From Musiq Soulchild, John Legend to Eve, as well as Ms. Patti, Philly has been well represented on the Verzuz stage.
On Monday, it was announced that the next Verzuz — the Timbaland and Swizz Beatz created, Covid-initiated Instagram Live and Triller battle where two hip-hop or R&B legends compare their catalogs in (usually) friendly competition — would be a most musky, dusky and soulful one. Vocalists Anthony Hamilton and Musiq Soulchild will square off on February 15 for a post-Valentine’s Day bromance at www.VERZUZTV.com.
All just days after Triller airs the Best of Trillerverz 2021, featuring curated highlights from The Lox versus Dipset, Fat Joe versus Ja Rule, Three 6 Mafia versus Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, and more.
Beyond being a Verzuz hound who never misses a battle, it’s important to note that with the inclusion of Mr. Soulchild in the battle mix, Philly again is in the House of Verzuz, and representing. Because Verzuz has all but built its reputation, had its greatest innovations, and posted its highest numbers when Philadelphia was at its center.
Here is a brief, loving history of Verzuz and Philly… And yeah, we’re still waiting for the Gamble & Huff Verzuz anyone to happen.
Scott Storch versus Mannie Fresh: April 1, 2020
For the fifth Verzuz Insta Live battle, it came down to a producer/songwriter beef, this time featuring one-time keyboardist of The Roots, Scott Storch mixing it up with mixer Mannie Fresh. Lot of braggadocio on this one.
Erykah Badu versus Jill Scott: May 9, 2020
Speaking of The Roots, the singer and songwriter of the Philly band’s biggest hit, “You Got Me,” put Verzuz on the map with its highest numbers: a 700,000 apex peak. Jilly from Philly also shined brightest by dropping more recent, hidden tracks that showed off her strength.
Alicia Keys versus John Legend: “JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION” – Special Edition – June 19, 2020
Philadelphia’s Legend and NYC’s Keys are both renowned for their piano prowess, and both played up to that rep by sitting at home, hitting the eight eights while crooning their smooth hits. Nobody wins. Everybody wins.
Gladys Knight versus Patti LaBelle: Live from THE FILLMORE in Philadelphia, “ONE NIGHT ONLY MASTER CLASS” September 13, 2020
Though the week’s previous Verzuz featured Brandy and Monica in one room, Tyler Perry’s studio complex in Atlanta, this event with Philly’s Ms. Patti, Gladys Knight and special guest Dionne Warwick was the battle space’s first shot in a traditional live venue, The Fillmore Philly. The only thing more prevalent than dynamic songs, strong vocals and great motherly advice was Labelle’s wealth of shoes.
Eve versus Trina: “FIRST FEMALE RAP VERZUZ”, June 16, 2021
Offering something of an offscreen reunion of Ruff Ryders’ Swizz Beatz and its Queen, Philly’s Eve, this event offered viewers a reminder of her fantastic swagger and soul.
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