The deep history between Jeezy and Gucci Mane is well documented. From the release of “So Icy” back in 2005 to now, both artists have experienced A LOT in the streets and on wax. Over a decade later, here we are with a heavyweight match courtesy of Verzuz, led by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, celebrating the storied careers of two of Trap Music’s biggest architects.
The first battle to kick off season two of Verzuz was originally scheduled to be T.I facing off against the Snowman, but even Tip had to acknowledge that this was “what the people want to see.” Tonight was a monumental moment for hip hop, as well as the city, so in appropriate fashion tonight’s match-up took place at Atlanta’s Magic City.
Let’s dive into some of the biggest highlights of an unforgettable night below.
1. The Entrance
Concluding a DJ set filled with Atlanta and down south anthems, both Jeezy and Gucci Mane made their way to the stage paying homage to the emerging, yet late star King Von. A fitting start.
2. Stacey Abrams Makes An Appearance
Before we got into the main event, Georgia politician Stacey Abrams made an early appearance to speak about the importance of voting, as well as protecting oneself from Coronavirus. Gucci joked about having her clear his record for a lighthearted intro into the night’s festivities.
3. Gucci Starts With a Diss Record
Out the gate, Gucci Mane set things off in his first round by opening it with “Round 1,” which takes direct shots at Jeezy with a hook crafted specifically for the night, with his entourage going off in the back — a stark contrast from Jeezy’s section.
“The dope game hard, the rap game easy, this is round one, Gucci Mane Verzuz Jeezy.”
4. Jeezy Sticks To The Classics Early
Dropping the classics that began the legend of The Snowman, Jeezy played anthems like “Trap or Die” and “Standing Ovation,” reminding the millions of viewers of the movement that Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation sparked after it hit the streets. Sticking to the strategy early.
5. Throwbacks Vs. New Anthems
After about four rounds in Gucci calls out Jeezy for only playing old records. Then, he drops his hit “Both” featuring Drake, flexing his longevity over the years and Jeezy counters with the fan-favorite “Go Crazy” with JAY-Z. Two joints with the leading artists from the respective era.
6. It Was One of The Highest-Viewed Verzuz And Stars Were In The Building
Unlike most of the past Verzuz matches, there was a good crowd in attendance for this one, even stars from Rick Ross to DJ Drama to P from QC. It was clear from the start of this match that this was a huge moment for the culture, and the views showed that with over 1.8 million people tuning in on IG Live alone.
7. Gucci Plays “Truth,” Jeezy Counters With “Get Ya Mind Right”
After a very debatable set of rounds with both artists dropping hit after hit, Gucci shifts the energy and plays his diss track “Truth.” Undoubtedly one of the most memorable moments of their beef, which references the history of their issues in the streets and what resulted from it. Jeezy responds by telling Gucci that he reached out to him to put their past issues behind them and fires back with “Get Ya Mind Right.”
8. Gucci and Jeezy Perform “So Icy” To End The Battle
Despite all that transpired throughout the Verzuz, Gucci and Jeezy officially squashed their beef — hopefully once and for all — by performing “So Icy” together. After the song ended, they said that it was all love and respect between them. Amazing way to close the match.
9. Jeezy Teases The Recession 2 and Gucci Mane Announces Trap God Classics
Tonight, Jeezy will be releasing the sequel to his 2008 album The Recession and Gucci announced that he would be dropping Trap God Classics filled with some of his most iconic records. What a night full of Trap Music and memories!