Verzuz

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

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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”

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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.

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

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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

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

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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

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Jadakiss Finally Responds To Jim Jones’ “Verzuz” Rematch 

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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,

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Swizz Beatz Isn’t Down For A 50 Cent & Lil Wayne “Verzuz”

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One of the hottest topics in hip-hop these days probably won’t pan out, but hope manifested in another way. Swizz Beatz recently expressed that he wouldn’t personally entertain a Verzuz battle between Lil Wayne and 50 Cent. Moreover, the battle series’ creator attended an early screening of Godfather Of Harlem‘s final episode, a show for which he’s Executive Music Producer. At the event, BallerAlert got his thoughts on the hypothetical matchup, which began as a hot debate on Rap Life Radar as people like Lowkey and later Ebro sided with 50. However, even though Swizz shut down its probability, he said he still wants them to appear on the program.

“Me personally, I wouldn’t even do 50 versus Wayne,” the star producer told the publication. “They two different dynamics and two different artists. I would do a different Verzuz for both of them, but we’ll see as we have a lot of things lined up for Verzuz, and hopefully, they are involved. While I can’t give up who I would choose to go against them, just wait and see.”

50 Cent & Lil Wayne Verzuz Not Entertained By Swizz Beatz Amid Debate

Not only that, but the 44-year-old also said that the series will return “ASAP,” and promised that work on it is almost done. Furthermore, he shared excitement for other creative endeavors in the future. Specifically, he spoke about what collaborations he looks forward to, which means a lot considering the extent and caliber of his catalog. “I’ll choose my bro, Lil Durk, because I love what he raps about and how he’s going through it simultaneously,” he said.

“When I was working with DMX, I heard in Durk’s music the situations he was going through in his lyrics – artists like Lil Baby, 42 Dugg, and Durk; there’s so many of them. They, sometimes, overly live through what they saying. I don’t think we should live on the streets just to get back in the streets.” Maybe fans will never truly know the answer to who would win in a Verzuz. Still, hopefully he still works more with both artists in the future. For the latest news and updates on Swizz Beatz, 50 Cent, and Lil Wayne, come back to HNHH.

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Young Guru Claims Lil Wayne Would “Wash” 50 Cent In A “Verzuz”

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Hip-hop culture’s been debating about who would win in a Verzuz battle between 50 Cent and Lil Wayne, and Young Guru is the latest legend to chime in. Moreover, this all started with multiple media personalities giving their thoughts on the subject, including Ebro, DJ Envy, and their respective radio crews. However, considering that he’s Jay-Z’s longtime engineer, his harsh assessment might just ring harder than any previous take. Furthermore, he took to his Instagram Story to try to set the record straight and speak authoritatively on the subject. Whether he’s right or not, perhaps we’ll never know, but it seems like a 50-50 split as to who would claim victory (or 50-Weezy, I guess).

“For the record y’all are crazy. Wayne would wash 50. Period,” the acclaimed audio technician wrote. Also, he said that To elaborate, here are some takes from other figures who recently debated the issue. First up is Ebro, who said that “what Jadakiss did to Dipset…Is what 50 will do to Wayne.” Eddie Francis disagreed on Rap Life Review, saying that a “wash” is impossible. To be fair, it is a tight race (consider this writer in Tunechi’s corner, with all due respect). Still, Lowkey argued on the program that he needs a carefully curated setlist to stand a chance against the G-Unit mogul.

Young Guru: Lil Wayne Would “Wash” 50 Cent

“Wayne don’t have a Get Rich or Die Tryin,‘” Low claimed, and blasphemously so for many (is Tha Carter III nothing to you?). “We’re not talking about what we like… We’re talking about in a crowd. [50 Cent] is a mainstream monster; Wayne is a cultural mainstream monster. But when we talk about these hits? When we talk about these bodies of work? When we talk about these smashes? I ain’t saying 50’s gonna wash Wayne, but if Wayne is not sequenced right and is not positioned correctly, that could be a very long f***ing night for Dwayne Carter.”

Meanwhile, DJ Envy agreed on The Breakfast Club, although he said it’s closer than many think. Regardless of all that, it’s still highly unlikely that we’ll ever get to answer this question. After all, 50’s dismissed the idea of doing a Verzuz, especially since it was more of a pandemic thing that hasn’t fully come back. On his end, the Young Money icon said that Roc-A-Fella would be the “best competition” against his label in a battle. As such, fans can only keep their fingers crossed and hope that the two incredible MCs look at all the buzz and say, “You know what, why not?” Come back to HNHH to see if that ever happens, and for the latest on 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, and Young Guru.

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DJ Envy Believes 50 Cent Would Beat Lil Wayne In A “Verzuz” Battle

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Though Verzuz hasn’t made a full comeback post-pandemic, DJ Envy shared his thoughts on a potential battle between Lil Wayne and 50 Cent on The Breakfast Club. Over the past few years, people have suggested opponents for Fif and Weezy separately, though no one really thought a match-up like this would make sense. After all, by the time 50 Cent released Curtis, Lil Wayne was on pace to drop off his biggest commercial success, Tha Carter III. Still, DJ Envy felt as though the Louisiana rapper wouldn’t be able to compete against Fif if they went 20-for-20.

The hypothetical battle initially came up during Apple Music’s Rap Life Review with Lowkey, Nadaska, and Eddie Francis. Lowkey and Francis said that Wayne would need the right sequencing to compete against 50 Cent. “Wayne don’t have a Get Rich Or Die Tryin’,” Lowkey said, explaining that he’s speaking exclusively on a Verzuz battle. “I ain’t sayin’ 50 gonna wash Wayne but if Wayne’s not sequenced right, and it’s not positioned correctly, that could be a very long fucking night.”

DJ Envy Choose 50 Cent Over Lil Wayne

Envy agreed with Lowkey’s assessment of the battle between the two cultural icons but Charlamagne took it as a shot toward the South. “Yes, Lil Wayne doesn’t have a Get Rich but Lil Wayne has massive, massive amounts of hits… One album cannot win you a Verzuz,” he said. However, Envy explained why he sided with Lowkey on the matter. “He is right… Get Rich or Die Tryin’ is a classic album but you can’t sit there and act like Lil Wayne doesn’t have classic bodies of work,” he said.

At this point, Charlamagne explained that people would definitely tune in for that showdown but 50 Cent “would need something more than just Get Rich Or Die Tryin’  to go against one of the top five, potentially top 3, greatest rappers alive.” Charlamagne added that Wayne already had a stacked catalog by the time the Young Money era began. “Now, 50 Cent would win that battle,” Envy stated before Charlamagne interrupted. “It would be 20 and 20. I do,” Envy added. Check his comments above.