Brandy and Monica’s Verzuz Battle: Here’s What Happened

Evan Minsker
·3 min read

Brandy and Monica were the latest stars to challenge each other on Verzuz. Tonight (August 31), the singers faced off in a hit-for-hit battle. Monica also shared a new song called “Trenches” featuring Lil Baby. It ended, of course, with “The Boy Is Mine” and the promise of an upcoming tour. See how each round played out, and listen to a playlist below.

Before it began, they offered a tribute to Chadwick Boseman. Then, vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris made a video appearance to thank both singers for using this platform to support Michelle Obama’s When We All Vote registration initiative and profess herself as a fan of both women.

Naturally, the two women also discussed their feud and opened up about their mutual respect for each other. “I really am a straight shooter and I really do admire what you do musically,” Monica said. Brandy responded, “I just need you to know that I have the utmost love and respect for you, no matter the times where it seemed like I didn’t.”

There were moments where their interactions became momentarily tense. After Monica talked about a phase in her life when she was “kickin’ in doors,” Brandy joked that she’d experienced that firsthand. Monica then looked over and asked her why she’d say that. “I was tryin’ to make a joke,” Brandy said. “I was tryin’ to work on my comedy. ... I’m sorry.” For the most part, they traded stories, sang each other’s songs (harmonizing with each other on “Sideline Ho”), and expressed deep admiration for each other’s work.

Brandy and Monica’s joint hit single “The Boy Is Mine” came out back in 1998. In July, Brandy released B7, her first studio LP since 2012’s Two Eleven. Monica’s most recent record was 2015’s Code Red.

In the past few months, Verzuz has hosted tête-à-têtes between DMX and Snoop Dogg, 2 Chainz and Rick Ross, and many others.

Round 1:

Brandy: What About Us?
Monica: Everything to Me

Round 2:

Brandy: He Is
Monica: A Dozen Roses (You Remind Me)

Round 3:

Brandy: Full Moon
Monica: So Gone

Round 4:

Brandy: I Wanna Be Down (Remix) [ft. MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Yo-Yo]
Monica: Don’t Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days)

Round 5:

Brandy: Baby
Monica: Like This and Like That

Round 6:

Brandy: Angel in Disguise
Monica: U Should’ve Known Better

Round 7:

Brandy, Gladys Knight, Tamia, Chaka Khan: Missing You
Monica: For You I Will

Round 8:

Brandy: Almost Doesn’t Count
Monica: Why I Love You So Much

Round 9:

Brandy: Brokenhearted [ft. Wanya Morris]
Monica: Love All Over Me

Round 10:

Monica: Anything to Find You [ft. Rick Ross]
Brandy: Top of the World [ft. Mase]

Round 11:

Monica: Still Standing [ft. Ludacris]
Brandy: Borderline

Round 12:

Monica: Commitment
Brandy & Daniel Caesar: LOVE AGAIN

Round 13:

Usher: Slow Jam [ft. Monica]
Brandy: Put It Down [ft. Chris Brown]

Round 14:

Monica: The First Night
Brandy: Who Is She 2 U

Round 15:

Monica: Knock Knock [ft. Missy Elliott]
Brandy: Best Friend

Round 16:

Monica: Before You Walk Out of My Life
Brandy: Sittin’ Up in My Room

Round 17:

Monica: Everytime tha Beat Drop [ft. Dem Franchise Boyz]
Brandy: Talk About Our Love [ft. Kanye West]

Round 18:

Monica: Sideline Ho
Brandy: Put That on Everything

Round 19:

Keyshia Cole: Trust [ft. Monica]
Brandy: When You Touch Me

Round 20:

Monica: Just Right for Me [ft. Lil Wayne]
Brandy: Have You Ever

Round 21:

Monica: Angel of Mine
Brandy & Monica: The Boy Is Mine

Watch Now: Pitchfork Video.

Originally Appeared on Pitchfork