Swizz Beatz Proposes New Jadakiss “Verzuz” Battle With A Twist

Swizz Beatz has suggested a new twist to the usual Verzuz format for Jadakiss’ next battle. With the battle series set to return later this year, Swizz talked with Timbaland about what he would like to see from the upcoming third season. Swizz proposed pitting the MC against several of his contemporaries at the same time, based on freestyles rather than hit songs. “You know what I wanna see? I wanna see everybody versus Jadakiss,” he said. Timbaland responded, “Wait a minute, so five against one? Oh, okay.”

Jim Jones recently suggested that Jadakiss should have released an album after the contest to capitalize on the moment, a suggestion the MC agreed with. However, he wanted to get his business affairs right, and the Verzuz performance gave him leverage on the label to fix some stuff. Jadakiss renegotiated his contract with Def Jam and showed the world his worth. “My numbers went up for hostings and walkthroughs, for shows, and TV cameos,” he said after the battle. “Just in general my numbers went up. It also showed Def Jam that they got to do the right thing [and] restructure my contract. It really showed the world my true worth, what I can do.”

Jadakiss Doesn’t Do “Microwave Music”

Jadakiss has said that he definitely should have dropped something after the Verzuz battle, but he cannot do “microwave music.” He has a bunch of songs on the hard drive, but he did not feel that he could just put out anything. He said, “I still feel like I’m gypping the people if I just put out anything. You know, I like to cook my meals.”

Diddy has announced that he will face off against Jermaine Dupri in Verzuz at New York City’s Madison Square Garden on September 8, although the battle has yet to be officially confirmed by Swizz Beatz or Timbaland. Jadakiss’ next Verzuz battle with the twist suggested by Swizz Beatz will be something to watch out for, given his MVP-worthy performance in the previous battle. What do you think about the twist that Swizz Beatz suggested? Let us know in the comments!

Joe Budden Has Some Trash Talk For Atlanta Amid Diddy Vs. Jermaine Dupri Verzuz Hype

Joe Budden is known for being extremely opinionated on a plethora of topics. However, as a former MC, he certainly has the credentials to speak on the topics he runs through during any given episode of his podcast. Overall, debates about which region of hip-hop is better can be quite frequent on the Joe Budden Podcast. Additionally, with a Verzuz going down between Diddy and Jermaine Dupri on September 8th, this is especially true.

In the eyes of many, this is a Verzuz that is pitting New York hip-hop against Atlanta hip-hop. Currently, many would argue that Atlanta is running the genre. However, you can never deny hip-hop’s New York origins. With that in mind, Joe Budden went on a passionate rant about how Atlanta is going to get washed. “Ayo, you Atlanta n****s! September, we wiping you up!” Budden explained. “Why we doing all this fucking political talk?! Why we doing all this tryna be PC?! Y’all know what the fuck time it is! Y’all know who invented this shit! It started here, it ends here, n***a! Fuck y’all thought was happening, n***a?!”

Read More: Joe Budden And Cam’Ron Reignite Beef

Joe Budden Makes His Prediction

Of course, Joe Budden was taking more of a joking approach to the whole thing. If you listen to his podcast, you know that he mostly talks like this all the time. However, there is no doubt that he is excited about this latest battle. “We doing all this, ‘Uh, I don’t know, uh, what do I think’ — get the fuck outta here, n****.” he added. “Now what?! We packing them n****s up in September! Smoking on that JD! I don’t wanna hear all that politically correct bullshit these n****s tryna have me on right now.”

Needless to say, it is very clear where Joe Budden’s allegiances lie in this upcoming battle. Whether or not Diddy actually comes through with the win, still remains to be seen. Let us know who you think will win this Verzuz, in the comments section below. Do you agree with Joe Budden, or is he completely off base? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world.

Read More: Joe Budden Explains Why Frank Ocean Is A “Scammer”

Jennifer Hudson Hints At A Possible Verzuz With Fantasia

Vocal powerhouse, Jennifer Hudson has had a tone to celebrate within music years. Last year, she became the youngest of 17 people to achieve EGOT status. This status is given to anyone who has won an Emmy, Grammy, Tony,and a Oscar award. She has also been spending her time as a TV talk show host for her own show The Jennifer Hudson Show. Noticeably, Jennifer Hudson’s music career has been on a long hiatus for years. Her return to the stage as a musician may soon end. Seemingly, she is ready to remind fans of her catalog in a verzuz battle against Fantasia.

Recently, Verzuz’s cofounder, Swizz Beatz appeared as a guest on her talk show. Jennifer brought up Verzuz in a very versatile interview. Like fans of the series, Jennifer expressed how it “Saved her entire life” during the pandemic while asking him about the show’s return. With a smile, Swizz responded “Soon as you and Fantasia sign the contract,” teasing the possibility of the match-up. Additionally, the audience cheered when Jennifer responded: “We’ll see.”

Jennifer Hudson Is Not Opposed To Batteling Fantasia On Verzuz

Moreover, if the two ladies agree to do the battle, this isn’t the first time the two have a competitive faceoff. In 2004, they were contestants on season three of American Idol. Jennifer has a successful run on the show finishing the competition in seventh place. Fantasia became the third winner of American Idol that same year. Since the show, Fantasia went on to become a Grammy award-winning artist. Two of her albums Free Yourself and Fantasia are Recording Industry Association of America certified. Additionally, Jennifer has won two Grammys. Her 2008 single “Spotlight” is certified platinum. She has also earned another certification for her cover of Jennifer Holliday’s 1982 song “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” The ladies have both earned a career that has remained comparable since their appearance on American Idol.

Furthermore, Verzuz is set to be returning with Diddy agreeing to battle Jermaine Dupri. The two legendary producers have agreed to face off on September 8th. As the new season is returning, would you want to see Jennifer Hudson Battle Fantasia again? Let us know in the comments below.

[Via]

Diddy And Jermaine Dupri’s ‘Verzuz’ Battle Finally Has A Release Date And A Venue

The long-awaited return of Verzuz is upon us, and the comeback event will ensure it’s well worth the wait. After a nearly year-long hiatus since the last event, which featured R&B stars Mario and Omarion, Verzuz will return on September 8, pitting superproducers Diddy and Jermaine Dupri against each other in a matchup the duo previously confirmed in October. On Sunday, Busta Rhymes posted a video to his Instagram Story in which Diddy confirmed the next Verzuz date and promised to have Busta “in the rafters” of Madison Square Garden, “flying out the sky.”

No doubt, Diddy’s gift for showmanship will serve him well at the next Verzuz, which he initially refused to do as a result of Swizz Beatz and Timbaland’s lawsuit against Triller. However, it seems once the Verzuz founders reached a settlement with the streamer, all bets were back on the table. The battle between the Bad Boy Records and So So Def founders could see appearances from the likes of former Verzuz participants The Lox, Mase, Mary J Blige, and more on Diddy’s side, while JD could tap Bow Wow, Da Brat, and a string of JD’s collaborators including Ludacris, Usher, Monica, and more. You can find more info at VerzuzTV.com.

Diddy BET Awards 2022
Getty Image

Diddy & Jermaine Dupri Set A Date & Venue For “Verzuz” Battle

It’s been a long time coming but it looks like we could expect two of hip-hop’s most prolific hitmakers will face off against each other at Verzuz. Diddy and Jermaine Dupri confirmed that they will go hit-for-hit in an announcement shared on Busta Rhymes’ Instagram page. “September 8th at the Garden, n***a,” Diddy tells Busta and Fabolous. “We’re gon’ have you out the rafters flying out the sky.” Busta added in the caption, “Sounds like we have an official date for @diddy @verzuztv @jermainedupri,” he wrote in his Instagram caption. 

Despite Diddy’s confirmation, there hasn’t been a formal announcement from Swizz Beatz or Timbaland. In fact, Jermaine Dupri hasn’t even chimed in to address whether this date is set in stone. However, this is one of the Verzuz battles that fans have been waiting for since the inception of the series. Both Jermaine Dupri and Diddy have expressed interest in facing off against each other, although there haven’t been any concrete plans until now.

Diddy Confirms Jermaine Dupri Verzuz

As Diddy and JD made plans to battle each other on Instagram Live last year, they later stated that they wanted to use that moment to showcase their respective labels. Both So So Def and Bad Boy’s influence on hip-hop and R&B as a whole remains evident these days, so they wanted to celebrate their history rather than compete. “Let’s come together and do that Bad Boy, So So Def in Atlanta. It ain’t no Verzuz, it’s just hit for hit,” Diddy said last summer.

During JD’s appearance at I Am Athlete, he said that the two would be going hit-for-hit in 2023. The producer hyped up the upcoming event, comparing it to the Super Bowl. Overall, Verzuz has been rather lowkey since last summer, so we could imagine Swizz Beatz and Timbaland have been setting up some big battles for the return of the iconic live stream series. We’ll keep you posted on anymore details surrounding their battle. Check out Puff’s announcement above and let us know who you think will win. Are you Team So So Def or Team Bad Boy? 

Timbaland Provides Update On “Verzuz”

Timbaland provided an update on Verzuz during a new interview with Variety. He explained to the outlet that the series isn’t going away and is actually about to get an upgrade. Verzuz has been off the air since last summer as they prepare for season 3.

“Yeah, we’re about to go to the next level, and when you do that, there’s always little bumps in the road, a few hiccups. But we’re about to make an announcement,” he explained to the outlet. “I can’t really talk about who we got on it because the paperwork’s not in yet, but this one’s gonna be pretty cool. Me and Swizz are still involved in a big way, and we’re doing something that nobody’s ever seen — it’s not like a battle, but it’s me and him. When you see it, you’re gonna be like, Oh, that’s kind of different.”

Timbaland With Swizz Beatz

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – JUNE 10: Swizz Beatz and Timbaland perform during the 2018 Hot 97 Summer Jam at MetLife Stadium on June 10, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)

Timbaland’s comments echo similar remarks recently made by his Verzuz co-creator, Swizz Beatz. Beatz spoke with Vibe about the state of the show during an interview, last month. “Big, big, big announcements,” Beatz teased. “The world know if they haven’t heard nothing from Verzuz for this long that, sh*t, something’s cooking. That’s a smart person [that’s] thinking that something is cooking. It’s been fun. We just.. Me and Tim wanted to reevaluate. We started in the basement and it went global, worldwide and sometimes you’ve got to pull it in and give the 2.0 version because you know what people want, you know, what you could have done different. You know, it’s like starting in a Mom & Pop’s store. Now, it’s like a major thing, so we’ve got to make it an even more major thing.”

There is still no premiere date for a third season of Verzuz, however, Swizz Beatz does have a release date for his next music project. On Tuesday, the legendary producer announced Hip Hop 50: Vol. 2, in conjunction with Mass Appeal for Hip Hop 50: The Soundtrack. The new project is dropping on April 21.

[Via]

Jim Jones Says Jadakiss Missed Opportunity To Drop A Project After Their “Verzuz”

Jim Jones says that Jadakiss missed a “hell of an opportunity” to drop a project after The LOX went head-to-head with Dipset on Verzuz in August 2021. Speaking with AllHipHopTV during a new interview, Jones explained that anything Jadakiss could’ve put out would’ve gone platinum.

“‘Kiss reaped a lot of benefits from the Verzuz, man,” Jones said in the discussion. “I mean, we all do things different and shit like that, but he had a hell of an opportunity to do a lot. I wish that he would have dropped a project at that time because it didn’t even matter what he would have put out in that window of time that he had. He could’ve just took eight records he had in the stash and just put them bitches out, that bitch was going platinum.”

Jim Jones & Jadakiss On “Verzuz”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 03: Jadakiss of The Lox and Jim Jones of Dipset perform onstage during Verzuz: The Lox Vs Dipset at Madison Square Garden on August 03, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

From there, he added: “That was one thing I wish he would’ve did as me being a fan and me being a n***a in the industry. Like, ‘Yo, man, it’s a moment, he’s supposed to go. Next day, single out, everything. I’m in the studio right now with Swizz tonight, like n***a!’”

While he didn’t end up capitalizing on the moment to release new music, Jadakiss did put in work behind the scenes. Speaking to Complex in 2022, Jadakiss revealed that he used his leverage at the time to renegotiate his record contract with Def Jam. “My numbers went up for hostings and walkthroughs, for shows, and TV cameos,” he said at the time. “Just in general my numbers went up. It also showed Def Jam that they got to do the right thing [and] restructure my contract. It really showed the world my true worth, what I can do.” Last month, Jadakiss announced that he’s working on a new mixtape titled Kiss the South, but didn’t provide a release date.

Jim Jones On Jadakiss’ Missed Opportunity

[Via]

Ray J Wants A “Verzuz” Rematch With Sammie, Pleasure P, & Bobby Valentino

Ray J says he wants a Verzuz rematch with Sammie, Pleasure P, and Bobby Valentino. He explained why he wants to “run it back” during an Instagram post on Friday night. The group previously faced off back in June 2022.

“Listen, everybody talking ’bout their get back on Verzuz. I want my get back,” he began. “You know what I’m saying? Can I get my get back, Sammie? Can I get my get back, P? Even Bobby Valentino, you switched sides fam. When I looked back you was on they side. I know ya’ll all from the A but God damn, we supposed to be a team. Ya’ll back there singing my songs and shit, throwing me off.”

Ray J With Brandy

OXON HILL, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 05: Ray J and Brandy attend 2019 Urban One Honors at MGM National Harbor on December 05, 2019 in Oxon Hill, Maryland. (Photo by Brian Stukes/WireImage)

In the past, Ray J previously blamed his poor performance on being drunk on Casamigos, but now is saying that he “over-rehearsed.” “I over-rehearsed, you know? I learned from what I did wrong and I want my get back, too. Can ya’ll run me my get back? I’m ready to get back right now. Were we at?” He further added: I done drank my tea. Pops done got me right. You feel what I’m saying? Brandy got me strong mentally.”

In response to the new request, fans shared plenty of laughs in the comments section of Ray J’s post. “They was singing his songs is what had me in TEARS,” one wrote. Another joked, “you want that embarrassment again, really?” Ray J even commented in response to the fans, “NAH I LOST AND WON – I JUST WANNA WIN 4Real!!”

Despite wanting another shot against the group, Ray J has asked fans to leave his Verzuz performance in the past. “Can we put this behind us. Lol leave it in 2022???” he said at the dawn of the new year. Check out his full explanation on wanting a rematch with Sammie, Pleasure P, and Bobby Valentino on Verzuz below.

Ray J Pleads For A “Verzuz” Rematch

[Via]

Jadakiss Finally Responds To Jim Jones’ “Verzuz” Rematch 

Verzuz remains a hot topic in the culture, despite the series slowing down. We haven’t seen many match-ups over the last few months but Swizz Beatz and Timbaland have insisted it will return soon. Some have pitched the idea of Lil Wayne vs. 50 Cent, though the Verzuz founder shut that down quickly as fans debated the outcome. However, Jim Jones has been the most vocal about entering the ring. Following the Dipset vs. Lox pairing, the Harlem rapper wants to have a proper set-up in some sort of capacity whether it’s between collectives or a solo battle.

Most recently, Jim Jones said that he wanted to see Jadakiss, the undefeated Verzuz champ, and the LOX at Madison Square Garden for a rematch. Though Dipset and The LOX went down in the Hulu Theater, Jones thinks New York City deserves to see their heroes perform in the same place where the Knicks play. He explained to AllHipHop that between the security clearance, the stage set-up, and other factors – including Dipset’s lack of preparation – left them in a position to lose. However,  he made it clear that, under the right circumstances, the outcome would be much different.

Jadakiss Responds To Jim Jones

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 03: Jadakiss of <a href=The Lox and Jim Jones of Dipset perform onstage during Verzuz: The Lox Vs Dipset at Madison Square Garden on August 03, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)” class=”wp-image-653238″ srcset=”https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/GettyImages-1332335491-1.jpg 4124w, https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/GettyImages-1332335491-1.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/GettyImages-1332335491-1.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/GettyImages-1332335491-1.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/GettyImages-1332335491-1.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/GettyImages-1332335491-1.jpg?resize=2048,1366 2048w, https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/GettyImages-1332335491-1.jpg?resize=1500,1000 1500w” sizes=”(max-width: 4124px) 100vw, 4124px” />
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 03: Jadakiss of The Lox and Jim Jones of Dipset perform onstage during Verzuz: The Lox Vs Dipset at Madison Square Garden on August 03, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

At the end of the day, the rematch would largely be for the city of New York, according to Jim. “I think we need proper respect of doing it in the Garden, the big Garden, with proper security, set up right so everybody have breathing room,” he said as he invited Jadakiss, Styles P and Sheek Louch to square off against Dipset, again. “Not using it as no excuse, but we need a rematch for the city. I’m puttin’ it out there like Rocky after he lost to Apollo Creed … And we gonna be ready like hot spaghetti.”

Jadakiss has a change of heart after shooting down the possibilities last year. During an interview with Vibe, the rapper chuckled at the proposal before revealing that he was open for it. “You gotta talk to my advisors,” Jadakiss said. “I would love to run it back, you know what I mean? Why not? For sure.” If Jadakiss enters the ring, it would mark his third Verzuz battle following his face-off against Fabolous and then the Lox vs. Dipset battle. We’ll see if anything comes of it. However,

[Via]