Verzuz is a digital streaming online platform for artists to recreate a musical battle experience. The creators are producers Timbaland and Swizz Beatz. On March 24, 2020, they hopped on Instagram Live for a virtual battle for fans to enjoy. Little did they know that it would become the new normal for some time.
In order to understand the virtual battles, we have to rewind the tape to the early 1970s. When Hip-Hop first burst into the scene, it gained popularity at house parties. These parties would complement DJs, breakdancing, graffiti, and rapping. Thus, this set the ambiance for one versus one.
Hip-hop has always been a competitive sport, and rap battles are proof of that. A rap battle consists of two opponents and a DJ. Once the DJ spins the wheel, the participants take turns to follow the beat and spit their best bars. Lastly, the audience crowns the winner as whoever has the best set.
In July 2017, Timbaland and Swizz Beatz called each other out for a virtual beat battle. However, it wasn’t until the Summer Jam 2018 held in New Jersey that the hit-makers took the stage for a proper face-off. Instead of spitting bars, they came packed with some of their best-produced catalog.
In March 2020, once the pandemic spread, the iconic producers arranged another virtual battle. But this one was different, captivating the attention of millions. As a result, Verzuz was created.
The rules are simple: two opponents (producers or singers) face off in 20 rounds while playing their best catalog. The songs can be:
- Own solo songs
- Songs they have written for other artists
- Songs they have produced
Instead of packing stadiums or venues, viewers watched the show while joining the Instagram Live session. The first season boasted battles from well-known producers Boi-1da vs. Hit-Boy to veteran rap artists Nelly vs. Ludacris to singers Alicia Keys vs. John Legend. The spotlight has always shone on the artists, until now.
Verzuz has not only brought fans together but has also helped squash long-lasting feuds. Namely, after two decades of not seeing eye to eye, rap artists Jeezy and Gucci Mane put it all behind by kicking off season 2 in November 2020.
Moreover, Verzuz has also given a platform for producers to display their catalogs. Throughout storytelling, artists and producers share with fans how the song came to be (behind the scenes) and every now and then release never-before-heard verses or songs.
To fans’ delight, in January 2021, Timbo and Swizz Beatz announced they were in the early stages of implementing holograms into their Verzuz series. In fact, they already have quite the line-up, which could include Hip-Hop’s Tupac (R.I.P) vs. Biggie (R.I.P) and singers Prince (R.I.P) vs. Michael Jackson (R.I.P).
It is worth mentioning that fans have already experienced holograms before. In 2012, the Coachella festival showcased a posthumous live performance of Tupac Shakur. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see how Verzuz applies the technology in the future.
Out of a bad situation, Verzuz has been able to bring fans together for a virtual musical battle experience. Despite both producers teaming up for a proper song in 2013 (ironically, called Versus), this collaboration of Verzuz is their best creation yet.
Happy birthday, Timbaland!
Listen to the producers’ Verzuz battle in the link below.
- “Give It To Me” music video by Timbaland. Directed by Paul Coy Allen (Insterscope, 2007). ↩︎
