001, with a “down-tempo drizzle” exit whilst fans swayed to “Rock the Boat.”

Following, Alicia sat at her piano to do what she does best. Performing hits “A Woman’s Worth,” “If I Ain’t Got You,” and “Fallin’.” At one point, she crawled on top of the piano, and lying there, tickled the ivories upside down. Laura Checkoway writes: “The captivated audience remains seated during “Diary,” but sprinkled throughout are women on their feet, hands in the air as if bearing witness.”

Lastly, Beyoncé enters “carried through the center aisle on a chariot while tossing rose petals at her devoted subjects.” Once she arrives at her throne ‘the stage’ she begins with “Baby Boy.” “You cannot love a man until you love yourself,” Bey instructs as she introduces “Me, Myself and I.” “Concurring girl power rings out to the rafters.” But just then, Jay-Z joins Bey for the confetti-falling finale “Crazy in Love.” “The arena erupts in a frenzy.”

Commencing at the Office Depot Center in Sunrise, FL, on March 12, the tour supported Bey’s debut studio album “Dangerously in Love” (2003), Alicia’s sophomore album “The Diary of Alicia Keys” (2003), and Missy’s fourth and fifth albums “Under Construction” (2002) and “This is Not a Test!” (2003).

The trio toured the States performing in over twenty cities during March and April of 2004. ‘Ladies First was the first time at least three female R&B/hip hop artists were featured as headliners, and it went on to be one of the biggest tours of that year, ranking 34th on Pollstar's "Top Tours of 2004"—grossing around $20 million.

A second tour was eventually scrapped despite the success. Verizon focused on developing their “VIP Tour” instead. The last stop was at the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim on April 21st. The tour was lauded by critics and spectators. 

Conceived by Verizon Communications, the original line up was Beyoncé along with Ashanti, Monica, Mýa and Mary J. Blige. Scheduling conflicts prevented everyone but Bey from being available. Alicia and Missy joined Bey and it was announced by various media outlets in January. Canadian singer Tamia would open act for spots on the show additionally. 

Tabloid speculation came quickly of a three-way "rivalry" between the artists, Bey dispelled these rumors, saying that all three women were already good friends: “All of us are songwriters and producers and are very talented," "It was for me to go on tour with people who are very talented, and secure in ourselves. There will be no competition." Alicia added: “I think we all really respect each other and we really respect the work that each one does and we really have an admiration for each other and enjoy ... [the chance] to join forces in this kind of way.”