An IG Live Spectacle: Our Recap on the Verzuz Battles So Far
Deon Egenti, Maya Nicole, and Naiyima Severe
Verzuz has made quarantining fun. It has given us some of the best moments on social media in the last couple months. Who would’ve thought that this would originate on a random night where legendary super-producers, Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, battled it out? I don’t think anyone did. Verzuz has coordinated battles with some of the best artists, producers, and songwriters ever to do music. The type of matches that fans like us only dream about. With that in mind, we’ve decided to recap the battles that’ve happened on Verzuz, so far.
*Published on May 27th*
Swizz Beatz vs Timbaland
The battle that started everything. Two legends came together on IG Live to show off their catalog and they brought it. The eccentric, Swizz Beatz, went to his Ruff Ryders and Jay-Z bag while the master of the drums Timbaland went to Missy Elliott and Aaliyah. This battle set the tone for everything after it and we love these two for it.
Boi-1da vs Hit-Boy
Two of the hottest Grammy winning producers in the game went toe to toe for Hip-hop. Hit-Boy went with iconic songs like “Ni**as in Paris” by Jay-Z and Kanye West and “Bow Down/ I Been On” by Beyonce. While Boi-1da played “Controlla” and “God’s Plan” by Drake. This battle was set off with unreleased sounds from fan favorites like Nas, Big Sean, Nipsey Hussle, Drake and more.
The-Dream vs Sean Garrett
This battle was meant to show nothing but love and respect to the songwriters. Both The-Dream and Sean Garrett are incredible artists and writers behind some of the most popular and timeless songs of this generation. They showed just how elite their pen game is playing songs from Justin Beiber, Pussycat Dolls, Beyonce, Rihanna and Usher. A battle filled with hits and personality that had fans going back and forth in the comments till the very end.
Ne-Yo vs Johntá Austin
The battle of the perfect pen. This battle was elegant and classy in every sense. They made sure to let everyone know that they wrote some of your favorite R&B songs ever. The classics they’ve had with Chris Brown, Mario, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, etc. are unmatched. It made you want to grab your best fit and pour a glass of your finest champagne. Let’s propose a toast to these two icons.
Mannie Fresh vs. Scott Storch
Mannie Fresh vs. Scott Storch was a battle that social media argued until the crack of dawn. These hit-making producers came through Verzuz with their catalog of tunes that had you on the dance floor, literally. Songs played were Chris Brown’s “Gimme That,” T.I.’s “Top Back,” Beyoncé’s “Naughty Girl,” Big Tymers’ “Still Fly,” Dr. Dre’s “Still D.R.E.,” Juvenile’s “Back That A** Up,” and more. Although many people felt that it was a mismatch, it was groundbreaking for two legendary different sounds to come together.
T-Pain vs. Lil Jon
Y’all, this was a battle I didn’t know I needed until it happened. King of Auto-tune vs. King of Crunk went head to head to play their mega hits. Their Verzuz battle was so entertaining from Jon dropping heat that we had no clue of, to ‘Pain calling Lil Jon his government name, etc. We witnessed two absolute hitmakers that have given so much to Hip Hop and R&B take us down memory lane, and have a blast doing it. They played “Low,” “Get Low,” “No Problem,” “The Boss,” and more. Jon shared the tea on the making of well-known, freaky hit, “Some Cut.” The squeaking was from a chair, not a mattress — OKAY, OKAY, okay then. ‘Pain is also the perfect meme, that’s it. That’s the sentence.
RZA vs DJ Premier
If you didn’t wear your 3XL shirt/jersey, fitted cap, durag, and timbs to this battle, then I don’t know what to say. You can’t talk about 90s hip-hop without bringing up these two legendary producers. RZA gave us knowledge with the Wu-Tang classics while DJ Premier repped Gang Starr to the fullest. Two significant crews were rooted deeply in this battle and the hip-hop heads loved every minute.
Babyface vs Teddy Riley
This was probably the most anticipated and memorable battle on this list. Two extraordinary producers that held R&B down in the 80s and 90s. This battle has been cancelled, rescheduled, and restarted and it was still the battle that everyone wanted. We got slow jams, new jack swing, slick talk, a live band, and don’t get me started on the memes! This was the highest viewed IG live at the time and we can see why. It was entertainment at its finest.
Erykah Badu vs. Jill Scott
Candles, sage, shea butter, and wine to getchu feelin’ nice as the ladies set off Verzuz with class, compliments, and empowerment. Both ladies played their memorable jams from “On & On,” “So In Love,” “Tyrone,” “Blessed,” and much more. Scott’s “Cross My Mind” was a tribute to the late Andre Harrell as Mr. Champagne and Bubbles and Swizz Beatz discussed looking forward to listening to that gem. According to Billboard, the ladies topped the most viewed Verzuz battle with nearly 750K viewers on Instagram Live. I should also mention their wifi connection was on point, too. God blessed.
Nelly vs. Ludacris
These gentlemen were the reason to pull up with the jerseys with baggy jeans and jersey dresses with white Air Forces and chains, hey! Nelly and Ludacris dominated the early 00’s and even celebrated being in the game for 20 years. Whew, talk about longevity! Despite Nelly’s poor connection (St. Lou weather was wylin’ out, blame the spirit of Teddy Riley), the battle takes you down memory lane with bangers such as “Stand Up,” “Pimp Juice,” “Splash Waterfalls,” “My Place,” and more. Ludacris also previewed a new song featuring Lil Wayne, produced by Timbaland and an unreleased version of “Money Maker” featuring Nelly.
Bounty Killer vs Beenie Man
An iconic night for multiple reasons, the first reggae Verzus battle streamed right out of Kingston, Jamaica. Reggae music sound systems pioneered “beat-battle” competitions similar to Verzus many years ago.They played hardcore dancehall and well-known international collaborations with blended old and new school. The police even showed up to the battle, causing Beenie and Bounty to join in an 8 song freestyle on their frustrations with the police. Many were uncertain about this battle, as these two men have had an ongoing rivalry for over 25 years. But they came together with love, respect and reggae.
112 vs Jagged Edge
For the battle that closed out Memorial Day Weekend,we got a crazy showcase for R&B lovers. Nothing but the hits, that’s right not just songs- but hits were played. There were audio issues that affected both sides, but still they bantered and played music for the 250k+ IG Live audience. Jokingly many said the poor sound quality reminded them of recording songs for their voicemail messages back in the day. Viewers heard of all their favorite songs played in weddings, nightclubs, and the bedroom. Both groups ended the night by announcing new music, set to be released early June and we’re looking forward to it!
Playlist: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/play-2-perfection-112-vs-jagged-edge/pl.u-6mo4lGWCBXE7EKv
