Brandy and Monica’s virtual reunion and concert was the emotional break we didn’t know we needed

The Verzuz virtual concert series was created by musicians/producers Swizz Beatz and Timbaland earlier this year at the onset of the pandemic as a way for us to still enjoy music, concerts, and conversations with some of our favorite artists. Each installation of the series features artists from similar eras, who go song for song playing some of their most popular songs and hits.

The Brandy vs. Monica edition of the series felt like it would never happen, as the two had not spoken for eight years, and had some air to clear. So when the collaboration was officially announced by the Verzuz team, the internet exploded with excitement.

It was well worth the wait and all of the hype. For many of us, it was emotional, it was nostalgic, and it was just what the community needed after months of trauma, angst, and economic stress.

They played songs that for many of us, were the soundtracks of our childhood, and for others, the soundtracks of their love lives. They smiled and enjoyed one another, held hands, and were even joined by Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris on-screen. We were enthralled by love and the epitome of Black Girl Magic for three hours.

This edition of the series also SHATTERED records with a combined total viewership of 6 million people, 100+ million in-stream likes, 5 billion impressions, and 1.9 million tweets worldwide. It was the #1 trending topic in the digital space and was the most viewed Verzuz battle to date. Brandy and Monica’s old and new songs took over 30 of the 40 top R&B songs on Apple Music and several of their older albums have re-entered the charts.

Clearly, this moment was more than what anyone could have anticipated, and the virtual event many of us needed.