Tag: Verzuz

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Funkmaster Flex Unveils DMX’s Unreleased Song

DMX Unreleased Song Unveil By Funkmaster Flex
DMX. Image source: Getty Images/Kevin Winter.

Famed DJ Funkmaster Flex continues to make hip-hop headlines by issuing on-air challenges to industry veterans. However, on top of this, Flex also achieved pretty impressive results. This included the implication that veteran greats such as Ghostface Killah are creating again.

Despite these successes, Flex managed to outdo himself recently. The DJ challenged the ever-busy producer Swizz Beats on a recent show to release previously unreleased DMX songs. Swizz frequently collaborated with the legendary late MC. He even worked on DMX’s final product, the posthumously released album “Exodus.”  

How It Started

Flex’s quest for new DMX music began last week when on his September 1st broadcast, a challenge rang across the radio speakers. 

Flex stated, “I heard that there are several unreleased, never coming out DMX songs…I challenge you in six days to get me one of those DMX songs…That’s what New York City wants…” the direct nature is fitting with Flex’s other recent challenges. A few short days later, Swizz answered Flex’s call.

Funkmaster Flex graced the world on Friday’s show with a never-before-heard DMX track. The track consists of X’s trademarked aggressive and passionate lyrics laced over the classic beat of “Ain’t No Half-Steppin’.”

Despite rapping over a familiar beat by two of hip-hop’s all-time greats, Big Daddy Kane and Marley Marl, DMX still makes the track his own.  

A Hope For DMX’s Future Releases

Funkmaster Flex’s recent challenges have served hardcore hip-hop fans well over the past few months. Many dormant artists promised that new music was coming following these challenges. However, giving the world an unreleased song from an all-star rapper like DMX is a dream come true for many.

DMX’s tragic passing last year left a hole in the culture, but through this, a small piece managed to slip through the cracks. A blessing for all hip-hop fans, and hopefully, this is only the first of many lost songs that will find their way to the public.

Written by Ryan Fields

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Sony Music Files Suit Against Triller Over Licensing Fees

triller

Sony Music has filed a lawsuit against Triller over copyright infringement and breach of contract. The suit also alleges that Triller stopped paying licensing fees due under their agreement with Sony.

Sony Music allegedly entered into a content distribution agreement with Triller back in 2016. The two companies signed an amended version in December of 2021, but Triller stopped paying the license fees due under the agreement. Sony’s attorney Matthew Oppenheim released a statement on the lawsuit.

“Triller is a sophisticated party that purports to take intellectual property rights seriously when it benefits Triller,” Oppenheim wrote. The complaint went on to accuse Triller of displaying “brazen contempt for the intellectual property rights of Sony Music, its artists, and others.”

According to the complaint, Triller failed to make their monthly payments starting in March 2022. After months of requesting payments, Sony Music notified the social networking service that it was in breach of their contract. The agreement was then terminated on August 8.

Triller responds to Sony Music

However, Sony alleges that Triller continued to offer their artists’ music on the Triller app.  The social network offered its own statement on the lawsuit to The Hollywood Reporter on Tuesday.

“We have yet to be served, but from what we’ve seen, this lawsuit from Sony Music grossly mischaracterizes our relationship with them and leans into the bully persona large music labels are often criticized for,” the statement read. The company also says that all Sony music has been removed from their platform.

Meanwhile, Sony criticized Triller for its acquisitions of other platforms while leaving millions in fees unpaid. “During the exact same months that Triller was failing to make licensing payments to Sony Music, it went on a purchasing spree,” the complaint stated. Triller recently acquired platforms such as Julius and Fangage.

The lawsuit is the latest in a string of complaints against Triller. The news drops two weeks after a suit from Timbaland and Swizz Beatz over lack of payment for Verzuz. Triller announced on Monday that it was planning to go public in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Written by Olan Bryant

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FM Culture FM Legal Updates

Diddy Takes Stance Against Triller Amid Verzuz Lawsuit

diddy

Diddy has chosen to stand against Triller after the recent lawsuit by Verzuz creators Timbaland and Swizz Beatz. On Thursday, Diddy argued that the hip hop community should boycott Triller until the suit is settled and fair compensation has been reached. According to reports, Timbo and Swizz claim that Triller owes them $28 million.

Puff went on Instagram to clarify his stance on the lawsuit after mistaking Triller for Verzuz in a previous Live.

“When me and [Jermaine Dupri] were talking about Verzuz, I mistakenly said Verzuz instead of Triller,” he said. “So to clarify it, we’re not f*****g with Triller until they take care of Swizz and Tim for Verzuz.”

Diddy went on to repeat the message: “Nobody f***s with Triller until they take care of Tim and Swizz because Tim and Swizz is Verzuz. Am I being clear?”

Diddy’s announcement came after a conversation with Jermaine Dupri on the current state of R&B. As a result, the two agreed to have a song-for-song battle that wouldn’t be associated with Verzuz so that Triller could not capitalize from the matchup.

“Since we ain’t f*****g with Verzuz no more ’cause they f*****g around with our boys, we don’t need to be going against each other,” Puff said. “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.”

No definitive date has been set for the showdown between Diddy and JD.

The lawsuit between Triller and Verzuz

As mentioned, Swizz Beatz and Timbaland have filed a $28 million suit against Triller. Per TMZ, the two Hip Hop legends claim that the video-sharing service failed to uphold the financial end of their deal. Court documents show that Triller defaulted after only two payments.

 

The Genesis of Verzuz

Swizz and Timbo started Verzuz in 2020 as a way to lighten the mood during quarantine. In March 2021, Triller acquired Verzuz and incorporated it into the Triller Network. As part of the deal, the two producers joined Triller to oversee its music department.

Triller responded to the accusations, claiming that the two have collected nearly $50 million in cash from the sale. News of the lawsuit broke on Tuesday night, with no word on if it will proceed to court.

Written by Olan Bryant

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FM Legal Trending

Timbaland And Swizz Beatz To Sue Triller Over Verzuz Payments

Timbaland And Swizz Beatz To Sue Video Platform Triller Over Verzuz Sale

The video platform Triller is in quite a bit of trouble with legendary producers, Swizz Beatz and Timbaland. The platform purchased the popular online phenomenon, Verzuz, for $28 million, but allegedly hasn’t made payments since January. According to the lawsuit filed Tuesday, Triller failed to make a payment in January but agreed to pay $18 million in March. The rest was to be paid over the following 10 months. However, Triller didn’t make these payments, despite them being adjusted.

However, Triller representatives tell a different story. In an email to The Verge, reps claim the pair are the “greatest beneficiaries of Triller to date.” Not only that, but they claim to be counter-suing for $50 million in damages. And in a statement made to Billboard, a representative claimed the facts are on their side.

Triller has helped fuel Verzuz to new heights—making it the global cultural phenomenon it is today. We hope to resolve this amicably and quickly, and truly hope it’s just a misunderstanding.

Last year, the app’s owner Ryan Kavanaugh announced a merger with the company SeaChange. The new company, TrillerVerz, was supposed to go public this year. However, in June, the company announced, with little fanfare, that they were scrapping the collab. This isn’t stopping the company from going public by itself. However, this issue with Timb and Swizz Beatz might throw a wrench in their plans.

The Origin Of Verzuz And The Aftermath

Timbaland and Swizz started the Verzuz series in 2020 in the first year of the pandemic. Triller purchased the webcast just last year. The show continues to be popular amongst social media users, though some say they miss the old, more “authentic” format.

It’s uncertain who, at this point in time, is telling the truth. However, the facts are sure to come out in court when the time comes.

Written by Kimberly Stelly | Instagram | Twitter  | Tumblr

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Usher Speaks On Verzuz Battle With Chris Brown

Chris Brown Usher
Image via Getty Images

It has been put into the universe that a Verzuz battle between Chris Brown and Usher is what fans want. In an interview with  E!’s Daily Pop, Usher said that there is no Verzuz battle scheduled but spoke about the possibility of doing battle with live performances. “There was a flyer that was put together. It’s not official, no, we’re not doing that,” he said. “But I can appreciate what I see. Nah, there’s no Verzuz. I don’t think y’all ready for nothing like that. You might be ready for something like that on stage, maybe in the future. Stay tuned.” Other names that were thrown out for a battle with Usher were Ne-Yo and Trey Songz.

Brown also spoke on the battle last month on N.O.R.E’s podcast Drink Champs. “It only makes sense, but it gotta make more sense,” he said during the interview. “I think it would be something good for the fans, but it would have to make sense for both of us.”

 

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Usher and Chris Brown’s Upcoming Shows

Usher is gearing up to do his second Las Vegas residency called My Way. The shows kick off on July 22 at the Dolby Live Theater until October. Tickets and packages are on sale now. He joins Silk Sonic, Lady Gaga and Aerosmith as a Dolby Live residency performer. Last year, he had a residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

Chris Brown is hitting the road on a co-headlining tour with Lil Baby this summer on their One Of Them Ones Tour. The tour will also kick off on July 22 at the Madison Square Garden in New York. Other stops include Toronto, Cincinnati, Charlotte and Houston. It will conclude on August 27, coincidentally in Las Vegas, with tickets on sale now. It may be a reach but Usher is also playing two shows that weekend, which Brown could maybe make an appearance at the afterparty.

Written By: Roy Lott

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Cherry Juice

Khia And Trina’s Longstanding Beef Stretches To 20 Years

khia

It is intriguing to speculate about what would happen if two outspoken women encountered each other. After all these years, it would be great if these two women could reach a shared understanding and move forward in their lives. Khia Shamone Finch and Katrina Laverne Taylor, known as rappers Trina and Khia, have not been on good terms for the past two decades.

Furthermore, the beef returned when a clip of the “My Neck, My Back” rapper surfaced on the internet in May 2020, in which she challenged Trina to a HIT (verzuz) battle. “You wanna have a HIT battle, b*tch?” she said. “I got 285 hits to put on your a** b*tch.”

Khia also launched more personal attacks at Trina in a longer video on YouTube. As part of the attacks, Trina is accused of having no children, being promiscuous and failing to achieve success as a professional artist.

“Who’s sampling yo hits…slinky neck b*tch?” Khia said. “Who are you writing for, who is checking for you? You suck so much godd*mn d*ck your face, and your mind is paralyzed on the left side, and you don’t remember that you ain’t never had a hit b*tch.”

Trina Claps Back At Khia

As a result, the “Da Baddest B*tch” rapper decided to respond to Khia on her former Miami radio show, the Trick and Trina Morning Show, on 99JAMZ.

“When you girls or whatever you wanna be are calling my name, you wanna battle, you wanna do all this,” Trina said. “First of all, make sure you have 10 hits, make sure you have enough records, make sure you’re on my level if you think you wanna go toe to toe with me, ’cause you can not.”

According to Complex, this beef stems from Khia claiming that she wrote Trina’s song “Da Baddest B*tch” but never received recognition.

Recently, Trina appeared on Drink Champs with Noreaga. While discussing the situation with Khia demanding to battle Trina, she avoided mentioning her name.

“When it comes to this particular person, the level of disrespect is beyond,” she said. “I don’t know you. If I don’t know you, I’m not entertaining or feeding into you; that’s just me.”

Written by Nikiya Biggs

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Omarion And Mario’s Verzuz Night Was Both Enjoyable And Chaotic

Mario

Following the hilarious scenes at the Verzuz pre-show in Los Angeles, CA, on Thursday, June 23, which featured Sammie, Pleasure P, Bobby Valentino, and Ray J, there was a long wait due to Mario and Omarion’s tardiness. As a result, DeRay Davis entertained the crowd by playing music, demonstrating his rap skills, and telling jokes.

In contrast to the pre-show, this Verzuz was impeccable, despite Omarion’s screechy singing voice, overload of dancing, and Mario’s vulgar language. Mario began the performance by bringing to the stage three men posing as members of Omarion’s former R&B group B2K. Their movements indicated that they were mocking a viral video of Omarion performing a funny dance at a concert.

As the concert progressed, the singer introduced his brother, O’Ryan, the DJ. Suddenly, O’Ryan pulled out slices of watermelon for him and his brother to use as props to demonstrate the act of performing sexual acts on women. Furthermore, Omarion sang “Bria’s Interlude” by Drake, featuring himself as they continued to enjoy the watermelon. As soon as he finished a portion of the fruit, he handed it to an amazed woman in the audience.

Omarion’s watermelon moment was, however, a surprise to Mario. “That’s y’all king? Eating watermelon on a f**king Verzuz stage, my n**ga, ” he said.

Mario and Omarion continued to throw jabs at each other throughout the concert. However, there were no hard feelings between them. ” I need to change my clothes now. Let me cover up,” Mario said. Omarion responded, ” yeah, too many burritos.”

Verzuz Battle Songs – Mario and Omarion

In addition, Omarion opened his performance with his famous song “Touch” from 2005.

Then, Mario took the stage to perform his 2002 hit single, “Just a Friend.”

As Omarion continued to sing his hit single “O,” R&B singer Tank appeared on stage. There was great excitement in the crowd, and more people began recording the event on their mobile phones.

Moreover, Mario performed another hit single from 2002, titled “Braid My Hair,” wearing a Versace shirt made of gold and black.

Toward the show’s end, Omarion and Mario performed their biggest hits, “Ice Box” and “Let Me Love You.”

Reactions From Fans

Twitter is buzzing with activity! According to the majority of viewers, Mario won the Verzuz. What are your thoughts on this matter? For more opinions from fans, please refer to the tweets below.

Written by Nikiya Biggs

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Brandy Reacts to Ray J’s Viral Verzuz Performance

Brandy Ray J Verzuz Reaction Appears
Image source: 'TVONE URBAN ONE HONORS Chance The Rapper, Brandy & Ray J, Miss J. Alexander & More Reveal Their Dreams For The Next Generation' Jan 20, 2020.

Ray J has become an overnight meme after his rough rendition of “One Wish.” But Brandy is coming to the rescue.

Ray J Hits The Stage

Last night’s (Jun 23) Omarion/Mario Verzuz was action-packed, to put it extremely lightly. From a watermelon eating contest to verbal jabs to a medley of covers, it was chaotic in the best way. Like he tends to do, Ray J stood out as the unintentional comic relief. In addition to the titular battle of the night, Ray J treated the audience to a performance of his 2005 hit “One Wish.”

Reviews were…mixed.

https://twitter.com/thejessiewoo/status/1540158126758002689?s=21&t=6XNEyKIRYxwwdENguzHm_w

“Ray J was better off letting Sammie sing “One Wish” The vocals not vocaling,” one viewer typed.

“ray j clearly aint practice them vocals since one wish came out,” another account tweeted. Obviously, the Love and Hip Hop alumni wasn’t on his A-Game. After all, a lot has changed in 17 years. What hasn’t changed is the support from his sister Brandy Norwood.

Many noted while viewers, tweeters, and even fellow vocalists were poking fun at Ray J, Brandy stayed in his corner. The Grammy award-winning star could clearly be seen in the live Verzuz audience, smiling and holding up her phone. Despite the naysayers, Brandy looked particularly proud during her brother’s song.

https://twitter.com/itskary_/status/1540158360531730433?s=21&t=6XNEyKIRYxwwdENguzHm_w

 

 

Family matters

Indeed, The “Moesha” legend always takes up for her sibling. In 2018, Kim Kardashian and Ray J came to blows online after The Sun released an article alleging the “Sexy Can I” artist revealed some explicit details from their infamous sex tape. 

Kim then responded to the article on Twitter by calling Ray J a “pathological liar.” Ray subsequently posted an emotional video on Instagram vehemently denying the story. “I’ve done at least 10 interviews in the past 2weeks in #London and I’ve been respectful to everyone! These rumors are false and uncalled for!” Ray J typed in the caption. “My family is all that matters and that’s all I live for”. Clearly, this situation left him rattled. Of course, Brandy backed up her bro in the comments.

“RayJ you better use your voice for you and your family!!! But you don’t need this world’s approval,” she began. “If God Be For You, Nobody Can Be Against You!!! You are #Loved by the #Divine! #Unstoppable..we just gotta #SangOnEm”

That’s only one instance of Brandy’s family values. She fired back at For the Love of Ray J’s Monica’ Danger’ Leon after she alleged Ray J was secretly gay on a radio show. “I need Danger to watch her tongue!!!” She typed in a 2010 tweet. “To say my brother is gay because he didn’t return her calls is DUMB. Go get Help!!”

Sisters know best

Despite Brandy’s reliable sibling status, she’s not scared of showing tough love. The “Boy is Mine” icon hopped on Ray J’s Instagram page today to call out his rocky vocals. In addition to this, she humorously pointed out Ray J had been deleting her comments.

“Pops told me that you didn’t drink none of the tea I made for you. He also told me that you were talking all day when I specifically said NO TALKING and only drink water and the special tea I made for you at 4 in the freaking morning.” She finished with a playful dig, “If I had one wish, you would listen to your big sis sometimes and especially for @verzuztv “

Hopefully, next time Ray J will take his sister’s advice. For now, Our one wish is for this reality tv star to keep the mic on the stand.

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Dreema Carrington|IG: @dr3amgirl79|Twitter: @notdreema

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Vocal Abilities During Verzuz Pre-Show Earns D+

Vocal Abilities During Verzuz Pre-Show Earns D+
Ray J. Image source: VerzuzTV/Instagram.

Ray J and Bobby V teamed up against Pleasure P and Sammie. Questions about either team’s vocal abilities were not concerned before the pre-show started. Immediately that changed after the first song.

Sammie Vocals Shinned Through

Sammie had the best vocal abilities at the last Verzuz. Especially compared to everyone else on the pre-show card. He sounded almost identical to every track he performed. About midway through the pre-show, Sammie realized he was the best singer on the stage. He started flexing his abilities and singing everyone else’s songs. He even took time to outsing Ray J on “One Wish.”

https://twitter.com/MsBHoney/status/1540156098208010242?s=20&t=tMmDMgQcmtDgp3BAD10HhQ

The Vocals Lacked During The Pre-Show

Bobby V and Pleasure P stayed in the middle of the vocal pack. Both singers had a tough night, but Bobby V struggled more than Pleasure P. Most of the night, Bobby V had difficulties with his runs, high notes, staying in tune, and holding nights. Despite his struggles, he kept singing without the tracks playing. Pleasure P only struggled at the beginning of the pre-show, but as the night went on, his singing got better.

https://twitter.com/5_D/status/1540196165446094848?s=20&t=5ob6qU7O6WFZXm3TrnJADg

Ray J was the worst vocal performer of the Verzuz night. He beat out Omarion for the worst of the night. Nothing he performed sounded good. Fans were still ready to forgive Ray J; all he had to do was perform “One Wish” at a high level.

https://twitter.com/justincasecal/status/1540396665743577091?s=20&t=qDAvDfsO85OGzZ4z8rD2jA

He tried his best on his biggest song, but his vocals failed to get the job done. Ray J did so badly on the song that the other vocalist decided to help. Pleasure P, Sammie, and Bobby V all joined together to harmonize “One Wish.” This helped upset Ray J, and he displayed his disappointment.

https://twitter.com/true_beautii/status/1540212065196965888?s=20&t=P7gPsogKoEnQYqAtFVIz4w

https://twitter.com/Phil_Lewis_/status/1540165022097317891?s=20&t=SDllL592glmffMrATBUKJg

A Night of Chaos & Laughs

The pre-show was a vocal disaster. Sammie and, at times, Pleasure P were the only saving grace during the pre-show. Ray J and Bobby V had no chance against Pleasure P and Sammie. One team just had more hits and better performance. The pre-show was a mess, but Mario would ultimately come and save the entire night.

Click here to stay updated on the latest Verzuz news

Xavier “Writer X” Griffin | Facebook @WriterX93 |Twitter @WRITER_X_713| Instagram xaviegriffin81 

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UGK Battles 8Ball & MJG In Verzuz Battle This Week

UGK Battles 8Ball & MJG In Verzuz Battle This Week
Image source: Verzuz, Instagram.

The Swizz Beatz & Timbaland ran Verzuz series is one of Hip-Hop’s most entertaining gems in recent years. This Thursday, May 26th, legendary rap acts UGK will be battling 8Ball & MJG in Atlanta on Verzuz. The entire battle can also be streamed on the mobile app Triller at 8:00 pm EST on Thursday.

Both sides have memorable songs in their discographies. Depending on what tracks will get matched against in each round, I could see the battle going either way. Check out the official Instagram post from the Verzuz account previewing this legendary match-up:

 

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A post shared by VERZUZ (@verzuztv)

UGK Vs. 8Ball & MJB: Songs We’ll Likely Hear Thursday Night

An obvious pick for UGK’s arsenal is easily International Players Anthem (I Choose You) which features Outkast, another iconic Southern rap group. Not only is it one of their most significant records, but arguably a standout classic in the entire genre. While 8Ball & MJG have songs that can contend, it’ll stilljaUG be a hard record to beat with just any piece.

The duo also featured on Jay-Z’s smash single “Big Pimpin’,” which currently has over 50+ million views on Youtube alone. 8Ball & MJG have some hits under their belt, too, with songs like “Stay Fly” & “Space Age Pimpin’” that will go crazy during the Atlanta battle this week. If you haven’t heard any of these records, take a listen down below:

Who Will Be The Victor Thursday Night?

Who do you think will win? UGK battling 8Ball & MJG is a perfect match-up for any Southern Hip-Hop fan. They both have numerous songs together, but just as many as individual duos. And last, we hope to see Pimp C get tons of love & praise after this new installment of the Verzuz series.

Written by: Oryah Brown | Instagram: @oryah.wav

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