Swizz Beatz and Timbaland's simple virtual music competition from back in April, famously branded as their co-hosted Verzuz Instagram Live battles, has now launched into something out of a music fantasy factory. Legends going hit-for-hit during the pandemic have arguably become one of Instagram's most anticipated livestream events, from T-Pain vs. Lil Jon, Nelly vs. Ludacris, and Erykah Badu vs. Jill Scott among countless others.
Now, the heavenly sounds of Alicia Keys and John Legend are set to grace the Verzuz stage next in what is set to be a special Juneteenth celebration edition.
This battle looks to deliver Black healing, Black happiness, and Black soul as the two R&B legends dip into their vast music catalogs on this Black holiday. Both artists have extremely storied careers, with Alicia Keys having already won 15 Grammy awards, and John Legend being one of only 15 artists in history to have won at least one Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award.
After the battle is over, DJ D-Nice will also be hosting a virtual afterparty as well.
Prior to this battle, John Legend also released his soulful seventh studio album, Bigger Love. The project features the musical talents of Jhené Aiko, Koffee, Rapsody, Camper, and Gary Clark Jr as well as a lyric video for the closing track "Never Break" which features visuals Black love, liberation, and history.
Alicia Keys also released a new track on Juneteenth ahead of the battle, sharing "Perfect Way To Die" where she delivers a somber farewell over piano to the fallen Black sons and daughters who have been slain in this country.
You can tune in to Alicia Keys and John Legend's special Juneteenth Verzuz battle on the Verzuz official Instagram.
