Cassie is honored during Ryan Leslie‘s Tiny Desk performance, which was released on Friday (July 26).
During his performance on the NPR showcase, he took a moment to remember Cassie with a brief performance of their 2006 single “Long Way 2 Go.” Then he performed “Addiction,” the hit song that featured Cassie on the hook.
Leslie and Cassie’s history has had its ups and downs since they debuted in 2006 with her debut single, “Me & U.” Ryan wrote and produced most of Cassie’s debut album. Leslie released his debut album, self-titled, in 2009.
Ryan Leslie built a career filled with chart-topping hits, innovative tech moves, and collaborations with the biggest names in music. He has released four albums, including his classic sophomore album, Transition.
Ryan spoke on Cassie leaving him for Diddy in interviews throughout the years. Diddy and Cassie broke up in 2018 after a ten-year relationship with the singer filing a lawsuit against the mogul in 2023 for sexual assault, sex trafficking, r*pe, and physical abuse.
After Cassie settled her lawsuit with Diddy, Ryan Leslie shared plans to work with her and plan a tour. He told TMZ, “I think that was much further past after our working relationship … The last conversation we had, she’s planning a tour.”
Leslie’s set included well-known hits such as “Diamond Girl,” “Something That I Like,” and “How It Was Suppose To Be.” Latif, the 2000s R&B singer known for the hit, “I Don’t Wanna Hurt You,” supported Leslie’s set as a background vocalist.
Leslie released his latest album, You Know My Speed, in February. It was his first album in ten years. Featuring Bobby V, the new album includes buzzing tracks “Run It Back,” “Falling Hard,” and “Top Notch.”