Fans across the world rejoiced when news broke that legendary musicians Brandy and Monica agreed to participate in their very own Verzuz battle, this month. Earlier this year, the two starlets expressed reservations when asked if they would be interested, but the stars have aligned to bring us the musical event that we’ve been asking for.
Whether enchanted by the smooth harmonies of “I Wanna Be Down” or Monica’s soulful crooning in “So Gone,” which made folks quite literally want to kick down their man’s door and “smack his chick,” one has to admit that these two songbirds have had a lasting impact on the music industry.
To commemorate the sure to be mind blowing event, we’ve compiled a wishful playlist of seven songs between the two artists that we hope they perform.
1. “I Wanna Be Down” Brandy
In 1994 our lives changed for the better when Brandy Rayana Norwood decided to release this timeless track. The hit details how she desires to be a specific guy’s love and affection. The iconic images of her dancing in front of a jeep in a denim vest will forever be ingrained in our minds as a serious pop culture moment.
2. “Don’t Take It Personal (Just One Of Dem Days)” Monica
Listen, if the pandemic has shown us anything it’s that we’re all capable of having “one of dem days” on the regular and it should not be taken personally. Monica was ahead of her time when she released this chart-topping song that would go on to define the entire year of 2020.
3. “Have You Ever?” Brandy
Have you ever fallen in love with a musician after hearing one song? This is what probably transpired to the majority of the world after hearing this soulful classic that appeared on Brandy’s sophomore album, Never Say Never.
4. “So Gone” Monica
We’ve all been in situations where we’ve been in love with someone to the point of being obsessed or “so gone.” A supreme storyteller, Monica simply (and beautifully) told the story that many of us live every single day when it comes to romantic liaisons.
5. "Sittin’ Up In My Room” Brandy
This Babyface produced ballad aged well, as it’s what those of us who are taking the pandemic seriously have been doing for the last few months. Featured on the accompanying soundtrack of the smash hit film Waiting To Exhale, Miss Norwood did what she had to do in terms of delivering fierce vocals.
6. “The Boy Is Mine” Brandy and Monica
This song changed the game, influencing the generations to follow on the beauty of musical collaboration. How could they not play this timeless classic? We’ll all be singing along when they take us down memory lane with this one.
7. “It All Belongs To Me” Monica and Brandy
What’s better than two talented artists collaborating once? When they collaborate twice! We’ve seen the beauty that occurs when Brandy and Monica combine their vocals and this 2012 single was no different except that we were able to witness the growth in their friendship and musical capabilities.
Sure, both Brandy and Monica have hits for days and this doesn’t even scratch the surface of the magic that is both of their catalogues, but these songs listed are a few of the must-haves that we’re hoping they play. These two women redefined an entire genre of music through popular bops that still resonate with us today. Aside from their soulful toons, which we’ve been listening to for decades, we’re also elated to see them come together to empower each other and their fans for an event that will surely rock the house. Can you tell we’re excited?
