tonight was like a dream

If you did not experience the Instagram Live, Verzuz TV, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, sista love, “battle” earlier tonight, you missed out. It not only felt like it was for Us, it was infinitely and undoubtedly clear, that it actually was.

With all the challenges we are having to face right now, from a global pandemic to learning of the lynching of 25-year-old, Ahmaud Arbery, we needed this like air to breathe. And that is exactly what tonight’s Verzuz TV event, between the musical, neosoul trailblazers was—a soulful, sistafull, vibin’, at times, comical breath of fresh air.

The two music innovators were their beautifully radiant selves and I feel certain that I was not the only one “tuned in” as they played such hits as #badu ‘s #windowseat and Scott’s #crownroyal—and so many others. They were reminiscing, sharing backstories, loving on each other—it was magic. I, myself, was at times, hollerin’, “Come on!” and “Ayyyeeee!” I also had moments where I was stunned into a sort of spiritual silence. I even weeped a few times because I was so overwhelmed in gratitude. I remembered things I had not thought of in years. Like when I was exiting the Michael Ovitz building in Beverly Hills back in 2000/2001 and a bald-headed woman offered me a brilliant smile and said “Heeeey,” like she knew me. Me being me, who is always easily giving my loving energy to others, gave her a sunny smile and a “Heeeey” right back, not realizing until I had walked on—hold up—that woman was Miss Badu! I also went to see her at the House of Blues on Sunset Boulevard back in ‘97. It was the most intimate Badu concert I could have ever dreamed to have gone to. And Miss Jill, well I was on set in 2004 in the back woods of Ontario, Canada when she was filming the Showtime film , Cavedwellers. All of these moments have not crossed my mind in so long—until tonight.

There was no battle going on between these two musical geniuses this evening; there was nothing but love, joy, and music. It was magical and very much needed. They were a gift to us. Tonight was for Us. Thank you.