Since Swizz Beatz and Timbaland started their innovative Verzuz series, fans have called for some of their favorites to take part. We've already gotten battles between legends like T-Pain vs. Lil Jon, Teddy Riley vs. Babyface, Erykah Badu vs. Jill Scott and most recently DMX and Snoop Dogg.
But for months, fans of Brandy and Monica have begged the two to hold their own Verzuz, reigniting a decades-old debate of the singers. Now, fans are finally getting their wish.
The two dynamic singers will be hosting their own Verzuz on August 31 at 8 p.m. on both Instagram Live and Apple Music.
Blavity previously reported in May that both singers were asked about a potential Verzuz battle with each of them implying they were not interested in competing against one another, and would rather have a session honoring their catalogs.
Monica spoke to V-103, an Atlanta radio station, and said she wouldn't be interested in a Verzuz event with Brandy because she's been pitted against her for decades.
“I understand the idea of [Verzuz] and I think it’s really, really entertaining, and it is an incredible idea. What I do like is it’s kind of turning into a celebration. I can handle a celebration…One thing that has happened to me my whole career is being put against someone else that I’m not even remotely similar to. I think the reality is, us being polar opposites makes it dope,” the "So Gone" singer said.
"The reality is, I think ‘Boy Is Mine’ is such a phenomenal record because we’re polar opposites. And I think that’s dope. And she’s one of the greatest artists of our time as well, so could we do a celebration or something of that sort? That would be the only thing that makes sense to me. Because I’ve been trying to tell people for about 25 years, you can like both! You’re going to turn this into 1998 all over again and I have no interest in that," she added.
In an interview with Essence on Facebook Live, Brandy said she didn't really want to battle Monica but that she would be open to it.
"I really can’t see myself doing that. I’m open to it but I haven't really thought about it. That would be kind of weird. Who would play ‘The Boy Is Mine?' I don’t know. I’m open for sure. I’m not close-minded," she said.
But this weekend, fans of both artists rejoiced when it was announced that the two would in fact take part in the next Verzuz.
Here are some of the funniest reactions:
While the two have long since ended any rumored beef, fans were quick to joke about the potential for a reignited duet between the two.
Monica and Brandy performing “The Boy is Mine” on IG Live. pic.twitter.com/yP8IBpu9p2
— Truly Ourz (@DriveSlow_Homie) August 23, 2020
Longtime Brandy fans have come out to fiercely support the singer, touting all of her hits as unbeatable.
Okay but what monica gon do when brandy drop this ? #Verzuz
pic.twitter.com/rSF7J1Fc7V— your fav entreprenegro (@jaelynsrevenge) August 23, 2020
I love Monica, but when Brandy plays this, issa wrap!!! #Verzuzpic.twitter.com/f2D5hp3Yhb
— Plaine Blaine (@PlaineBlaine) August 23, 2020
And Brandy fans are already prepared for the potential shade to be thrown.
Brandy every time Monica finishes playing a song during their #verzuz
pic.twitter.com/ZV5C4cJ2RV— ???????????????????? (@the__prototype) August 23, 2020
But plenty of Monica fans made themselves known, too.
Y’all love to act like Monica can’t sing. So here she is with her mic on, commanding an audience, that isn’t even hers, with a song that didn’t have to be from the 90s. pic.twitter.com/QggFvOsQGx
— Globethotter ???? (@BrianMcLight) August 23, 2020
Some recalled the hilarious debates they used to have about Monica.
I actually once destroyed a group chat forever by insisting monica could outsing adele and never backing down https://t.co/xe1SfRlwng
— Joel D. Anderson (@byjoelanderson) August 24, 2020
If Monica wears these, Brandy in for a long night….. pic.twitter.com/b7rddGmLzy
— ????KingLite???? (@MrLiteOnDeccc) August 24, 2020
Monica fans were quick to highlight the bangers in her catalog.
Brandy is talented NO DOUBT… but against Monica? Before you walk out of my life Monica? So gone Monica? You should’ve known better Monica?? MONICA MONICA?!!! pic.twitter.com/yh2hiBRyMc
— finewinee_???? (@craziwildbeauti) August 23, 2020
But more than anything, fans of both artists are just happy that the two agreed to battle it out.
All we gonna hear on the monica & brandy verzuz pic.twitter.com/bf5hBbNAWk
— Dark Skinned Prue (@FutureTG) August 23, 2020
Truthfully though…..Monica vs. Brandy #verzuztv
pic.twitter.com/xtC27LIPV0— The Last ???? (@JuSLIKEMIKE911) August 23, 2020
The way both Brandy and Monica had so many bangers off their debut albums alone. That’s Black excellence. pic.twitter.com/OukZ3YyajJ
— Xay (@hoodopulence) August 23, 2020
Monica has even asked fans for suggestions on what she should play.