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Brandy & Monica Essential Live Performances: A Thread
This past Monday, R&B icons, Brandy and Monica participated in a Verzuz Battle that broke the internet. Over 6 million viewers tuned in and after the Verzuz Battle, their songs accounted for over 20 million of U.S song streams!
So to celebrate their talents and respective legacies, I've decided to make a thread of some key live performances. This isn't a thread to pit them against each other but celebrate their talents as performers over the course of their careers (25 years and counting).
This is my first thread since Twitter made the limited replies feature available. I'm pretty pleased that for the FIRST TIME, I don't have to tell y'all to refrain from replying because you CAN'T lmao 
âI Wanna Be Downâ The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (1994)
Her vocal approach to this performance was very Whitney-esque (especially the end). I love it.
Her vocal approach to this performance was very Whitney-esque (especially the end). I love it.
âDonât Take It Personalâ - Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards (1995)
Fun fact: Queen Latifah briefly worked as Monicaâs first manager. Thatâs why you see her hyping Mo up in the beginning
Get into how MATURE she sounded.
Fun fact: Queen Latifah briefly worked as Monicaâs first manager. Thatâs why you see her hyping Mo up in the beginning
Get into how MATURE she sounded.
âBrokenheartedâ (Soul Power Mix) with Wanya Morris - Billboard Music Awards (1996)
The braids, the gown, the way she and Wanya traded vocal runs
Brandy looked like a gorgeous Prom Queen here. A classic duet.
The braids, the gown, the way she and Wanya traded vocal runs
Brandy looked like a gorgeous Prom Queen here. A classic duet.
âBefore You Walk Out of My Lifeâ - Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards (1996)
Miss Thang! Monica brought plenty of sass to this performance. When she hit the Bankhead Bounce at the end >>>
Miss Thang! Monica brought plenty of sass to this performance. When she hit the Bankhead Bounce at the end >>>
âSittinâ Up in My Roomâ - Grammy Awards (1997)
Brandy kicked off the âWaiting to Exhaleâ medley at the Grammys that year with an elegant performance of this classic single.
Brandy kicked off the âWaiting to Exhaleâ medley at the Grammys that year with an elegant performance of this classic single.
âLike This and Like Thatâ (1995)
Young Goonica with the vocals! Not sure where this was performed but I just had to include it. She was killing it as a teenager.
Young Goonica with the vocals! Not sure where this was performed but I just had to include it. She was killing it as a teenager.
âThe Sweetest Soundâ - Emmy Awards (1998)
After her iconic portrayal of Cinderella in the 1997 adaptation of the fairytale, Brandy took to the Emmys to perform in a ball gown fit for a princess.
After her iconic portrayal of Cinderella in the 1997 adaptation of the fairytale, Brandy took to the Emmys to perform in a ball gown fit for a princess.
âWhy I Love You So Muchâ - MDA Telethon (1996)
Iâve said it before but Monica sang with the passion of a million Black Aunties on this song. And she was only FIFTEEN!
Iâve said it before but Monica sang with the passion of a million Black Aunties on this song. And she was only FIFTEEN!
âHave You Everâ - American Music Awards (1999)
Brandy served as co-host and performer at the â99 AMAs. By this time, it was apparent that her voice was changing and making way for the smokier tone that would define 2002âs âFull Moonâ album.
Brandy served as co-host and performer at the â99 AMAs. By this time, it was apparent that her voice was changing and making way for the smokier tone that would define 2002âs âFull Moonâ album.
âAngel of Mineâ - Soul Train Awards (1999)
Monica played double duty as co-host and performer that night. Tyrese played her leading man in the songâs music video but got Tyson Beckford to make a cameo for the performance. So lucky, whew!
Monica played double duty as co-host and performer that night. Tyrese played her leading man in the songâs music video but got Tyson Beckford to make a cameo for the performance. So lucky, whew!
âAlmost Doesnât Countâ - The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (1999)
This understated performance highlighted the best things about Brandyâs voice: the earthy tone, deft vocal runs and polished delivery. Her control is sickening.
This understated performance highlighted the best things about Brandyâs voice: the earthy tone, deft vocal runs and polished delivery. Her control is sickening.
Angel of Mine - The Oprah Show (1999)
Going with another performance because why not? Monicaâs beauty, poise and elegance were on full display in this performance. I love how rich her tone is.
Going with another performance because why not? Monicaâs beauty, poise and elegance were on full display in this performance. I love how rich her tone is.
âFull Moonâ - American Bandstand (2002)
A pregnant Brandy gave a rare performance during the âFull Moonâ era at American Bandstand. The crowd was LIVING for her! She looked so cute.
A pregnant Brandy gave a rare performance during the âFull Moonâ era at American Bandstand. The crowd was LIVING for her! She looked so cute.
âStreet Symphonyâ - Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards (1999)
One of the funniest and most dramatic performance intros Iâve ever seen Monicaâs occasional foray into choreography always reminded me of when Whitney Houston would dance, lol.
One of the funniest and most dramatic performance intros Iâve ever seen
Monicaâs occasional foray into choreography always reminded me of when Whitney Houston would dance, lol.
âRight Thereâ - The Tyra Show (2009)
This was MY SONG back in the day. âHumanâ is an underrated album. She looked and sound great. The run at the end >>>
This was MY SONG back in the day. âHumanâ is an underrated album. She looked and sound great. The run at the end >>>
âSo Goneâ - The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (2003)
âSo Goneâ is legit one of my favorite songs of all time and you can tell Monica enjoyed performing it. I live for her rap verse every time!
âSo Goneâ is legit one of my favorite songs of all time and you can tell Monica enjoyed performing it. I live for her rap verse every time!
'The Star Spangled Banner' - Pistons vs Grizzlies (2009)
Straight to the point and with her signature touch. Brandy's rendition of this notoriously difficult song should be talked about more.
Straight to the point and with her signature touch. Brandy's rendition of this notoriously difficult song should be talked about more.
âTrustâ with Keyshia Cole - BET Awards (2009)
Talk about a classic BET Awards moment! Monica totally owned this performance. Her voice just commands attention.
Talk about a classic BET Awards moment! Monica totally owned this performance. Her voice just commands attention.
âIâm Your Baby Tonightâ - BET Awards (2012)
Brandy paid tribute to her mentor, Whitney Houston, who passed away in February that year. Her performance brought a much-needed energy to the mostly somber tribute.
Brandy paid tribute to her mentor, Whitney Houston, who passed away in February that year. Her performance brought a much-needed energy to the mostly somber tribute.
âI Love The Lordâ - BET Awards (2012)
Monica took us to Church here. Her emotions almost about got the best of her but she held it together and gave a rousing tribute that wouldâve made her fallen idol proud.
Monica took us to Church here. Her emotions almost about got the best of her but she held it together and gave a rousing tribute that wouldâve made her fallen idol proud.
âWithout Youâ - BET Honors (2013)
A truly stunning vocal performance from Brandy. She just stood there barefoot in a simple Black dress and SANG DOWN! âTwo Elevenâ was a slept on album.
A truly stunning vocal performance from Brandy. She just stood there barefoot in a simple Black dress and SANG DOWN! âTwo Elevenâ was a slept on album.
âNot Gonâ Cryâ - BET Honors (2009)
Mo really went all out for this Mary J. Blige tribute. Even going as far as to rock Maryâs look from the video and her signature (impossibly high-heeled) boots. She channeled her emotions into this performance.
Mo really went all out for this Mary J. Blige tribute. Even going as far as to rock Maryâs look from the video and her signature (impossibly high-heeled) boots. She channeled her emotions into this performance.
I Wanna Be Down (Remix) with MC Lyte, Yoyo and Queen Latifah - BET Hip Hop Awards (2014)
20 years after its release, the four ladies reunited in 2014 for an unexpected performance that became an instant fan-favorite.
20 years after its release, the four ladies reunited in 2014 for an unexpected performance that became an instant fan-favorite.
âJust Right for Meâ - Players Awards (2015)
Hands down one of Monicaâs best performances. Her vocals and stage presence was so on point here. She took it back to her âMiss Thangâ days and updated it for a new decade.
Hands down one of Monicaâs best performances. Her vocals and stage presence was so on point here. She took it back to her âMiss Thangâ days and updated it for a new decade.
âBegginâ & Pleadinâ - Black Girlâs Rock (2016)
This song was a different sound for Brandy and she brought IT during this performance! I lived for her theatrics. Very Shug Avery from âThe Color Purpleâ. The rasp in her voice >>>
This song was a different sound for Brandy and she brought IT during this performance! I lived for her theatrics. Very Shug Avery from âThe Color Purpleâ. The rasp in her voice >>>
âSo Goneâ - VH1 Hip Hop Honors (2016)
To honor her close friend and frequent collaborator, Missy Elliott, Monica performed this 2003 hit with her signature swagger. If thereâs one thing you can count on Mo to do, itâs serve a look!
To honor her close friend and frequent collaborator, Missy Elliott, Monica performed this 2003 hit with her signature swagger. If thereâs one thing you can count on Mo to do, itâs serve a look!
âSittin on Top of the Worldâ/âBabyâ - Soul Train Awards (2016)
At the 2016 Soul Train Awards, Brandy was honored with the Lady of Soul Award for her musical contributions. Seeing the crowd give her so much love was heartwarming.
At the 2016 Soul Train Awards, Brandy was honored with the Lady of Soul Award for her musical contributions. Seeing the crowd give her so much love was heartwarming.
'It All Belongs to Me' - AOL Sessions (2012)
This performance proved that this song could've also worked well as a solo record as Monica more than held her own.
This performance proved that this song could've also worked well as a solo record as Monica more than held her own.
âI Wanna Be Downâ - US Census (2020)
Ending where I began with Brandy performing her classic first single earlier this year. This performance just showed that Brandyâs voice has aged like wine and that sheâs only gotten stronger as a vocalist.
Ending where I began with Brandy performing her classic first single earlier this year. This performance just showed that Brandyâs voice has aged like wine and that sheâs only gotten stronger as a vocalist.
âThe Boy Is Mineâ - MTV VMAs (1999)
Of course, I had to close out the thread with a performance of the song that brought these two divas together. The iconic smash hit, âThe Boy Is Mineâ. Simple put, this is greatest female duet OF ALL TIME.
Of course, I had to close out the thread with a performance of the song that brought these two divas together. The iconic smash hit, âThe Boy Is Mineâ. Simple put, this is greatest female duet OF ALL TIME.
Brandy and Monica harmonizing on âSideline Hoâ during their Verzuz Battle was the moment of the night for me I love them both so much.
I love them both so much.
Anyway, I had fun making this thread. It wouldâve come earlier but I really wanted to think through my choices before I posted them. Brandy and Monica are history-making Queens. Letâs continue to support and enjoy their contributions 
