Instagram Live Battles: Fans Weigh In On Who Should Face-Off Next
What started as a fun and casual attempt to keep fans entertained amid the coronavirus quarantine has become a phenomenon. Kickstarted by super producers Timbaland and Swizz Beats, Instagram Live battles have seen some of the biggest names in music go at each other — from Scott Storch and Mannie Fresh to T-Pain and Lil Jon.
Naturally, fans have started to weigh in on who they would love to see go head-to-head in a digital competition. While they’ve floated many potential pairings, these are the ones that seem to be the most in-demand.
50 Cent and Ja Rule
During the week of April 12, the entertainment website The Shade Room shared a post questioning who would win in a battle between these longtime rivals. The post prompted thousands of comments, but fans mostly had split reactions.
While some people felt that Ja Rule had way more hits — from “I’m Real” and “Mesmerize” to “Down A** B*tch” — others said 50 Cent could easily blow Ja Rule away with anthems like “Many Men.”
Amid the chatter, Ja Rule said that he would be totally down to take on his longtime nemesis. But unfortunately for fans, 50 Cent reportedly turned down the offer.
Jermaine Dupri vs. Diddy
Your favorite songs from the ’90s and early 2000s were probably created with the help of these two producers.
A battle between them would likely see Jermaine Dupri play songs by Mariah Carey, Usher, Janet Jackson, and Bow Wow while Diddy would probably go for tunes by legends including The Notorious B.I.G, Lil Kim, and Danity Kane.
There’s no official word on whether they’ll go against each other. But according to The Breakfast Club, Diddy and Jermaine Dupri recently got on Instagram Live and talked about the possibility.
Missy Elliott vs. Whomever
Fans are definitely ready to see a woman get into the mix and what better person than Missy Elliott?
A hugely successful performer, Elliott has racked up plenty of hits, from “Work It” and “Lose Control” to “Get Your Freak On” and “Gossip Folks.” Beyond her solo career, Elliott is known for writing and producing music for a host of other artists. Her catalog includes Aaliyah’s “One In a Million,” Beyoncé’s “Signs,” Ciara’s “1,2 Step,” and Mya’s “My Love Is Like…Wo.”
Fans aren’t sure who she should go against, but they’ve suggested everyone from Busta Rhymes to CeeLo Green to Nicki Minaj and Rihanna collaborator Ester Dean.
Kanye West and Pharrell
This one would surely break the Internet.
Aside from his many, many hits, Kanye West could rely on songs he helped make when he solely worked as a producer, including JAY-Z’s “Izzo (H.O.V.A.),” Monica’s “Knock Knock,” and Twista’s “Overnight Celebrity.”
But then Pharrell could lean on tracks like Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl,” Kelis’ “Milkshake,” and Nelly’s “Hot in Herre” — not to mention his ever-popular 2003 hit “Frontin’.” Oh, and let’s not forget all the stuff he’s done with his rock band N.E.R.D, either.
It would seriously be a dream come true for these two to go against each other. But with such busy schedules and West’s retreat from the spotlight, we seriously doubt this one will happen.
Babyface and L.A. Reid
After several failed attempts to battle Teddy Riley, fans are hoping to see Babyface go against music executive and producer L.A. Reid. With careers that span over two decades, these two have had massive success with various acts and are considered legends in the music world.
In addition to his creating his own songs such as “Every Time I Close My Eyes,” Babyface’s catalog includes Boyz II Men’s “End of The Road,” Tevin Campbell’s “Can We Talk,” Bobby Brown’s “Roni,” and Mary J. Blige’s “Not Gon Cry,” among many other tracks.
L.A. Reid, on the other hand, has produced and/or written songs for artists including Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Toni Braxton, Usher, and Pink.
This one seems like it could definitely come to fruition, but we’ll see.
