The Verzuz that’s not a Verzuz is finally happening: Diddy & Jermaine Dupri have agreed to face off in a musical battle in Atlanta, Georgia. The competition will be “hit for hit,” as they say.
On a recent IG Live, Diddy finally agreed to give the people — and Dupri, affectionately known as JD, want they want.
“JD, if you want that smoke, you can get that smoke anytime,” he said. “Since we ain’t f– around with Verzuz no more because they’re [Triller] f– around with our boys,” Diddy expressed. We don’t need to be going against each other.”
Triller and the Verzuz platform created by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland have been involved in legal negotiations over a sum of $28 million not being paid.
It’s been a long time coming for Dupri, who first called out Diddy in September 2021 over social media.
How It Started: Diddy Vs. Jermaine Dupri
In April 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 lockdown, Verzuz had just kicked off and artists were feeling creative about facing off against each other.
Diddy mentioned off the cuff that he would showcase his hits against Dr. Dre and Jermaine Dupri. While Dr. Dre didn’t respond, JD immediately did.
“Let’s give ’em what they want then,” JD said.
Shortly after the Fat Joe vs. Ja Rule Verzuz, which Ja Rule won, Dupri was feeling kind of good about his chances going up against the Bad Boy founder and impresario.
“Somebody let @Diddy know I’m @thegarden right now ! And he gon need some training for me,” JD tweeted.
Diddy didn’t take long to respond, tweeting back at JD, telling: “Beloved you my nigga but your arms too short to box with God!!! You aiint got enough hits. I’ll smash you with just biggie n Mary . But I do have the upmost respect on you as a musical legend – Dre the only one can get in the ring w me . – LOVE.”
JD told him that it wouldn’t take “nothing but a little straightening” in the words of local Atlanta group Migos, but by then the internet was all in.
Atlanta rapper T.I. also had something to say, warning Diddy and other rappers that the ATL was a music powerhouse and to tread lightly.
Then, Fat Joe and Snoop Dogg were able to get both JD and Diddy on Live to talk about who would win if the two had an epic Verzuz battle. While JD was building himself up for the potential battle, Diddy deflected, saying that he really saw his peer as Dr. Dre, which is a super-producer. Not JD, a true songwriter.
But that wasn’t the end of it. On a live radio show, JD upped the ante by continuing to egg on Diddy and listing his extensive musical accomplishments.
“When it comes to songwriting, I’m in the songwriting hall of fame,” JD said on air.
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