21 Songs To Bump In Preparation For The Brandy & Monica Verzuz Battle
I'ma let y'all finish, but I know that Brandy and Monica are about to put down the greatest Verzuz battle of time. I said what I said, don't @ me.
Although this year has definitely thrown us some curveballs along the way, you've persevered, sis, and there's no better way to celebrate your hard work than by winding down with some of your favorite jams from the 99s and the 2000s live from Tyler Perry Studios on Aug. 31st.
Brandy and Monica, who both declined to participate in a battle initially, damn near broke the internet after confirming Monday's festivities, but we should've known better than to think that these two GOATs would let this quarantine pass without taking us on a stroll down memory lane and as our anticipation continues to build, we're more than sure that these two queens will break all of the digital records.
If you're tired of waiting and are ready to get all the way in the mood for the moment these R&B divas take the stage, scroll below for 21 jams you need to bump ASAP in preparation.
Brandy & Monica - The Boy Is Mine
Brandy - Baby
Monica - Before You Walk Out Of My Life
Brandy - Have You Ever
Monica - Angel Of Mine
Brandy - Almost Doesn't Count
Monica - Don't Take It Personal (Just One Of Dem Days)
Missing You - Brandy, Tamia, Gladys Knight and Chaka Khan [Set It Off Soundtrack]
Monica - For You, I Will
Brandy - Sittin' Up in My Room
Monica - Why I Love You So Much
Brandy - I Wanna Be Down
Monica - So Gone
Brandy - Full Moon
Monica - U Should've Known Better
Brandy - Right Here (Departed)
Monica - A Dozen Roses (You Remind Me)
Brandy - Top Of The World (feat. Mase)
Monica- Everytime Tha Beat Drop
Brandy - Talk About Our Love (feat. Kanye West)
Monica - Love All Over Me
Featured image via Tenor
Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage
