Verzuz

Verzuz, is an American webcast series created by producers Timbaland and Swizz Beatz, that airs on Verzuz TV.

Verzuz
Presentation
Hosted by	Timbaland Swizz Beatz
Format	Live streaming (video)
Created by	Timbaland and Swizz Beatz
Updates	Ongoing weekly
Production
No. of seasons	2
No. of episodes	28 (including 5 specials)
Publication
Original release	March 24, 2020 – present
Provider	Instagram Live, Apple Music (video stream) Tidal (music audio recap)
Website	http://verzuztv.com/

Verzuz was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic as a virtual DJ battle, with Timbaland and Swizz Beatz facing off in its first iteration through an Instagram Live broadcast in March 2020.[1]

The series invites two musicians, predominantly R&B and hip hop, to highlight their discographies in two 10-song rounds during a three-hour session.

Episodes include battles between producers Teddy Riley and Babyface, singers Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, Brandy and Monica, and rappers Ludacris and Nelly, as well as Young Jeezy and Gucci Mane.

Beginning of Verzuz

Verzuz began as an impromptu broadcast before taking on the form of a brand, adopting a logo and official social media accounts with subsequent matches.[2] The Verzuz brand gained its official trademark in April 2020, as registered by Timbaland.[3] In August 2020, after a bidding war, the series began a partnership with streaming service Apple Music and social media platform Twitter, integrating Apple's audiovisual capabilities with Twitter's social-engagement aspect, a first for the former.[4]

The idea of creating a live battle was conceived by Timbaland and Swizz Beatz in 2017, which led to a 'producer clash' battle during a Hot 97 Summer Jam concert in 2018.[5] The live show consists of two challengers in the entertainment industry who compete with their best hit record. There are no actual winners chosen. In an ABC News interview, Swizz Beatz stated "The people won, the culture won, music won" in reference to the music sales and online streams gradually increasing due to both newfound interest and curiosity.[6] Though no winners are selected, Billboard magazine has released scorecards and breakdowns of the battles and selected winners based on these observations.

The Verzuz webcast became a popular online streaming show during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first three Verzuz matches surpassed a million views, The Ashanti vs Keyshia Cole Verzuz was the most watched webcast with over 6 million total Instagram viewers, breaking the Jeezy vs Gucci Mane record which held over 5 million in total viewers and Brandy vs Monica record, which was the first live stream webcast to pass the million mark with over 1.2 million concurrent in-stream live views, but totaled with over 4.2 million visitor viewers .[7][8]

Season 2 of Verzuz began on November 19, 2020.

Format

Instagram live streaming broadcast

In its initial inception, the Verzuz battles were performed remotely over Instagram live due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.[9][10] The majority of U.S. states were under strict quarantine to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Challengers often used their own cell phone/tablet device or web camera to live-stream on Instagram live through their verified artist page.[11] Initially, challengers added or requested each other's Instagram accounts to communicate virtually on Instagram Live. The first time this format changed was in the challenge between Bounty Killer vs Beenie Man, in which both challengers appeared together under the VerzuzTV Instagram channel instead of their own channels.

The Verzuz battle may consist of up to 20 rounds of what would be an artist's hit songs or hit features/collaborations to go head to head against each other. During the battle, the artist will play each song one after another, through audio sound systems via computer or recording studio equipment. This format has changed also with the battle of Bounty Killer & Beenie Man who fully performed live with microphones along with DJ's/Sound Equipment, which in turn also provided good acoustics and feedback without interruptions. There was a first attempt by record producer Teddy Riley to perform live against Babyface, but because of technical difficulties, it was unsuccessful.

For the majority of the music tracks selected by the artist, they often share trivial personal stories about the creation of the song and the experience surrounding it before playing or performing the track. Oftentimes, the artist on both sides would gloat or boast themselves to show their competitive spirit along with having the authority of 'bragging rights'.[12]

For many of the live broadcasts, the celebratory competitive streaming went on for an estimated 2 hours long with the exception of continuing on their own live feed after the event was over to allow fans and followers to engage with them.

In the past, some technicalities forced a video stream to get booted off due to weak wifi connection, or a licensed copyrighted song that could only be played to a minimum of 90 seconds before being cut off stream. On occasion, most broadcasts had an allotted time of 1 hour per stream, due to Instagram's rules of live streaming, which cause the artist to restart another live session and continue where they left off. However, during the battle of Jill Scott & Erykah Badu, the live feed stayed continuous for more than 2 hours without booting out with the exception of Badu's live being cut short from wifi-technicalities.

Viewers who are observing the challenges can watch the feed from their electronic device, phone, tablet or computer with their Instagram accounts. It is simultaneously enjoyed as a watch party or listening party with other individuals, whether at home together or as a virtual population over the live stream. Viewers interact by commenting their opinions, judgement, reactions, emotions, and may use special character emojis as a form of expression. Some individuals may try to keep score but ultimately get lost in the rounds.

Technical issues

The streaming service was mired in technical impediments since its inception. Because of the overwhelming response of complaints from viewers, Swizz and Timbaland implemented a new rule on May 25, 2020, that the future participants are required to use equipment kit provided by the brand Roland, who created a new set up to supply the best audio as possible to prevent issues from continuing. Stating, "You cannot do VERZUZ unless you use the technology that we're sending you, because we're sending it to you for a reason."[13]

New broadcast

As nationwide quarantine started to loosen restrictions of social gatherings and began to start public re-opening phases, the lineups in the 2nd part of the series broadcast the event live in-person to stream over Instagram as well as Apple Music, which began streaming the presentation live in HD on June 19, 2020. The live broadcast feed presented by Apple Music, is recorded using Television Studio equipment, teleprompters and a simple character generator editing used to display viewer comments from Twitter, also a ticker format of the stylized names of the challengers integrating with the Verzuz 'V' logo, along with providing the sponsors. As with the Instagram live presentation, it continued in the same format as the first series with improvements of the audio quality as a result of using the Roland equipment. The video feed has also improved. Microphones are offered to the participants as well.

The new updated series stayed consistent of having challengers meet face to face sharing one room often with DJs or piano accompaniment while continuing to social distance. The participants gathered with an entourage as the event was held from a selected venue. Locations of the venue included, Tyler Perry Studios, which was used for the Brandy vs Monica broadcast and the Fillmore theater in Philadelphia, used for the Gladys Knight vs Pattie LaBelle broadcast. The Bounty Killer vs Beanie Man Verzuz in the first series, was held at a club venue in Jamaica, and was the first in-person webcast stream.[14] The colorful set designs are built to complement the style and vibe of the artists. The Apple broadcast can only be watched in the Browse section of Apple Music when the event is live, not to be confused with Apple TV browse section, although it can be watched on the Apple Music app via the Apple TV app. The only time the new broadcast reverted back to its original 'duo split-screen style' streaming was in the verzuz challenge between Ashanti vs Keyshia Cole, due to high rate of California's Covid-19 social distance protocols. It streamed on Instagram live with the Verzuz and Keyshia Cole's live channels, and on Apple Music live broadcast split-screen side by side.

The Verzuz broadcast of Brandy vs Monica broke records in numbers over Instagram with over 1.2 Million live viewers on that platform being the first webcast to reach that peak, although during the Teddy Riley vs Babyface broadcast in the first series, it was reported 3.7 Million people attempted access to view the live broadcast but was unsuccessful of joining the feed due to Instagram live viewership algorithm never reaching 1 million, forcing viewers losing the place of joining the stream upon exiting and possibly being locked out of viewing the stream. The result of this later began to open the population for more viewership on Instagram.

The Verzuz Effect[15]

Following the webcast, the official 'audio-track only' recap playlist of Verzuz can also be played on TIDAL music streaming services as well as Spotify and Apple Music, which also streams the artists catalog the day of the event. Video Recaps are streamed on Verzuz official YouTube Channel along with other unofficial re-uploads.

Sponsorship

Verzuz is sponsored by the alcoholic beverage company Ciroc, which is dubbed the official adult beverage for the celebration.[15][14] Doritos, a popular tortilla snack brand also become a sponsor in the new year early 2021. Apple Music became the official sponsor for the event, in which the artists music can be searched, downloaded and streamed over their platform as done with Tidal.

Apple also began launching its first advertisement of the then, upcoming battle of Fabolous vs Jadakiss in June 2020 and proceeded to release scripted teaser promos of the contenders (Featuring: Ray J, Monica, Mekhi Phifer, Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle) leading up to the main event in the weeks following.

The Brandy vs Monica 3-part teaser promo features a young boy who crosses paths with Ray J, discovers a secret letter purposely left by Ray J., which leads him to the hidden treasure of 'The Vocal Bible'. Monica is featured as she goes on a heist in an art museum to steal her album collection that was in a secure vault. Mekhi Phifer who starred as the 'boy' Brandy and Monica was fighting over in "The Boy is Mine" music video, is featured getting an unexpected call from both of them, while leaving a market to return home to his wife, he then confessed to viewers he's a faithful married man and would not get involved in that situation. The Gladys Knight vs Patti Labelle 2-part promo featured both of the ladies preparing a large southern meal while singing one of their hit songs asking each other what they are bringing.to the battle. The Ashanit vs Keyshia Cole 2-part promo featured Keyshia Cole alone serenading her hit song "Love" and a past season preview of Ashanti's career with a voice-over teasing a "Previously on Ashanti...".

Challenges

Each battle is often paired up by the genre of categories. Where a Music producer will go up against another Music Producer, Songwriter against Songwriter, Vocal Production (example: Vocal Artist against Vocal Artist [Sub category: Singer vs. Singer or Rapper vs. Rapper] ). Each artist has up to 20 tracks prepared to use in the battle. The guidelines for competing are to have produced, written or sang on the track used. As for many rap artists, they can use their collaborations or 'feature' segments from other artist tracks. Producers who 'remixed' a track have been called in question, especially if they are not the originator of the song produced, as a pun joke from Babyface,[16] but is still acceptable as it is a form of their own works. The winners are solely to the discretion of the viewers' preference, there are no direct chosen winners, however accolades surrounding an artist's accomplishments may make one person outshine the next. The real winners are the views counted by how many tuned in to watch as it shows the popularity and support given. During the battle, they are allowed to gloat, flaunt, tease as it is friendly competition. Spectators, whether celebrities or general viewing public, keep score on who they believe won each round sometimes losing count. The challenger usually feeds off the last contender's song choice or word play 'puns' to complement the flow. The curators who preside over the live feed remotely monitor the competition.

Part 1

Quarantine / Remote Virtual Webcast (Instagram Live)

#	Line Up / Match	Category	Date	Instagram Live Concurrent Viewers (estimated views based on the visitor peak during the live presentation - Not total)	Duration	Billboard Scorecard Winner (WINS|LOSS|DRAW)
1	Swizz Beatz vs Timbaland[17]	Music Production & Songwriting/Vocals	March 24, 2020	22,000 apex peak	5 Hours	No Data Available
2	Boi-1da vs Hit-Boy[18]	Music Production & Songwriting/Vocals	March 27, 2020	18,600 apex peak	2 Hours
3	The Dream vs Sean Garrett[19]	Songwriting & Music Production	March 28, 2020	46,000 apex peak	N/A
4	Ne-Yo vs Johnta Austin[20]	Songwriting & Music Production	March 29, 2020	80,300 apex peak	N/A
♣♠	†French Montana vs Tory Lanez[21] ±('Quarantine Radio' Verzuz)	Vocal Production & Recording	March 31, 2020	81,500 apex peak	45 Minutes
5	Scott Storch vs Mannie Fresh[22]	Music Production & Songwriting/Vocals	April 1, 2020	145,000 apex peak	N/A
6	Ryan Tedder vs Benny Blancco	Music Production & Songwriting/Vocals	April 2, 2020	12,000 apex peak	N/A
7	T-Pain vs Lil Jon[23]	Music Production & Songwriting/Vocals	April 4, 2020	270,000 apex peak	N/A
8	RZA vs DJ Premier	Music Production & Songwriting/Vocals	April 11, 2020	150,000 apex peak[24]	N/A	DJ PREMIER[25] (14-9-2)
9	Teddy Riley vs Babyface	Music Production / Songwriting & Vocal Recording	April 18, 2020 April 20 (Rematch)	400,000 (Day 1) 500,000 (Rematch) apex peak 3.7 Million attempted access	1 Hour 1 Hour 40 Minutes	BABYFACE[26] (13-10-2)
10	Erykah Badu vs Jill Scott	Vocal Production / Songwriting & Recording	May 9, 2020	700,000 apex peak	3 Hours	ERYKAH BADU[27](11-9-4)
11	Nelly vs Ludacris	Vocal Production / Songwriting & Recording	May 16, 2020	500,000 apex peak	2 Hours	LUDACRIS[28] (12-9-4)
12	† Bounty Killer vs Beenie Man	Vocal Production / Songwriting & Recording	May 23, 2020	500,000 apex peak	1 Hour 50 Minutes	BEENIE MAN[29] (13-10-3)
13	† 112 vs Jagged Edge	Vocal Productions / Songwriting & Recording	May 25, 2020	262,000 apex peak	1 Hour 40 Minutes	112[30] (13-9-3)

† Other Media have also contributed scorecards for their selected winner:

Vibe Magazine Winner: Beenie Man [13–10–3][31]

Revolt TV News Winner: 112 [11–8–1][32]

♣♠ *A New York magazine catered to pop culture, Vulture gave a full list of winner results of all the battles from VERZUZ, including an exclusive "Quarantine Radio" verzuz battle featuring French Montana vs Tory Lanez. Winner: French Montana[33]

±"Quarantine Radio", was an independent daily Instagram Live webcast / radio show created and hosted by Tory Lanez that went viral in March 2020, and was placed on temporary suspension in April 2020 due to Instagram's code of conduct and content violations. The show has not streamed any new live broadcasts since the ban lifted, but operates under another Instagram account.[34][35]

Notable moments from the Part 1 battles include:

• American producer and singer Teddy Riley was the subject of online jokes, parody and criticism for technical difficulties during his battle with Babyface. He was heavily criticized for poor production values, weak Wi-Fi signals and being overconfident. This caused the challenge to be rescheduled for another day.[36] Nelly also faced similar criticism due to his live feed freezing often and for inaudible audio, for which he blamed "severe weather storms".[37]
• Rapper Ludacris faced backlash after previewing a new song during the battle with Nelly, which contained suggestive humor towards R, Kelly, Bill Cosby and Rosanne Barr. He later addressed the subject on Atlanta's V103 radio show with Big Tigger: "Sometimes when you speak on record, you speak on it like its just me and you having a conversation as friends, you're just speaking and being honest, and I saw a lot of people misconstrue or didn't understand what I was saying" to which he asked Big Tigger what he thought he meant and Tigger response to defending him was "I think what you're trying to say is: 'I love his music and what he brought to the table but I am a father of daughters and you're not going to be around my daughters' " Ludacris responded: "You're a smart man, it's just that simple".[38]
• During the Bounty Killa vs Beenie Man battle, police interrupted to address possible noise or social distancing complaints. The situation was quickly de-escalated and the battle continued uninterrupted.
• The May 25, 2020 battle of 112 and Jagged Edge did not feature 112 members Daron Jones and Q Parker, who exited the group in 2019.[39] Legendary R&B singer Keith Sweat made a brief on-screen appearance in 112's live stream to show support of both artists. Jagged Edge faced technical difficulties with their audio which led to another series of online jokes. 112 boasted about their Grammy and MTV Video Music Awards for "I'll Be Missing You" and repeatedly highlighted Ciroc bottles showing their respect for the founder and chief executive of their former label Bad Boy Records, Diddy. Music producers Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox were also in attendance with Jagged Edge.[40]

Part 2

Verzuz went under new rule changes and technical maintenance to provide quality performances and returned on May 31, 2020 with a special Verzuz.[41]

Each broadcast in this 2nd part of the series stayed consistent with better video and audio quality.

*Upcoming line-ups that have been recently revealed and discussed in a full facetime conversation with Timbaland & Swizz Beatz: Ashanti vs. Keyshia Cole and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony vs Three 6 Mafia, which is in the works. Other considered options were Monica vs Brandy (in which Monica's decision to participate is weighing in the balance, but initially accepted).[42] The two producers are also considering Destiny's Child vs TLC, Keith Sweat vs Bobby Brown to name a few. The series would most likely explore other cultures of music, touching on Gospel, Latin, Africa & Soca sound clash, but it may only take place if artists follows the new guideline of rules and regulations. and if the artists energy are in tact and agree to participate.

Live In-Studio/Theater/Venue Webcast (Instagram Live & Apple Music)

#	Line Up / Match	Category	Date	Instagram Live Concurrent Viewers (estimated views based on the visitor peak during the live presentation - Not total)	Duration	Billboard Scorecard Winner
14 ♥♥	Kirk Frankiln vs Fred Hammond with opening words and prayer by Bishop T.D. Jakes	"THE HEALING" – Special Edition Gospel music Production / Songwriting & Vocals	May 31, 2020	276,000 apex peak	2 Hours 20 Minutes	NO JUDGMENTS
15	Alicia Keys vs John Legend	"JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION" - Special Edition Music Production / Songwriting & Vocals	June 19, 2020	154,000 apex peak	2 Hours 30 Minutes	NO JUDGMENTS
16	† Fabolous vs JadaKiss	Hip Hop Music Production, Songwriting/Lyrics & Vocals	June 29, 2020	387,000 apex peak	1 Hour 20 Minutes	JADAKISS[43] (15-9-2)
17	DMX vs Snoop Dogg	Hip Hop Music Production, Songwriting/Lyrics & Vocals	July 22, 2020	525,000 apex peak	2 Hours	DMX[44] (12-10-4)
18	Rick Ross vs 2 Chainz	Hip Hop Music Production, Songwriting/Lyrics & Vocals	August 6, 2020	215,000 apex peak	2 Hours	RICK ROSS[45] (11-10-4)
19	Brandy vs Monica (Live from Tyler Perry Studios)	Pop/R&B Music Production, Songwriting/Lyrics & Vocals	August 31, 2020	1.4 Million apex peak	2 Hours 30 Minutes	NO JUDGMENTS[46]
20	Gladys Knight vs Patti LaBelle (Live from THE FILLMORE in Philadelphia)	"ONE NIGHT ONLY MASTER CLASS" R&B/Soul Music Production Songwriting/Lyrics & Vocals	September 13, 2020	600,000 apex peak	2 Hours	≠ DRAW TIE[47] GLADYS KNIGHT & PATTI LABELLE (7-7-5)

♥♥ *A Special VERZUZ webcast titled "The Healing" was streamed live on May 31, 2020, in honor of lifting awareness and providing comfort from the racial climate of ongoing police brutality in the United States. The event began with opening word and prayer by Bishop T.D. Jakes. Kirk Franklin & Fred Hammond celebrated various music from their catalog.[48] During the webcast, special appearances were made by notable stars in the gospel genre: Grammy Nominated Gospel Artist Marvin Sapp, appeared to interlude his landmark song "Never Would Have Made It" and Grammy Award winner, Tamela Mann appeared to fully sing live, "Take Me To The King". Even though this special verzuz was a celebration with no intentions to battle and was used as a platform service to uplift and heal the world, Revolt TV declared Kirk Franklin as champion scoring at 17–4.[49]

† Other Media have also contributed scorecards for their selected winner:

Revolt TV News Winner: Jadakiss [11–9][50]

≠ DRAW/TIE - According to the Billboard Magazine Scorecard, Gladys Knight & Patti LaBelle both won for their Verzuz match, respectively. Making them the first contenders judged from Billboard to score a draw in the series.[47]

Notable moments from the Part 2 battles include:

• During the special Verzuz dubbed "The Healing", Kirk Franklin started off the celebration with some light humor addressing his height and also his facial resemblance with the rapper Plies, while playing the keyboard; he provided comic relief throughout the webcast. Fred Hammond broke down and shed tears while singing his song, "Just To Be Close to You", Kirk also shared a flirty dance with his wife during his song "Melodies From Heaven". Hammond and Franklin takes a brief moment to call in to send comfort to Ahmaud Arbery's mother, and offer support and prayers. Fred Hammond ended the celebration with a touching, spiritual, final prayer.[51]
• In the Alicia Keys vs John Legend Verzuz, Legend was constantly teased in the comments for his tropical sweater and simple go to move: The "1-2-Step" dance during his song selections. Alicia re-enacted her famous phone call scene from "You Don't Know My Name", accompanied by Legend, who sang the background vocals and played piano. John Legend played 2 newly released singles "U Move, I Move" feat. Jhene Aiko and "Never Break".
• During the DMX vs Snoop Dogg battle, DMX revealed that he was inspired to use the term "Get at Me Dog" after meeting Snoop Dogg in New York City. Snoop also revealed that a young Bow Wow was the voice used in the "Classroom Intro" skit on Snoop Dogg's seminal debut album Doggystyle leading into the track "Gz and Hustlas" , stating Dr. Dre was afraid to use him for the album due to the album being so explicit. He also acknowledged that Pharrell encouraged him to emphasize his "sexy side" for the song "Beautiful" , though Snoop was wary of doing so before Pharrell convinced him otherwise . DMX also poked fun at his own weight gain stating he would take off his shirt if the audience live got to 1 million views but they would look like the number '10' on screen (Snoop being 1 for his slim figure and DMX being 0 based on his weight). DMX encouraged young rap artists to "write that pain", after Snoop testified that the lyrics from "Slippin" gave him goose bumps, calling it a "gangsta Holy Ghost". The Verzuz celebration ended with both rappers freestyling to various hip-hop instrumentals.
• In the Rick Ross vs 2 Chainz Verzuz, 2 Chainz employed a stunt in the battle as he used strippers and large amounts of money as props during his verse in "Bands A Make Her Dance", noting that both of the artists are from the southern United States, and how strip clubs "run" the south. Rick Ross's girlfriend Peaches gave Ross a massage during one of his songs and continued to do so for a short time afterwards. Timbaland was in attendance for this battle.
• At the start of the Brandy vs Monica Verzuz, it was said that Senator and Democratic Party Vice Presidential nominee Kamala Harris sent her blessings and encouragement to the contestants and also urged viewers to vote. Monica confessed she wanted to do a Verzuz after Missy Elliott persuaded her to do so because Monica wanted to have a face to face conversation with Brandy after the years of escalating rumors of a "catfight" between the two which compelled them to settle their differences. Brandy said that she did in fact once have a physical confrontation with Monica years before the battle. Brandy dedicated "Missing You" to various legends who died, while Monica dedicated "For You, I Will" to deceased celebrated basketball player Kobe Bryant's wife Vanessa. Monica played her new song "Trenches".[52]
• The master class Verzuz featuring Patti LaBelle & Gladys Knight was met with both artists admiring each other as they acknowledged how long they have been friends in the entertainment industry. Gladys Knight admitted she was unaware what Verzuz was until her son told her that she should do it, as with Patti acknowledging that her son also persuaded her to do it and mentioned that her choice would be with Gladys. Patti Labelle talk about how difficult it was to shoot the music video to "If You Asked Me To" immediately the day after her sisters funeral. Both ladies made a public service announcement to respect each other after the song "Licence to Kill", stating the name of the song does not give people the right to harm another person. They both gave honorable mentions to many female singers who came before them and after. Patti was not aware of what "Lady Marmalade" meant and said the ladies of Labelle were confronted afterwards for its inappropriate meaning. Former First Lady Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey tuned in to the webcast. The celebration ended with a special appearance by their long time friend Dionne Warwick, as they all sang "That's What Friends Are For" & "Superwoman".

Verzuz Season 2

Season 2 returned November 19, 2020

#	Line Up / Match	Category	Date	Instagram Live Concurrent Viewers (estimated views based on the vistor peak during the live presentation - Not total)	Duration	Billboard Scorecard
21	Jeezy vs Gucci Mane	Hip Hop Music Production, Songwriting/Lyrics & Vocals	November 19, 2020	1.8 Million apex peak	1 Hour 40 Minutes	JEEZY[53] (12-9-5)
22	E-40 vs Too Short	"LEGENDS OF THE BAY" Hip Hop Music Production, Songwriting/Lyrics & Vocals	December 19, 2020	271,000 apex peak	2 Hours 30 Minutes	E-40[54] (11-10-5)
23	Ashanti vs Keyshia Cole	R&B Production, Songwriting/Lyrics & Vocals	January 21, 2021 (Original date-December 11, 2020 - Event was Postponed)[55]	1.2 Million apex peak 1.1 Million (steady average)	2 Hours	ASHANTI[56] (12-10-3)

Notable Moments from Season 2 include:

• During the Jeezy vs Gucci Mane Verzuz, Jeezy slightly addressed the past 15-year discrepancy between him and Gucci Mane after Gucci performed one of his diss songs towards him, expressing his dislike of that action and that he extended himself to do a verzuz with Gucci for the culture stating "We are the culture". He adds on by giving respect to recent rappers who lost their lives, including King Von, Pop Smoke & Nipsey Hussle. The pair ended the verzuz performing their collaborative song "Icy" for the first time in years. Gucci ended with an apology to Jeezy, in which he accepted. The adult club Magic City was the venue used to hold the event. Politician Stacey Abrams virtually opened the event by sending her salute to the contenders and encouraging people to vote in the Georgia Elections. In a Instagram Live following the battle, Swizz & Timbaland reflected on the verzuz and stressed the impact it had on rapper/street beefs and acknowledged that the two made some "Big boy decisions" by ending their 15-year dispute, hoping it will lead to less violence from upcoming and present rappers.
• Just hours before the December 11, 2020 live battle between Ashanti vs Keyshia Cole, Ashanti posted a statement via her Instagram page that she tested Positive for COVID-19 expressing: "Hey y'all I can't believe I'm saying this but I tested positive for COVID-19. I'm ok and not in pain. I'm actually down to do the verzuz from my house...we're trying to figure it all out!!![57] She further went on Instagram live to express her disappointment, and made it clear that she got it from a family member after she came back from a trip to Nairobi, and did not contract it as a result from traveling. She tested 7 times before the Verzuz, and also said her symptoms were small nasally/tight cough as well as not being able to taste and smell. However, she excitedly felt she is still ready to go. She described finding humor after being diagnosed by hearing the serious but comical sound byte of Cardi B, screaming "Coronavirus!!!" Keyshia Cole joined the live moments later and expressed that both her and Ashanti felt its better to postpone. Keyshia also expressed she rather hug and give respect to her personally, and send out her care and well wishes for Ashanti.
• The Verzuz between E-40 vs Too Short, displayed a simple yellow-gold halo set with black Cali-style sportscars Ford Mustang and Falcon, and street signs of where they’re from Oakland and Vallejo. Both E-40 and Too Short opened up that they knew each other since the 1980’s decade where Too Short sold $5 custom made audio cassette tapes in East Oakland while E-40 sold mixtapes out of his cars. E-40 also spoke of making music in 1988, in which both have music ranging from the 80’s to the present day. What kept them connected was that they were hustlers in the street and by music. They got knowledge from the 'OG's' 3 generations before them, where they absorbed the information and passed it on, E-40 recognized himself as a unorthodox rapper. They both revealed they looked up to P. Diddy and often speak to him. E-40 talked about being influenced in the 1970s by the song "Rapper's Delight", and also by other artists of the 80s, Kurtis Blow, Run DMC, and Kool Herc. Too short performed and dedicated his song "The Ghetto" to the streets of the West Side. E-40 performed his verse on the popular "I Got 5 On It" remix. After performing "Snap Yo Fingers", they both spoke of how they were introduced to Lil Jon, mentioning him to be a humbled 'super cool' guy. Too Short showed off his custom made autographed Oakland Golden State Warriors basketball jersey signed by the head coach Steve Kerr with the autograph "may the best bars win". He also gave a lesson on what the 'Bay Area' is, while also listing the rap artists who hail from those areas. Too Short encouraged the streets to "put the guns away and enjoy getting money". The celebration ended with the pair performing their duets including their collaboration of the track "Bitch".
• In a Verzuz first since its new inception, the Ashanti vs Keyshia Cole celebration streamed live split screen on both Instagram and Apple Music platforms due to California's COVID high rate precaution measures. However the event started over an hour late as Ashanti warmed up the virtual audience playing snippets of her new songs and also did a sing along with songs in the DJ's playlist until Keyshia was able to arrive. The challenge started and went back to back consistently with both performers singing along to their tracks. Comments in the feed took notice of Keyshia's blunt and sporadic-tense energy during her first few songs, which sparked a few jokes. After singing "Ain't It Funny", Ashanti revealed she almost signed to Bad Boy Records at age 13, and that she co-wrote the song with Jennifer Lopez, despite the rumors escalating from it. Keyshia Cole also revealed she was almost signed to Death Row Records, and the connection she had with 2Pac through her brother with the song "Playa Cardz Right". The comic relief came when rapper O.T. Genasis, who previously remade and covered her classic song "Love" appeared to comically sing with her,[58] which seemed to calm her nerves as she expressed she 'felt better'. Ashanti expressed not having any idea that her song "Rain on Me" would touch women lives by empowering them. The celebration ended with both artists showcasing newly released songs from their upcoming album.

The NFL Pro Bowl Verzuz

On January 15, 2021, Verzuz announced to partner with the NFL for a 4 day special presentation event, "The NFL Pro Bowl Verzuz", where NFL stars go head to head for 10 rounds showcasing their best on and off-field highlights from the 2020 season and fans get to judge who had the better plays. The event was aired during the dates of January 26th until the 29th on the Verzuz Instagram account live feed as well as NFL on YouTube live feed. The presentation was presented by Verizon.[59] Deion Sanders, Maurice Jones-Drew and MJ Acosta-Ruiz served as the host with special guests who appeared to provide support for the players.

The NFL Verzuz Special Presentation

Date	Lineup/Match	Position	Guest Appearences / Supporters
January 26, 2021	Justin Jefferson vs A.J.Brown	Wide receiver	Will Compton Desi Banks (Comedian/Actor) Ha Ha Davis (Comedian)
January 27, 2021	Cam Jordan vs Myles Garrett	Defensive End	Mark Ingram Jeremy Medina
	Jamal Adams vs Budda Baker	Safety	Shaq Thompson Twon Jimmerson (UNT, Quarterback) Deo Trotter Jamir Rodriguez (Herbon High School '14 Safety) Bryan Lockhart
January 28, 2021	Deandre Hopkins vs Jalen Ramsey	Wide receiver & Cornerback
January 29, 2021	Deshaun Watson vs Michael Vick	Quarterback	Willie Colon Quincy Avery (Coach, Quincy Avery Quarterback Academy)

Highlight moments:

• The Justin Jefferson vs A.J. Brown Verzuz rounds consisted of different highlights including Sideline Catch, Touchdown Celebration, Touchdown catch, Best Dressed, Best Routes, College Football Play, Run After Catch Play and others. Favorable quotes during the presentation were: "I had more yards my rookie year., A.J. didn't have as many yards I had my first year....I had better touchdown dances" -Justin Jefferson.[60] "I got more plays than Tyler Perry!" - Deion Sanders. "Drink Yo' Wine...Take a sip!!!" (to A.J. Brown)- Desi Banks.[61]
• The Cam Jordan vs Myles Garrett Verzuz notable moments came from Mark Ingram who provided high energy as the 'hype man' for Cam Jordan. Some highlights included, spin cycles, 4th and goal stops, among others.
• The Jamal Adams vs Budda Baker Verzuz came across technical issues to display a few of Bakers' highlights in which couldn't be played during the presentation. Both challengers were praised by the hosts for their smooth outfits they worn stating "they look like they came from Power Book I, not Book II... and get pedicures".
• The Deandre Hopkins vs Jalen Ramsey Verzuz highlighted the challengers first touchdowns, playoff game highlights, best trash talk, best dressed, high school and college play highlights among many other highlights.
• The Deshaun Watson vs Michael Vick Verzuz displayed a few highlights including rookie and college year highlights, first and second plays, best dressed, precision passes, playoff highlights, quarterback scrambles, hot mic moments, game winning drives and their personal favorite plays.

Viewership & Ratings

A total number of viewership across social media platforms was recorded and began midway Season 1 of Verzuz:

Total Viewership Records According to Verzuz

Challengers	Verzuz TV Live	Apple Music Viewers	Total Impressions	Notes
Alicia Keys vs John Legend	160,000+	590,000+	1 Billion+	#1 Trending Topic & Various 2-11 Trends
Fabolous vs Jadakiss	269,000+	500,000+	750 Million+	#1 Trending Topic & Various 2-20 Trends
DMX vs Snoop Dogg	525,000+ (Concurrent Viewers) 2 Million+ (Total Viewers) 26 Million+ (In-Stream Likes)	600,000+ (Concurrent Viewers) 1.4 Million+ (Total Viewers)	1.75 Billion+	#1 Trending Topic & Various 2-30 Trends >168% Tweets from previous battle
Rick Ross vs 2 Chainz	223,000+ (Concurrent Viewers) 1.2 Million+ (Total Viewers) 5 Million+ (In-Stream Likes)	410,000+ (Concurrent Viewers) 800,000+ (Total Viewers)	1 Billion+	#1 Trending topic & Various 2-30 Trends 2nd Highest Tweeted
Brandy vs Monica	1,243,000+ (Concurrent Viewers) 4.2 Million+ (Total Viewers)◆ 100 Million+ (In-Stream Likes)	1.8 Million+ (Total Viewers)	5 Billion+	#1 Trending Topic & Various 2-30 Trends 1 Million+ tweets (USA-surpassed 2020 VMA's) 1.9 Million+ tweets (Globally)
Gladys Kinght vs Patti LaBelle	612,000+ (Concurrent Viewers) 2.5 Million+ (Total Viewers) 28 Million+ (In-Stream Likes)	1.2 Million+ (Total Viewers)	3 Billion+	#1 Trending Topic & Various 2-30 Trends 2nd Highest Tweeted
Gucci Mane vs Jeezy	1.8 Million+ (Concurrent Viewers) 5.5 Million+ (Total Viewers) 126,800,000+ (In-stream Likes)	2.3 Million+ (Total Viewers)	7 Billion+	#1 Trending Topic & Various 2-30 Trends 1.3 Million Unofficial YouTube/Facebook Views 1.6 Million+ Tweets (USA) 3.2 Million+ (Globally)
E-40 vs Too Short	285,000+ (Concurrent Viewers) 1.9 Million+ (Total Viewers)▶ 6 Million+ (In-Stream Likes)	800,000+ (Total Viewers)	1.2 Billion+	#1 Trending Topic & Various 2-30 Trends 200,000 Unofficial YouTube/Facebook Views 437,000+ Tweets (Globally) 3rd Highest Tweeted
Ashanti vs Keyshia Cole	1,238,000+ (Concurrent Viewers)6 Million+ (Total Viewers)▲ Record Breaking 123 Million+ (In-Stream Likes)	1.6 Million+ (Total Viewers)	4.5 Billion+	#1 Trending Topic & Various 2-30 Trends 500,000 Unofficial YouTube/Facebook Views 1,590,000+ Tweets (Globally) 2nd Highest Tweeted Gained over 11.3 On Demand total streams combined (MRC Data)

▲- The AshantI vs Keyshia Cole Verzuz currently holds the highest total viewers on Verzuz TV Instagram live with over 6 Million views based on approximate incoming Instagram profile visitors.

▶- Followed by Gucci Mane vs Jeezy who held an accumulate of 5.5 Million viewers

◆- And Brandy vs Monica who held an accumulate of 4.2 Million viewers

The views are not to be confused with the concurrent estimated apex peaks during the live Instagram presentation, as number of viewers gradually gain throughout the live, and results are totaled at the end of the live with the approximate number of visitors who visited the page.

Critical response

Billboard magazine gave a scorecard sheet ranking the battles from least to favorable, placing the Jill Scott vs Erykah Badu battle at the number 1 spot.[62]

The series popularity quickly drew in many viewers as a way to cope while on quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic, it became a vehicle for viewers to laugh, sing-a-long, dance, go back in time feeling nostalgic, watch other entertainers communicate and interact with one another through comments and replies while watching and also with each other on-screen during battle, and also it united everyone together during the crisis.[63]

The battles are rooted to pit each artist up against each other, but is done tastefully, ending in praises and celebration. One battle noted of this, was the Erykah Badu vs.Jill Scott match-up, where both were classy and honored each other by complimenting their successes. It was a way to empower women.[64]

Many notable people have tuned into VERZUZ TV, among those were former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama, Oprah, Patti LaBelle, Ziggy Marley, Steve Harvey, Bobby Brown, Jamie Foxx to name a few. Major media outlets such as ABC News[65] and CNN[66] have also covered stories over the social media phenomenon.

There has been talk of Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, and comedian Kevin Hart organizing a similar series of matchups between stand-up comics, although there was evidently little to no discussion of the matter beyond one conversation and there has so far been no word on whether or not the idea will actually enter development.[67]

Awards

VERZUZ has won the Webby Award in the category of Special Achievement – 'Break the Internet' Award in May 2020, breaking the Instagram record for live streaming with over 750K viewers.[68] Verzuz creators Timbaland & Swizz Beatz were the Honoree recipients of the "Shine A Light Award" shared with DJ D-Nice at the 2020 BET Awards.[69]

Bloomberg Businessweek honored Swizz Beatz & Timbaland by listing them as one of the 50 Most Influential People: 'The People who changed global business' on December 4, 2020.[70][71]

Verzuz is nominated in the category of Outstanding Variety Show (Series or Special) for the 52nd NAACP Image Awards, which will air March 27, 2021 on BET.[72]

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