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Brandy vs Monica Verzuz battle: Ray J makes an appearance, fans joke he couldn't 'wait to run on that screen' 

The suggestion of the battle had originally come from Brandy’s brother singer Ray J and fans had speculated whether he would make also make an appearance during the event

When artistes Monica Denise Arnold and Brandy Rayana Norwood’s battle on Beatz and Timbaland’s popular Verzuz webcast series was announced, fans couldn't contain their excitement. The duo had collaborated in 1998, for the hit ‘The Boy Is Mine’. It was about two women competing for the same man and the accompanying video showed them arguing over actor Mekhi Phifer. According to NME, after the song was released there were reports that they had a fallout. They had collaborated again 2012 for ‘It All Belongs To Me’.

The report states that Monica had hinted that the pair may discuss the feud during the battle. The suggestion of the battle came from Brandy’s brother, singer Ray J, according to Cheat Sheet. According to BET.com, Ray J, while speaking with Wendy Williams, had said he couldn’t do a battle with anyone because his catalog is too thin, but his sister and Monica going against each other would be interesting. “Brandy, she could battle,” he said. “A good Brandy and Monica battle? Ooooooh.”

The suggestion was followed up during an Essence Magazine interview with Brandy, according to Cheat Sheet. She had said, “I really can’t see myself doing that. I mean I’m open to it but I haven’t really thought about it.” And, when Monica’s name was suggested, she said, “That would be kind of weird, like who would play ‘The Boy Is Mine?’ That would be weird. I don’t know.”

On the other hand, Monica, while talking to V103 Atlanta, had 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 added, “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.”

But we know that finally they agreed and it is happening. After Kamala Harris’ surprise pop up during the live cast and Joe Biden sending a ‘wave’ via comments, fans wondered if Ray J will also make an appearance during the session. And, soon Twitter began discussing it. One user said, "Is this the moment Ray J will deem it necessary to make an appearance?"

One speculated, "Ray J probably in the corner itching to get on camera."

And just as the discussions were escalating, Ray J did make an appearance. Twitter users were excited that their predictions came true. One user said, "There he is ! We got that Ray J appearance #Verzuz "

Another said, "How has Ray J managed to have a cameo in every pocket of pop culture since like 1995??"

A fan wrote, "Y’all knew ray j was gonna make an appearance some how some way."

“Ray J to Brandy backstage: 'Now you’re going to introduce your song 'Best Friend' and talk about how the song is a dedication to me and call me out so I can talk about my new invention.' #Verzuz,” wrote another. 

Low tweeted, "Ray J couldn’t WAIT to run on that screen Lmao #Verzuz."

In 2019, it was reported by People that Ray J had sold his Scoot-E-Bike ride-sharing business to the Canadian firm LOOPShare. Even though the exact amount of the deal was unknown, according to TMZ, Ray J earned “in the high seven-figures.” So a few people even took jabs on that. One said, "What is he gone sell this time? That night always on to some money moves."

Another joked, "Ray J about to try to sell them Scoot E Bikes on live."