Brandy Verzuz Monica. Who Really Won?

Since the outbreak of COVID-19,established music artists have found a creative way to entertain fans while being at home with a friendly competition called Verzuz. “What is Verzuz?” It’s where older musicians, writers and producers battle each other on a live stream by selecting/playing 20 of the best tracks they’ve composed over their music career against their peers. Thus far fans have witnessed Timbaland Vs. Swizz Beatz, The Dream Vs. Sean Garrett, Lil John Vs. T-Pain, Teddy Riley Vs. Babyface and Erykah Badu Vs. Jill Scott to name a few. Music lovers had been requesting that two of the most popular R&B superstars of the 90’s (Brandy and Monica) do a Verzuz since the conversation of Verzuz began. On Monday (8/31/20), the two responded to their fans request and made history with an epic Verzuz battle that resulted in over 1.2 million views on Instagram live alone (the most viewed Verzuz battle to date).

If you’ve followed the careers of Brandy and Monica over the years, you’d know that the two haven’t always been on the best terms. Or at least that’s what the media has led us to believe. There’s been rumors that they’ve had a physical altercation, an abundance of different stories circulating that their smash hit single The Boy Is Mine was actually about a real boy and countless interviews where they were both asked if they had beef with each other. But despite the many stories/speculation of a feud brewing between the two, they were both childhood superstars (Brandy starting at the age of 15 and Monica at 14) learning how to navigate through the music industry while growing up. When the two walked on set at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, GA they embraced each other with a heart felt hug, took their seats and started their conversation by acknowledging that it had been eight years since they last spoke.

What I really appreciated about this Verzuz is that the two ladies put whatever differences they had aside for their supporters. In fact, who knows if there was ever any real tension between them? For all we know, the rumors could have been driven by radio stations or staged by record labels to pit two young black women against each other this whole time for marketing purposes. (It wouldn’t be the first time we’ve heard or seen something like this happen.) I’m just an advocate for standing against the “…black women can’t get along…black women can’t work together…” narrative that too many people take pride in promoting.

Brandy and Monica also used their Verzuz as an opportunity to make a political statement. They sold merchandise to promote their battle and donated 100% of the proceeds to When We All Vote. Before starting their battle, they video conferenced Kamala Harris (2020 Democratic vice president nominee) who had a brief word about voting for the upcoming election. I thought this was a dope example of celebrities using their celebrity for the greater good. Now, let’s get into the battle!

I won’t read off their entire playlist (it’s available via google search), but I’ll pin point some of the highlights I think the fans enjoyed the most. So, Monica did “…the southern thang…” (as she is an Atlanta native) and let Brandy go first. Brandy took full advantage and kicked off the battle with What About Us? from her third studio album Full Moon released in 2002. The two rocked back and forth to the beat in their chairs while Brandy ad libbed some of the lyrics as they listened to the track. It was obvious that Monica was just as prepared for the battle because she followed up with Everything To Me from her fifth studio album Still Standing.

The engagement during the battle on Instagram live from fans, other recording artists and celebrities was joyously overwhelming. To see other artists (old and new) cheering the ladies on while commenting about their favorite song lyrics from Brandy’s Sittin’ Up In My Room, I Wanna Be Down, Best Friend, Put That On Everything, or Monica’s So Gone, U Should’ve Known Better, Love All Over Me, The First Night, is a repersentation of what we all need in the world right now. Unity amongst each other during these trying times. Now I’m sure you’re waiting for the million dollar question. Who won the battle?!?!

THE FANS WON! I view music the same way I view beauty, they’re both subjective. It’s all about each individuals preference. It took eight years to get Brandy and Monica in a room together to make this happen. So whether you prefer Brandy’s or Monica’s catalog (or both), everyone in attendance not only witnessed history (greatness if you will) but a small taste of what music used to feel like in the 90's.

I for one thank Brandy and Monica for the moment they created. Listening to those old songs (jams) brought back so many great memories from my youth. I think we all needed something to help shift our moods as these last couple of weeks have been heavy to deal with. Music connects us as people. So tell a friend to tell a friend to check out Verzuz: Brandy Vs. Monica on YouTube (the Revolt YouTube channel has the full battle).

Signing off,

Happy Holidays…Jesse Vs. James

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