'Verzuz': Kirk Franklin and Fred Hammond pray for George Floyd in a 'healing' battle as Snoop, Ludacris join in
In what was billed as a night of healing and spiritual renewal, the Verzuz IG battle between gospel singers Kirk Franklin and Fred Hammond was held on Sunday night, May 31. The event kicked off at 5 pm ET as everyone present turned their gaze heavenward, beseeching God for some respite and comfort in the wake of the recent troubling events that have gripped the planet. Even the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has taken a backseat to the big story that has now gripped the nation, namely the tragic circumstances that led to the death of George Floyd. A slew of protests broke out in its wake, including a black lives matter protest march that saw a huge number of celebrities lend their voices to the movement that has condemned the senseless killing of the former Houston rapper due to unjustified police brutality.
Some of the many stars that showed their support for the protests on Saturday were Ariana Grande, Tinashe, Halsey, Machine Gun Kelly, Yungblud, J Cole, Emily Ratajkowski, Lauren Jauregui, Melanie Martinez, Kehlani, Kali Uchis and members of Five Seconds of Summer. And it was no different on Sunday night, as a host of celebrities, including rappers Snoop Dogg and Ludacris and TV stars like Kandi Burruss and Kerry Washington also turned up for the virtual vigil that was billed as a special edition of VERZUZ – THE HEALING. The founders of the Instagram Live Battle series, hit producers Timbaland and Swizz Beatz, were also in attendance.
The event kicked off with a round of prayer held by the special guest, Bishop TD Jakes. As part of his moving opening sermon, 62-year-old Potter’s House Bishop said, “Today, we pray for light because we have seen too much darkness, from Trayvon Martin to George Floyd." He also said, "You might not see it right now, but morning is coming. Oh, God, wherever there is pain, give healing. Wherever there is burden, lift weights." He also directly referenced the way Floyd was killed, when he said "With 100,000 people dead from Covid-19, Lord knows we have seen too much darkness. Sometimes I feel like that knee is on my neck and I can’t breathe." He also urged the hundreds of thousands of viewers present to "not allow darkness to possess your soul".
Kandi and Snoop Dogg left some prayer emojis for George, and Snoop also commented "Praise God". Ludacris even called the event “uplifting Sunday Soul Food", and many people felt that this event was sorely needed for their spiritual and emotional well being.
As for the gospel songs themselves, it was a night of grace, peace and love. The attendees were treated to numerous hits by 50-year-old Kirk Franklin and 59-year-old Fred Hammond, who have 16 Grammys between them besides numerous other awards. Some of the songs that played on the night included 'Take Me To The King' ft Tamela Mann, 'The Storm Is Over Now', 'Why We Sing', 'I Smile', 'No Weapon' and 'Stomp'. In fact, the only complaint that people could have was that the song durations were too short, due to Instagram's time limits. "Y’all gotta let it play a little longer," Kandi said, as Kerry Washington also chimed in, saying "Run it!"
Fans on social media were also highly appreciative of the night as it unfolded, saying "we really needed this" and "this came at the perfect time". Another viewer remarked, "I do not want this Verzuz night to end." As one fan concluded, "We needed laughter and praise and every positive communal adjective to uplift Black folks spirits today. Every single act to do this is appreciated. Kirk, Fred and the #VERZUZ team did that today. I do feel a bit better and I hope you do too."
