Two of the most influential female R&B artists of all time, Monica and Brandy, recently linked up in a ‘Verzuz’ Battle. This is something that many people thought that they may have never gotten to see, because of all of the dramatic rumors about the two of them having beef over the years.
Brandy and Monica both really wanted this opportunity to talk face-to-face, and addressed it in the ‘Verzuz’ battle. They actually hadn’t been in the same room with each other in about eight years, and both of them acknowledged how people on the outside talking about them kind of made it hard to link back up. They seemed genuinely happy to be in each other’s company, and simply sat and talked it out like ladies between songs.
Monica and Brandy at the Grammys in 1999. Image from News Break.
“The more we’re talked about,” Monica said, “the more it led it to be difficult, unnecessarily. And I really, really am a straight shooter, and I really do admire what you’ve done musically and what you’ve also had to endure personally.”
“I have the utmost love and respect for you, as well,” Brandy responded, “no matter, you know, the times where it seemed like I didn’t. For somebody to start at 12 years old — the longevity of your career — you never gave up, no matter what you’ve been through.”
One of the cool highlights from the battle was when Vice-Presidential hopeful Kamala Harris showed up on the screen that was positioned between the two ladies. “I just wanted to thank you ladies,” she said, “You’re Queens! You’re stars! You’re icons! Thank you for doing this! You both have used your voice in such powerful ways…I love you! I’m just a huge fan of the both of you…I’m going to be singing and dancing all night with you all!”
Brandy and Monica’s History
Most of the true 1990’s R&B fans know that when they came out with their #1 hit The Boy Is Mine, that it was just a song that they went back and forth arguing lyrically over a guy that they both wanted. But, these two classy ladies simply let people talk and talk over the years, although it did strain their relationship some.
The lovely 1998 duet is actually the song that they both received their only Grammy Award from, according to Monica’s comments on The Real. It was for the Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group. The “beef” ended up ultimately just being a hint of friendly competition from back in the day that got blown out way of proportion by the media and some fans. But, the drama is seemingly officially over now, and the battle on ‘Verzuz’ was classy, melodic, and also got 1.2 million viewers.
Playlist from the Monica and Brandy ‘Verzuz’ Battle
Fans were very happy to see them back together, and the comments section got lit up like crazy during the battle. Everybody from Mariah Carey to Tiffany Haddish to Michelle Obama (who also reminded us all to vote in between praising the two singers) were showing love to the legendary R&B artists.
Brandy and Monica’s fans have followed them for years, and it was such a touching moment when the two of them hugged each other in the Verzuz battle. The playlist was wonderful:
