All About Laughs
Swizz Beatz and Timbaland’s Verzuz has become a massive must see moment with every new installment. The popular internet series is a celebration of music and artists, primarily in the R&B and Hip-Hop genres. Its allowed for many unsung heroes of music to get their flowers while still with us, including critically under appreciated acts like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, SWV, Xscape, Brandy and Monica. Next up? Well it has been speculated for for months that 90’s R&B trailblazers Toni Braxton and Mary J Blige may face off soon, however Swizz Beatz has thrown some doubts on those rumors.
Several acts have attempted to throw their names into the ring since Verzuz launched. T.I famously called out 50 Cent early on, challenging him to battle of catalogs. In typical petty fashion, 50 responded “My run permanently damaged the culture, Get Rich or Die Expeditiously, Nah Bra were is my exhibit in the Trap museum. I moved more of that than y’all to Facts!” The two have not settled on a date, if any, for the potential battle.
Back in September it was reported that Verzuz was looking to get Mariah Carey on. However with Whitney Houston passed, it seemed hard to pinpoint a living icon with the kind of catalog and vocal ability to properly challange Mimi. Toni Braxton threw her name into the ring. The Grammy Award-winner did an interview with Missy Elliot for Interview Magazine where she revealed that she is down to do it, however, she has a stipulation.
“I’m quite sure they called you,” Elliott said to the “Unbreak My Heart” singer. “You’re probably like, ‘Oh, no, I would have to do that segment [solo] dolo.’” Braxton then replies to her in agreement, but shares “It would have to be me, Mariah [Carey], or Mary J. [Blige] or something. Us girls from the ’90s,” Braxton said. “But no, I haven’t put it on the register to do it yet.”
Twitter began buzzing that Toni and Mary had been confirmed, with a July 4th spot. One asked directly, “So… is there any truth behind this @tonibraxton & @maryjblige @verzuzonline happening on July 4th? I need answers! #ToniBraxton #MaryJBlige #VERZUZ.”
The Verzuz account replied “We love both ladies, but this is not a confirmed #VERZUZ event. Please stay tuned for upcoming announcements on our future shows.”
Following Swizz Beatz denying the July 1st Verzuz would be Mary J. Blige and Toni Braxton, Mary was a guest on The Breakfast Club promoting her new documentary when asked about doing a potential Verzuz. Mary denied the battle also claiming ‘I don’t know what a Verzuz would do for me […] I don’t know what a Verzuz would do for Mary J. Blige, but right now it’s not on my list.
See video below:
