🎤 Still Standing, Still Singing: Why Nicci Gilbert’s Voice Matters Now More Than Ever
When I sat down with award-winning singer and creator Nicci Gilbert, I didn’t expect to walk away feeling like I had just gone to church, law school, and therapy—all at once.
Best known as one-third of the powerhouse R&B group Brownstone, Nicci is now commanding a new stage: the Supreme Court.
And while the industry has evolved, one thing hasn’t changed—Nicci’s unapologetic truth-telling and unwavering fight for what’s hers.
The creator behind “R&B Divas” and a musical force who’s been in the game for over 30 years, Nicci isn’t just talking about the highs and lows of fame.
She’s exposing the legal trenches of Hollywood, the quiet war for ownership in Black entertainment, and the emotional weight of fighting a billion-dollar machine.
💫 Self-Love, Growth, And Showing Out At 55
Nicci kicked things off with honesty and heart.
“Life has been lifeing in a way I never could have imagined,” she shared, describing her journey of personal growth and rediscovery.
But don’t get it twisted—she’s living, thriving, and rocking thigh-high slits like it’s nobody’s business.
“I just grew into that self-love,” she said. “The early part of my career? Baby, it was tough. We were out here in Lizzo land in the early ’90s.”
Nicci also dropped gems about health, marriage, and fitness, reminding us that your glow-up can start any time.
“I used to think if I worked out, I could eat what I want. Nope. Double nickels up in here! It’s about what you put in your body and your spirit.”
🎶 Brownstone Forever: A Legacy That Still Hits
The love for Brownstone runs deep—and rightfully so.
Whether it’s “If You Love Me” or “Five Miles to Empty,” their hits still stick to the ribs.
But the group’s journey hasn’t been without heartbreak.
Nicci opened up about losing original member Maxee Maxwell and her mother in close succession.
“I never thought I’d return to music. But Essence Fest called, and I knew it was divine timing.”
Now, with new members Arin Jackson and Alexis Jones breathing fresh energy into the group, Nicci’s working on a Brownstone docuseries that promises to tell the story right—starting from where they are now and peeling back the layers of the past.
“We’re executive producing it ourselves. A lot of girl power, a lot of honesty, and some familiar faces.”
⚖️ Speaking Her Truth On Tory Lanez
Nicci’s honesty isn’t limited to her own story. When it comes to high-profile cases like Tory Lanez and Megan Thee Stallion, she isn’t afraid to pivot if new information comes to light.
Back in 2022, Nicci publicly denounced Tory and even removed industry awards tied to his hit “Say It,” which sampled Brownstone’s iconic ballad.
Related: Nicci Gilbert Removes ‘Say It’ Awards To ‘Clear Energy’ After Tory Lanez Verdict
But after learning more about how the justice system operates—and experiencing firsthand how evidence can be blocked, narratives shaped, and due process denied—Nicci had a change of heart.
“I still support Megan. I pray for her healing and justice,” she said.
“But I also realized I made a bold statement based on limited information. If there’s even a possibility that Tory didn’t receive a fair trial, then he deserves the chance to have his story fully heard, too.”
It wasn’t about taking sides. It was about acknowledging how messy—and manipulated—the system can be.
Nicci’s words hit different coming from someone fighting a similar battle: “Once I saw how the legal system really works, I couldn’t stay silent. I had to own that I may have rushed to judgment.”
📣 A Creative’s Worst Nightmare: The Battle Over ‘P-Valley’
Here’s where the conversation turned from soulful to seismic.
Nicci is currently in a legal battle against Lionsgate and STARZ, claiming they stole the concept of “P-Valley” from her 2011 play, “Soul Kittens Cabaret” and a later series pilot titled, “Curtains.”
She pitched the project—featuring a Detroit cabaret club, a flamboyant drag queen lead, and themes of gentrification—to Lionsgate in 2014.
Then, in 2020, “P-Valley” premiered with strikingly similar elements.
“My husband turned on the show and I saw the red suitcase, the new girl from nowhere, the club, the casino. I knew. I was like, ‘That’s my story.’”
Related: Nicci Gilbert Files Copyright Infringement Lawsuit Against Starz Over ‘P-Valley’
Since then, she’s faced everything from depositions being sealed to expert testimony thrown out of court.
“They won’t even let me present all my evidence. They’re trying to make an example out of me.”
Related: Nicci Gilbert Ordered To Pay Additional $170K In ‘P-Valley’ Lawsuit Battle
But Nicci has taken her fight all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.
On September 29, nine justices will review her case to decide if it deserves a trial.
The official ruling is expected on October 7—her husband’s birthday.
👑 Ownership Is Power, Period.
This isn’t just about one show.
It’s about protecting the intellectual property of Black creators.
“They’re trying to make it so that nobody else after me can fight,” Nicci said.
“This case is bigger than me. It’s about setting precedent for the next creative trying to protect their work.”
Despite the toll, she’s not bitter—she’s strategic.
“God knew I was crazy enough to fight this thing to the end. If I lose, I still win. Because now, people see how this system really works.”
🎥 Watch Nicci Gilbert’s Full Conversation
🗣️ Let’s Talk Legacy
Whether she’s reminding you of the power of your voice, taking a stand for creatives, or just popping out with a bold pair of earrings, Nicci Gilbert is still that girl.
And as she continues her fight, she’s already won something bigger than courtroom validation: the hearts and minds of those who know the value of a story—and the strength of the woman who tells it.
Drop down in the comments and share your thoughts on Nicci’s journey.
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