Verzuz
This article contains content that is written like an advertisement. (September 2020) |
Verzuz | |
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Presentation | |
Hosted by |
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Format | Live streaming (video) |
Created by | Timbaland and Swizz Beatz |
Updates | Ongoing weekly |
Production | |
No. of seasons | 2 |
No. of episodes | 33 (with 5 specials) |
Publication | |
Original release | March 24, 2020 – present |
Provider |
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Verzuz is an American webcast series created by producers Timbaland and Swizz Beatz, that airs on Verzuz TV.
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, Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle, 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 an 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 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 Wi-Fi 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 except for when Badu's livestream stopped because of Wi-Fi issues.
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 Patti 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 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; and the Triller/Fite TV broadcast verzuz featuring Eve vs Trina. where Eve was remote live via satellite from the United Kingdom, while Trina was live on location with full audience in Miama, Florida.
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.[citation needed]
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.
Battles[]
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.
Verzuz Season 1[]
Part 1[]
# | 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
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | |
5 | Scott Storch vs Mannie Fresh[21] | Music Production & Songwriting/Vocals | April 1, 2020 | 145,000 apex peak | N/A | |
6 | Ryan Tedder vs Benny Blanco | Music Production & Songwriting/Vocals | April 2, 2020 | 12,000 apex peak | N/A | |
7 | T-Pain vs Lil Jon[22] | 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[23] | N/A | DJ PREMIER[24] (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[25] (13-10-2) |
10 | Erykah Badu vs Jill Scott | Vocal Production / Songwriting & Recording | May 9, 2020 | 700,000 apex peak | 3 Hours | ERYKAH BADU[26](11-9-4) |
11 | Nelly vs Ludacris | Vocal Production / Songwriting & Recording | May 16, 2020 | 500,000 apex peak | 2 Hours | LUDACRIS[27] (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[28] (13-10-3) |
13 | † 112 vs Jagged Edge | Vocal Productions / Songwriting & Recording | May 25, 2020 | 262,000 apex peak | 1 Hour 40 Minutes | 112[29] (13-9-3) |
† Other Media have also contributed scorecards for their selected winner:
Vibe Magazine Winner: Beenie Man [13–10–3][30]
Revolt TV News Winner: 112 [11–8–1][31]
- Notable moments from the Season 1 - Part 1 battles include: (below)
show Notable Moments in Season 1 - Part I
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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.[37]
Each broadcast in this 2nd part of the series stayed consistent with better video and audio quality.
# | 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 Franklin 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[38] (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[39] (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[40] (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 |
BRANDY[41](12-7-5) |
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[42]
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.[43] 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.[44]
† Other Media have also contributed scorecards for their selected winner:
Revolt TV News Winner: Jadakiss [11–9][45]
≠ 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.[42]
- Notable moments from Season 1 - Part 2 battles include: (below)
show Notable Moments in Season 1 - Part II
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Verzuz Season 2[]
# | 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[48] (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[49] (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)[50] |
1.2 Million apex peak
1.1 Million (steady average) |
2 Hours | ASHANTI[51] (12-10-3) |
24 | D'Angelo & Friends
(Live at the Apollo Theater) ☆ Solo concert dubbed as "D'Angelo & Friends" |
R&B / Neo Soul Production, Songwriting/Lyrics & Vocals | February 27, 2021 | 130,000 apex peak | 2 Hours | NO COMPETITION[52] |
25 | Raekwon vs Ghostface | Hip Hop Music Production, Songwriting/Lyrics & Vocals | March 20, 2021 | 104,000 apex peak | 2 Hours 30 Minutes | ≠ DRAW TIE[53]
RAEKWON & GHOSTFACE (12-12-1) |
26 | Earth, Wind & Fire vs The Isley Brothers
Hosted by Steve Harvey[54] with special guest resident DJ |
R&B/Soul Music Production
Songwriting/Lyrics & Vocals |
April 4, 2021 | 465,000 apex peak | 3 Hours 30 Minutes | THE ISLEY BROTHERS[55]
(16-10-4) |
27 | Redman vs Method Man
(live at the Apollo Theater) with guest DJ |
"'HOW HIGH' - 420 SPECIAL"
Hip Hop Music Production, Songwriting/Lyrics & Vocals |
April 20, 2021 | 175,000 apex peak | 2 Hours 40 Minutes | NO COMPETITION[56] |
28 | SWV vs Xscape
(with resident DJ's DJ Spinderella / DJ AOne) |
R&B Production, Songwriting/Lyrics & Vocals | May 8, 2021 | 460,000 apex peak | 2 Hours 45 Minutes | SWV[57](13-11) |
29 | REMATCH
Swizz Beatz vs Timbaland (live from Club LIV, Miami) |
Music Production & Songwriting/Vocals | May 30, 2021 | 460,000 apex peak | 2 Hours 15 Minutes | TIMBALAND[58](13-10-3) |
30 | Eve vs Trina | "1st FEMALE RAP VERZUZ"
Hip Hop Music Production, Songwriting/Lyrics & Vocals |
June 16, 2021 | 335,000 apex peak | 1 Hour | TRINA[59](12-10-3) |
31 | Bow Wow vs Soulja Boy | Hip Hop Music Production, Songwriting/Lyrics & Vocals | June 26, 2021 | 705,000 apex peak | 1 Hour 25 Minutes | BOW WOW[60](11-9-2) |
32 | Keith Sweat vs Bobby Brown
(with resident DJ |
ESSENCE SPECIAL EVENT
R&B Production, Songwriting/Lyrics & Vocals |
July 1, 2021 | 400,000 apex peak | 1 Hour 45 Minutes | BOBBY BROWN[61]
(15-10) |
33 | The Lox vs DipSet (live from Madison Square Garden) |
Hip Hop Music Production, Songwriting/Lyrics & Vocals | August 3, 2021 | 645,000 apex peak | 2 Hours 15 Minutes | BILLBOARD SCORECARD RESULTS NOT ANNOUNCED[62] |
34 | Fat Joe vs Ja Rule (live from the Hulu Theater in NYC) |
Hip Hop Music Production, Songwriting/Lyrics & Vocals | September 14, 2021 | 400,000 apex peak | 2 Hours 15 Minutes | TBD |
- Notable moments from Season 2 battles include: (below)
show Notable Moments in Season 2
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Future potential battles[]
*Upcoming line-ups that have been recently revealed and considered in a full facetime conversation with Timbaland & Swizz Beatz in late 2020. Among those discussed was potential battles including: Bone Thugs-n-Harmony vs Three 6 Mafia, Destiny's Child vs TLC 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.
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 26 until the 29th on the Verzuz Instagram account live feed as well as NFL on YouTube live feed. The presentation was presented by Verizon.[64] Deion Sanders, Maurice Jones-Drew and MJ Acosta-Ruiz served as the host with special guests who appeared to provide support for the players.
Date | Lineup/Match | Position | Guest Appearances / 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
Town 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.[65] "I got more plays than Tyler Perry!" - Deion Sanders. "Drink Yo' Wine...Take a sip!!!" (to A.J. Brown)- Desi Banks.[66]
- 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:
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.[67]
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.[68]
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.[69]
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[70] and CNN[71] 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.[72]
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.[73] 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.[74]
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.[75][76]
Verzuz was nominated and won in the category of Outstanding Variety Show (Series or Special) for the 52nd NAACP Image Awards, on BET.[77][78]
References[]
- ^ Leight, Elias (October 29, 2020). "Verzuz's Founders Timbaland and Swizz Beatz -- Future 25". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 12, 2020.
- ^ "7 Unofficial Rules For the Verzuz IG Battle Series (i.e. How Not to F--k Verzuz Up)". Billboard. April 22, 2020. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
- ^ Miss2Bees (April 22, 2020). "Timbaland Reportedly Files to Trademark 'Verzuz TV'". The Source. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
- ^ Aswad, Jem; Halperin, Shirley (August 12, 2020). "Inside Verzuz's Collaboration With Apple and Twitter". Variety. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
- ^ "Timbaland and Swizz Beatz DJ Battle Show Drawing Network Attention". TMZ. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
- ^ "Video: Swizz Beats and Timbaland create an online beat battle called Verzuz". ABC News. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
- ^ "Brandy and Monica address beef in record-breaking Verzuz battle notching 1.2 million views", ew, retrieved September 1, 2020
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- 2020 introductions
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