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

‘I Wanna Be Down’ The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (1994)

Her vocal approach to this performance was very Whitney-esque (especially the end). I love it.

‘Don’t Take It Personal’ - Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards (1995)

Fun fact: Queen Latifah briefly worked as Monica’s first manager. That’s why you see her hyping Mo up in the beginning Get into how MATURE she sounded.

‘Brokenhearted’ (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.

‘Before You Walk Out of My Life’ - 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 >>>

‘Sittin’ Up in My Room’ - Grammy Awards (1997)

Brandy kicked off the ‘Waiting to Exhale’ medley at the Grammys that year with an elegant performance of this classic single.

‘Like This and Like That’ (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.

‘The Sweetest Sound’ - 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.

‘Why I Love You So Much’ - MDA Telethon (1996)

I’ve said it before but Monica sang with the passion of a million Black Aunties on this song. And she was only FIFTEEN!

‘Have You Ever’ - American Music Awards (1999)

Brandy served as co-host and performer at the ‘99 AMAs. By this time, it was apparent that her voice was changing and making way for the smokier tone that would define 2002’s ‘Full Moon’ album.

‘Angel of Mine’ - Soul Train Awards (1999)

Monica played double duty as co-host and performer that night. Tyrese played her leading man in the song’s music video but got Tyson Beckford to make a cameo for the performance. So lucky, whew!

‘Almost Doesn’t Count’ - The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (1999)

This understated performance highlighted the best things about Brandy’s 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? Monica’s beauty, poise and elegance were on full display in this performance. I love how rich her tone is.

‘Full Moon’ - American Bandstand (2002)

A pregnant Brandy gave a rare performance during the ‘Full Moon’ era at American Bandstand. The crowd was LIVING for her! She looked so cute.

‘Street Symphony’ - Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards (1999)

One of the funniest and most dramatic performance intros I’ve ever seen Monica’s occasional foray into choreography always reminded me of when Whitney Houston would dance, lol.

‘Right There’ - The Tyra Show (2009)

This was MY SONG back in the day. ‘Human’ is an underrated album. She looked and sound great. The run at the end >>>

‘So Gone’ - The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (2003)

‘So Gone’ 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.

‘Trust’ with Keyshia Cole - BET Awards (2009)

Talk about a classic BET Awards moment! Monica totally owned this performance. Her voice just commands attention.

‘I’m Your Baby Tonight’ - 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.

‘I Love The Lord’ - 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 would’ve made her fallen idol proud.

‘Without You’ - BET Honors (2013)

A truly stunning vocal performance from Brandy. She just stood there barefoot in a simple Black dress and SANG DOWN! ‘Two Eleven’ was a slept on album.

‘Not Gon’ Cry’ - BET Honors (2009)

Mo really went all out for this Mary J. Blige tribute. Even going as far as to rock Mary’s 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.

‘Just Right for Me’ - Players Awards (2015)

Hands down one of Monica’s best performances. Her vocals and stage presence was so on point here. She took it back to her ‘Miss Thang’ days and updated it for a new decade.

‘Beggin’ & Pleadin’ - Black Girl’s 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 ‘The Color Purple’. The rasp in her voice >>>

‘So Gone’ - 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 there’s one thing you can count on Mo to do, it’s serve a look!

‘Sittin on Top of the World’/‘Baby’ - 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.

'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.

‘I Wanna Be Down’ - US Census (2020)

Ending where I began with Brandy performing her classic first single earlier this year. This performance just showed that Brandy’s voice has aged like wine and that she’s only gotten stronger as a vocalist.

‘The Boy Is Mine’ - 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, ‘The Boy Is Mine’. Simple put, this is greatest female duet OF ALL TIME.

Brandy and Monica harmonizing on ‘Sideline Ho’ during their Verzuz Battle was the moment of the night for me I love them both so much.

Anyway, I had fun making this thread. It would’ve come earlier but I really wanted to think through my choices before I posted them. Brandy and Monica are history-making Queens. Let’s continue to support and enjoy their contributions