Speaking virtually with Nick Cannon on Power 106, John Legend expressed his appreciation for Swizz Beatz and Timbaland’s Instagram Live Verzuz series and revealed he’s game to go head-to-head for an episode.
It was Cannon who suggested that Legend be partnered against his “The Voice” colleague, Alicia Keys.
“I think that’d probably be the best thing,” Legend agreed. “And, honestly, I think we would do it. If we did it, [it would be] like a dueling piano thing… I think we will.”
“But, what I do love about the way it’s been been going so far is we’re seeing producers and writers, more than just artists,” Legend said about the virtual series. “Because the producers and writers, what’s so cool about it, is you didn’t maybe know they produced this song, or know they were behind that.”
“For us, for me and Alicia, you know it’s our song, ‘cause we were the front person on them. We were on the radio singing them,” he continued. “But, for all of these producers, like Teddy [Riley], Babyface and all these others producers you’re like, ‘Oh I didn’t know they were behind that song,’ and that’s really part of the joy and the education of watching Verzuz. You’re really learning music history [about] all these hits that you love, and they’re telling you, ‘Oh, I was behind that.’”
The next scheduled Verzuz will be between Erykah Badu and Jill Scott tomorrow night (May 9). The past few weeks have seen everyone from Teddy Riley and Babyface to T-Pain and Lil Jon go face-to-face with their greatest hits. Badu and Scott’s showdown will also mark the first Verzuz installment featuring female opponents.
“It’s time for the Queens to represent,” Swizz had announced on Instagram. “[Erykah Badu] vs [Jill Scott] the paper work is in [Timbaland.] Shout out [Femme It Forward] let’s Go may 9th the day before Mother’s Day Zone.”
Watch Legend and Cannon’s full conversation below.