10 Times Both Brandy And Monica Contributed to Black Culture

Source: Frank Micelotta Archive / Getty

Quarantine has given us a deeper appreciation for old school music through the Verzuz battles. What started as a way to distract the world from a global pandemic, ended up being one of the most joyful online events of our time. From Jill Scott and Erykah Badu to Beenie Man and Bounty Killer, music fans were able to take a walk down memory lane during these legendary battles.

When Verzuz first began, the fans made a demand for Brandy and Monica to go hit for hit. The two have always been musical rivals, despite the success of their song “The Boy is Mine.” Both credit the music industry for pitting the two Black women against each other. A lot of their feuds have been documented. From television interviews to subliminal posts and clapbacks in the comments, the two have definitely had a tumultuous past.

Could this Verzuz be a sign of reconciliation? Initially, Monica had no interest in participating in the online battle. In an interview with V103 she said, “I guess I kind of feel like, I understand the idea of it and I think it’s really, really entertaining and an incredible idea,” she said. “I think battles, one thing that has happened to me my whole career, is being put against someone else that I’m not even remotely similar to. I think the reality is, us being polar opposites makes it dope. And I tell people all the time, because the only battle or Verzuz they want to see with me is me against Brandy, and the reality is, people have put us against each other for twenty something years.”

She continued: “The reality is, I think ‘Boy Is Mine’ is such a phenomenal record because we’re polar opposites. And I think that’s dope. And she’s one of the greatest artists of our time as well, so could we do a celebration or something of that sort? That would be the only thing that makes sense to me. Because I’ve been trying to tell people for about 25 years, you can like both! You’re going to turn this into 1998 all over again and I have no interest in that.”

I personally think it’s senseless to hold onto a grudge from 20+ years ago. That’s heavy to carry. I’m happy both ladies are in a place where reconciliation can occur. This Verzuz battle comes highly anticipated. Ladies, get your black lip liner and iridescent lipgloss ready. Monday, August 31st is about to be crazy!

In honor of the Brandy/Monica celebration, we’re counting down 10 times they contributed to Black culture.

1. 1

Brandy Norwood has received a total of 7 Billboard music Awards. Her first was in 1995 where she won as the best new R&B artist and best R&B female. She also has 1 Grammy Award, 1 American Music Award, among many more.

2. 2

Monica Brown has collected 1 Billboard Music Award, 1 Grammy Award, 1 BET Award, and 2 BMI Pop Awards.

3. 3

Brandy starred in UPN’s popular half-hour comedy series “Moesha”. The show was recently picked up by Netflix, so fans can binge watch her antics.

4. 4

Monica Denise Brown has been on the big screen. The singer gave fans a deeper look into her life via her reality TV show, “Monica: Still Standing”. She tried her had at acting in television series such as “Living Single”, “Felicity”, and “American Dreams“ and films including “Boys and Girls”, “Love Song”, and “Pastor Brown”.

5. 5

Brandy Norwood played the role of Roxie Hart in Broadway’s “Chicago”. This was such a huge moment in her career. 

6. 6

Monica has sold 5.3 million albums in the United States. She has produced so many number 1 hits, it’s unbelievable. Her collection of work is phenomenal.

7. 7

Brandy and Whitney Houston had a very strong bond. The two acted together in Walt Disney Television & ABC’s broadcast of “Cinderella”.

8. 8

You can’t talk about Brandy’s braids without talking about Monica’s pixie cut. This woman had women running to the salons to chop off their hair and get a side swoop like Monica’s.

9. 9

Brandy showed off her dancing skills on the hit TV show, “Dancing with the Stars”.

10. 10

Both Monica and Brandy won a Grammy Awarding 1999 for their monumental hit single, “The Boy is Mine.” This single took both of their careers to another level.