Swizz Beatz and Timbaland are responding to criticism after news surfaced that Verzuz — the popular Instagram matchup series — was acquired by the Triller Network.

After news of the deal hit social media on Tuesday (March 9), “Power” star Michael Rainey Jr. took to Instagram to call out the Verzuz creators for being “sellouts.” On his Instagram Story, he wrote, “Can’t ever just have something of our own. It’s always bout the money.” In a follow-up post, he wrote, “Cool move, but these niggas still sellouts.”

Swizz and Timbaland issued a response to Rainey Jr.’s comments on Hollywood Unlocked’s Instagram page. “But we own Triller,” the Ruff Ryders producer wrote, followed by a laughing emoji. “We own everything. Tell who done that,” replied Timbaland.

Instagram // @HollywoodUnlocked

Earlier Tuesday, the mega-producers took to Instagram to celebrate the news. “By the artist for the artist with the people!!! #Verzuztriller …. @triller @verzuztv,” the men both wrote on their own pages. “Life begins after your comfort zone…… Let’s go……..Thx for all your support.”

As REVOLT previously reported, Swizz and Timbaland will serve as brand visionaries on Triller’s Verzuz management team. Additionally, they are now “larger shareholders” of the program and have designated a portion of their equity “to the 43 artists who have performed on the Verzuz stage.”

John Legend, DMX, Alicia Keys, 2 Chainz, Rick Ross, Too Short, Patti LaBelle, Gucci Mane, Jeezy, E-40, Ludacris, RZA, The Dream, Babyface, Nelly, Jagged Edge, Fred Hammond, Jadakiss, Fabolous, Brandy, Monica, Gladys Knight, Boi-1da, Hit-Boy, Ne-Yo, Johnta Austin, Scott Storch, T-Pain, Lil Jon, DJ Premier, Mannie Fresh, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, 112, Kirk Franklin, Sean Garrett, and D’Angelo are all artists who are now partners in the Triller Network.

“I don’t think there’s another company in the world that would let us bring in 43 artists-friends to participate in ownership of a company that’s valued at over a billion plus dollars,” Swizz told Billboard. “They came very strong and also with many creatives that are owners in the company already. That was a sign for us of being a perfect fit — and very disruptive.”