In recent weeks, instead of sitting at home in the house bored, most of us have been watching our childhood dreams manifest. No, Destiny’s Child hasn’t announced a reunion tour, we’re speaking about the Verzuz battles. For those unfamiliar, Verzuz battles are virtual competitions between musicians in which artists duke it out and play some of their best hits. We’ve had front row seats to view T-Pain vs. Lil Jon, Teddy Riley vs. Babyface and Erykah Badu vs. Jill Scott — to name a few. Thanks to Timbaland and Swizz Beatz, who organize the battles, we can all watch on Instagram Live. Fans have even raised the ideas of Monica and Brandy or Ashanti and Keyshia Cole as potential match ups. With so much talent and musical innovation in our community, we’ve compiled a list of potential Verzuz battles that we’ve all been waiting for.
1. Dru Hill vs. Boyz II Men
You can’t mention the golden age of music, more commonly referred to as the 90s, without mentioning Dru Hill or Boyz II Men. Both of these iconic groups defined the 90s era with their signature harmonies and chart-topping ballads. How therapeutic would it be to have these sets of heartthrobs battle it out with their soulful crooning?
2. Destiny’s Child vs. TLC
Whether you’re an independent woman or you absolutely refuse to date a scrub, at one point, one of these groups wrote the anthem to your life. While they were both wildly successful, we could all use the mega dose of #BlackGirlMagic that would ensue should they decide to partake.
3. Karen Clark Sheard vs. Yolanda Adams
Let’s be honest, the pandemic has most of us wanting to get closer with our creator and this would be the perfect launchpad. These gospel powerhouses have been dominating the charts for decades — all while putting God first. We would literally be taken to church with this battle, getting the good word and our praise on. Can I get an amen?
4. Jay-Z vs. Nas
New Yorkers, where are ya’ll at? The ultimate clash of the boroughs would result from the reignition of one of the most brutal beefs in rap history. While the two rappers turned moguls have since squashed their beef, it would be amazing to relive some of the best years in hip-hop with this Verzuz battle. LL Cool J seems to agree.
5. Lil Kim vs. Trina
Before The City Girls, Kash Doll and some of our other current favs, there was Lil Kim and Trina. These two are a couple of our favorite femcees who championed women’s empowerment and sexual freedom through their bars. Hence, we would gladly hop on the vortex to the 90s and early 2000s with this one. To sweeten the tea, these women are still creating music today, so we’d have an eclectic playlist.
6. Toni Braxton vs. Mary J. Blige
The battle of the aunties! If you know anything about love and heartache, then these two songbirds are likely on your playlist. Defining literal generations through their timeless classics, this battle would take us on a roller coaster of emotions and you know what? We’re here for it.
7. Big Sean vs. Drake
What would the last decade have looked like had we not been blessed with these two? With a boatload of awards, star-studded features and a whole lot of flyness between them both, we’d be in for a rap battle, fashion show and so much more. This one might be a toss up as their songs have helped to truly shape the culture.
8. Crime Mob vs. Three 6 Mafia
Are you “knuckin’ and buckin’?” or are you choosing to “stay fly?” Either way, you’re bound to have a blast with this musical skirmish. Just one word of precaution — we’d suggest you watch this battle alone because we’d hate for any fights to break out.
9. Mya vs. Nivea
With hits like “Don’t Mess with My Man” and “Case of the Ex” between them, we’d get a serious case of nostalgia with these two vocalists going at it! A lot of our teenage and early adult years were brimming with their hits so we’d surely be in for a treat to see this Verzuz.
