Wearing: Free People The City Denim Minidress, Gucci belt, Paige Verdugo Skinny Ankle Jeans, Banana Republic scarf, The Marc Jacobs Softshot 27 bag, (on sale here), Essex Lane Lizzy Wide Calf Boot

Thank God for music. It has always been a comforting, soothing backdrop to life, for me, and many of you as well, I’m guessing. It relaxes us, excites us and gets us hype, makes us dance, can make us cry, or can put a wistful, or memorable smile on our faces. Music impacts us in myriad ways, and I’m thankful for the songs, and the artists behind them, that create the melodies that accompany me through life. And I’m now thankful for Instagram Live music events, like Club Quarantine and Verzuz.

This pandemic has been an absolute nightmare, but music-related online ‘events’ have been one of the few good things that emerged from it. One has been D-Nice‘s Club Quarantine. The legendary DJ (who I’ve been a huge fan of since my teenage years when he was the DJ for Boogie Down Productions) reinvented himself by hosting a laid-back, live ‘party’ on Instagram Live, complete with wine, fedoras, and celebs. And of course, the best music selections.

“Let it breathe.”

A month later and now it’s turned into a regular thing. I mean, if you haven’t been to Club Quarantine, are you even living your best pandemic life? I also got the opportunity to see one of my favorite rappers, the legendary Big Daddy Kane, perform live in his home a few weeks ago. I love that everyone is turning life’s lemons into lemonade for all of us to enjoy right now!

Another musical event happening on Instagram Live is Verzuz. It’s a music battle event series created by legendary producers Timbaland and Sizz Beatz. One of the first Verzuz events, Teddy Riley vs. Babyface, spawned so much humor, shade, and memes that we couldn’t even fully appreciate the music.

But tonight, Verzuz is back, and this time it’s all about the women in music. I’m talking neo-soul legends including my fave, Jill Scott, and another one of the greats, Erykah Badu. This doesn’t even feel like a ‘battle.’ We’re getting a free, live concert from two of the best, most talented women singers. Tonight, we all win. I’m getting my incense, candles, headscarf, and cocktail ready right now.

But if I had to choose, I’m going with Jill Scott. She’s my favorite living musical artist (Prince is my all time fave, RIP), she’s from Philly (representing my hometown), and her music is the soundtrack to several key moments and memories in my life, so I’m a bit of a Jill Scott superfan.

• I’ve been to 3 of her concerts
• I was planning to attend her 20th anniversary of “Words and Sounds, Vol. 1” (which unfortunately was cancelled due to coronavirus)
• I purchased the “Who is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds, Vol. 1” CD multiple times, for myself – because I played it so frequently I kept scratching and ruining the CD and kept having to replace it, and for others
• I have purchased all of her other CDs
• I stream her music regularly on Spotify Premium
• I got to meet her once and had what I call my own personal Jill Scott concert of sorts. Years ago I went to see Kindred perform live at a club in Philly. I was standing in the back of the venue when Jill Scott came in with her crew. I chatted with her for a bit, totally fanning out – she was super sweet. Then she happened to stand right in front of me and started singing live along with Kindred. Her voice was so melodic and powerful I wound up just watching her and listening to her sing. My favorite singer, standing and singing right in front of me. Wild!
• I never miss an opportunity to catch her performing at an awards show or similar event.
• I know every lyric to pretty much every song of hers

But Erykah Badu is equally talented. I’m not a superfan but I love her music also. Her “Baduizm” album was the soundtrack to one of my college years. I’ve also been to one of her concerts as well, and it was an event! I can’t wait to see what both ladies bring tonight, but like I said before, we’re all winners. #FortheCulture

Which musicians would you love to see go head-to-head in a Verzuz battle? Who are your favorites?