On Saturday (Feb. 27), R&B fans got a treat in the form of legendary crooner D’Angelo putting on a Verzuz concert with the assist of some of his fellow recording artist friends such as Method Man, Redman, H.E.R. and more. Needless to say, the night was much needed and very much appreciated by all of those who pulled up via social media.
Some of the celeb watchers even included the likes of Snoop Dogg, Omarion, Lena Waithe, LaToya Luckett, Lenny Kravitz, Juicy J, Tank and much more.
Even though the night was one to remember, thanks to D’Angelo’s classic catalogue of hits, many wondered why this was the very first Verzuz to be done solo. As fans of the IG Live series knows by now, the whole point of the virtual show is for two artists to “battle” with their songs, as opponents going round for round with their back to back hits, and fans who watch crown who’s their personal winner of each showdown at the end of the 20 or so rounds.
Well, after tonight’s show, Verzuz founders Swizz Beatz and Timbaland revealed the real reason D’Angelo didn’t musically duke it out with anyone this time around. Swizz admitted that the “Untitled” singer was actually supposed to be accompanied by fellow R&B titan Maxwell and this show was scheduled for Valentine’s Day.
“That didn’t work out…the fact that D’Angelo was still ready to go…and motivated, we had to celebrate him…no matter who was on stage with him,” Swizz said. “We had to celebrate that king because, as you can see, those songs that he played tonight, man, that’s real music and this is celebrational stage…and we couldn’t play around with him. We had to let him get his garden because he showed up and showed out.”
He continued: “That man pulled up to Verzuz three hours early. D’Angelo was the earliest in Verzuz history tonight. So, don’t get him showing up at the time he did (an hour after the show was scheduled to start) mixed up with the pre-show, which was by DJ Scratch.”
Damn, a Verzuz with D’Angelo and Maxwell would’ve been legendary. But, D definitely held it down tonight and his set was just as epic. Watch Swizz make this reveal below.