STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Jill Scott and Erykah Badu Surpass Teddy Riley And Babyface’s Instagram Record By A Landslide

Even Michelle Obama turned up for the neo-soul face off.

With soulful voices, chart-topping catalogs and legions of fans, Jill Scott and Erykah Badu broke Teddy Riley and Babyface's previous record during their highly anticipated IG Live battle. 

  • For the latest iteration of Swizz Beatz and Timbaland’s ongoing celebration of Black music, Erykah and Jill took to Instagram on Saturday (May 9). Their music matchup marked the first time female artists participated in a “Verzuz” battle, and it was moment that many were looking forward to. 

    Come Saturday night, the match was everything fans hoped for, and more.

  • According to CNN, over 700,000 viewers tuned into Erykah and Jill’s livestream, surpassing Riley and Babyface’s previous record for half a million viewers.

    Over the course of three hours, the two award-winning singers took turns playing a selection of their hits as well songs they’ve written for others. Throughout the match, Erykah and Jill expressed their mutual admiration for each other’s artistry and just vibed off each other. The night was also marked by the appearance of our forever First Lady Michelle Obama in the comment’s section

     

  • Many of those who watched the session were deeply moved by the love and respect Erykah and Jill displayed for each other. 

    “The joy of blackness was deeply felt today and I needed that light, that love, that community the way only we do it,” Ava DuVernay wrote on Twitter. “Blessings and beauty to the Queens Erykah Badu and Jill Scott. The harmony, hope and humanity you shared tonight was simply exquisite.”

  • See what else people are saying about Erykah Badu and Jill Scott’s live stream below

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.