Twitter is known for unpopular opinions and turning the most random subjects into trending topics. Today (Aug. 31), the social media platform was no different as users engaged in the newest debate: Sade vs. Jhené Aiko.
Shortly after midnight, Twitter user @KammyTaughtYou began the conversation when she tweeted, “TL sleep? Y’all give Sade a lot.” She then followed up with another tweet that read, “Sade is thin & light skinned & was humming on them tracks. At least Jhené gives us DRAMA.”
The tweet went viral making Sade a trending topic as fans of the “Smooth Operator” singer commented in defense of the soul singer.
“Not you comparing Jhené’s sex starved whispers to Sade’s novel R&B innovative sound THEN making it into a colorism argument,” one penned in response to the tweet that sparked the discussion.
Another user questioned why the comparisons were even a thing, tweeting, “What I don’t understand is why are they being pitted against each other.”
Halle Berry chimed in on the conversation defending the “No Ordinary Love” singer. “I know y’all not comin for Sade Adu,” she tweeted. “I know I heard that wrong.”
A third Twitter user showed support for both singers. “I like both artists. Sade is the prototype. Jhene is the update,” the tweet read. “I doubt Jhene would support a fan making a disparaging remark about one of her influences, in the name of colorism. Colorism is valid, and desirability. Both apply to both artists, AND both artists are talented w/o*.”
The Sade vs. Jhené Aiko debate is the latest in a series of comparisons and imaginary battles on social media. Following the Verzuz series, Black Twitter went crazy over who would be the potential winner if R&B singers Chris Brown and Usher went head to head. They have sounded off on what it would be like if T.I. battled 50 Cent and gave their thoughts on what would happen in a Verzuz matchup between Keyshia Cole and Ashanti.
Check out some of the Sade and Jhené Aiko comparisons below.