From its inception in March, Verzuz has provided a unique musical experience for audiences at a time when live entertainment has been put on hold. Verzuz was the brainchild of producers Timbaland and Swizz Beatz and was designed to be a friendly battle between artists, playing their biggest hits. As the popularity of the live Instagram show has grown, fans have been vocal about the battles they wanted to see and from the very beginning, Brandy vs Monica has been at the forefront of everyone’s wishes. Last night the two singers finally came together for the biggest Verzus show yet.
I just got the holy ghost when Monica hit ” just one them days” #Verzuz
— George M Johnson (@IamGMJohnson) September 1, 2020
Brandy is finally playing for real, bringing out that I Wanna Be Down remix #Verzuz
— Raquel Willis (@RaquelWillis_) September 1, 2020
Two Eleven was a really, really, really great album. Need to give it a full listen again soon. #Verzuz
— Nneka M. Okona (@afrosypaella) September 1, 2020
Monica and Brandy the nostalgia, the joy, the pure unadulterated BLACK GIRL FREAKING MAGIC! Lemme go write these new songs! I’m inspired! #Verzuz this is how music should make you feel!
— Amber Patrice Riley (@MsAmberPRiley) September 1, 2020
.@4everBrandy and @MonicaDenise will be on repeat until further notice….#Verzuz
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) September 1, 2020
@4everBrandy @MonicaDenise Yall Flowers are DESERVED & Thank You both for the Timeless Music you sang that will forever be the soundtrack for many of us https://t.co/Xf55HFKiV5
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) September 1, 2020
Approximately 1.2 million viewers tuned in live and social media was ablaze as the R&B divas went hit for hit, each playing twenty songs that spanned their entire careers. The show featured each artist telling stories, reading poems, and giving background on what each of their hits meant to them. The show kicked off with Brandy’s 2000 single “What About Us?” and was met with Monica’s 2010 hit “Everything To Me” and with each subsequent round, fans took to social media to voice the winner of each round.
Fans have longed to see both singers together after the success of their 90’s duet, “The Boy Is Mine,” which came at the height of both musicians’ popularity. With the initial murmurs of a rivalry beginning in the late-90s, a real-life beef was born soon after. During the show, Brandy joked about being on the receiving end of Monica’s wrath as the latter talked about “evolving” into a calmer person.
The duo discussed the eight-year gap since they’d last seen or spoken to each other and described this Verzuz as a change but Twitter was quick to point out the awkward and potential shady moments between the two that made watching the battle even more entertaining. As they continued round after round, fans pointed out the exclusion of their 2012 duet, “It All Belongs To Me,” which wasn’t play or discussed. In the end, there was a clear display of love and appreciation despite the musicians’ differences. At one point, Monica shouted out City Girls rapper, Yung Miami which Brandy apparently was unfamiliar with.
While the 2 singers may not have a history of being best friends, their reunion is a celebration of unity amongst Black women in an industry that has notoriously pitted women of color against one another. As the show went on, the mutual admiration for each others talent and catalogue was more apparent, with Brandy teasing a potential tour. This battle should also be an example that despite any differences, we are stronger together than we are apart but fans were still divided on who won, our opinion, the culture.
While internet is too busy putting Brandy and Monica against each other, this is how they really left the #VERZUZ pic.twitter.com/cqbfMrRKzV
— BRANDY LEGION | #b7 (@BrandyLegion) September 1, 2020
Round 1
What About Us? (Brandy)
Everything to Me (Monica)
Round 2
He Is (Brandy)
A Dozen Roses (You Remind Me) (Monica)
Round 3
Full Moon (Brandy)
So Gone (Monica)
Round 4
I Wanna Be Down (Remix) (Brandy ft. Queen Latifah)
Don’t Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days) (Monica)
Round 5
Baby (Brandy)
Like This and Like That (Monica)
Round 6
Angel in Disguise (Brandy)
U Should’ve Known Better (Monica)
Round 7
Missing You (Brandy & Tamia, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan)
For You I Will (Monica)
Round 8
Almost Doesn’t Count (Brandy)
Why I Love You So Much (Monica)
Round 9
Brokenhearted (Brandy ft. Wanya Morris)
Love All Over Me (Monica)
Both artists take a break after Monica debuts her new single Trenches featuring Lil Baby.
Round 10
Anything to Find You (Monica ft. Rick Ross)
Top of the World (Brandy ft. Mase)
Round 11
Still Standing (Monica ft. Ludacris)
Borderline (Brandy)
Round 12
Commitment (Monica)
LOVE AGAIN (Brandy & Daniel Caesar)
Round 13
Slow Jam (Usher ft. Monica)
Put It Down (Brandy ft. Chris Brown)
Round 14
The First Night (Monica)
Who Is She 2 U (Brandy)
Round 15
Knock Knock (Monica ft. Missy Elliott)
Best Friend (Brandy)
Round 16
Before You Walk Out of My Life (Monica)
Sittin’ Up in My Room (Brandy)
Round 17
Everytime tha Beat Drop (Monica ft. Dem Franchise Boyz)
Talk About Our Love (Brandy ft. Kanye West)
Round 18
Sideline Ho (Monica)
Put That on Everything (Brandy)
Round 19
Trust (Keyshia Cole ft. Monica)
When You Touch Me (Brandy)
Round 20
Just Right for Me (Monica ft. Lil Wayne)
Have You Ever (Brandy)
Round 21
Monica: Angel of Mine
Finale: Brandy & Monica: The Boy Is Mine
