Baller Alert Entertainment & Lifestyle
Fresh off last night’s legendary Verzuz battle between the Isley Brothers and Earth, Wind & Fire, fans are eager to hear who will be the following acts to go head to head. While founders Swizz Beatz and Timbaland have not yet announced the next battle, here are a few battles that we would love to see. Though several artists such as 50 Cent and Chris Brown have already made it clear that they are not interested, one can dream.
Sade vs. Anita Baker: Four-time Grammy Award-winning vocalist Sade against eight-time Grammy-Award-winning singer Anita Baker would be a showdown for R&B lovers worldwide. However, considering Ms. Baker’s current quest to retrieve her master’s, it is unlikely that the “Body & Soul” singer would be willing to partake in the musical celebration, at least at the moment.
Kanye West vs. Jay-Z: Fans have waited years for Kanye West and Jay-Z to reconcile, and it seems that Verzuz would be the perfect platform for the once prolific duo to make amends. The showdown would likely top the 20 song guidelines considering that each has hundreds of memorable tracks under their belts. Sadly, the two have not been on the best of terms since West’s wedding to Kim Kardashian in 2014, so we may not witness the rap titans’ reunite in this lifetime.
The O’Jays vs. The Whispers: Leave it up to Verzuz to provide a healthy balance of current and old school acts, which is why The O’Jays and The Whispers would be one for the books. It would only be fitting if Steve Harvey returned to narrate the slew of love songs, which would likely include The O’Jays staple, “Used To Be My Girl” met by The Whispers 1979 hit “And The Beat Goes On.”
Chris Brown vs. Usher: Though both Chris Brown and Usher have expressed that they are not interested in performing a Verzuz battle, fans continue to push for the R&B/pop icons to go head to head. While many believe that Usher would take home the title, Chris is not to be underestimated. The two could even switch it up and give fans an epic dance battle, but we shouldn’t hold our breaths.
Mase vs. Camron: The on again-of again rivals have hurled insults and diss tracks at one another, which is why a Verzuz battle between the two New York icons may be the juiciest one yet. However, we all know that Cam is the King of being petty, so Swizz Beatz may have to pull a few strings to get these two together. But, if Gucci Mane and Jeezy could hash out their differences in front of the world, anything is possible.
Tank vs. Ginuwine: A Verzuz between the friends and former TGT members would likely be a night of unity in the R&B world. Though their group parted ways in 2013, hearing “So Anxious” paired with “When We” is sure to set the mood that night.
Gap Band vs. Frankie Beverly and Maze: Any Verzuz that may potentially kick off with cookout favorites “Before I Let Go” or The Gap Band’s “Outstanding” is guaranteed to be a great night.
Faith Evans vs. Kelly Price: These two have come a long way since their lonely nights at the “Heartbreak Hotel,” and now, it’s time that this vocal powerhouse reunite. Following her new EP “Grace,” an appearance and performance from Kelly Price are long overdue. The same can be said about Faith Evans, who also released a new single, “Right Now,” last month. Which single do you think could get the Verzuz started? Would Price take fans through the tale of a backstabbing girlfriend with “Friend of Mine?” or would Evans promise her boo the goodies with a 2021 rendition of “Soon As I Get Home?”
50 cent vs. Ja Rule: One Verzuz showdown that is sure never to happen is that of longtime adversaries 50 Cent and Ja Rule. One major hindrance would be 50’s sure inclusion of his certified gold diss track “Many Men,” which would likely stop the battle in its tracks.
Jhene vs. Summer Walker: A beautiful Verzuz sure to center your energy and touch you on a spiritual level would be that of Jhene Aiko and Summer Walker. The platinum-selling ladies would sure to relax all who viewed, which is what the world could use in these times.
Mary J. Blige vs. Toni Braxton: We can’t promise that we Not Gon’ Cry during a powerful Verzuz between icons Mary J. Blige and Toni Braxton. But we’d be sure to let these hits flow. With Blige being a nine-time Grammy Award winner and Braxton having seven of her own, choosing a setlist will prove a trying task. Nevertheless, it is a battle that the fans deserve.
Case vs. Donnell Jones: Singers Case and Donnell Jones reigned during a time when males in R&B dominated music, which is why a Verzuz with these two gentlemen would prove pleasingly nostalgic. Would you tune in?
