The culture was here for this week’s chaotic Verzuz battle between The Lox and Dipset.
We knew these n-ggas were going to do the most when famed sports announcer Michael Buffer randomly showed up to announce the competing rap crews. Not to mention, the stage was set up to look like a boxing ring. The Lox came out first to DMX’s “Intro,” and they were ready to rumble.
When Buffer announced Dipset, no one came out. The crowd started to chant their group’s name and started booing. The Lox joined in on the heckling.
“Hurry the f–k up!” Jadakiss yelled.
“This sh-t bigger than Harlem and Yonkers. This is about f–king New York City. Get Dipset the f–k out here right now,” Styles P declared.
Eventually, Dipset awkwardly walked out without any introduction music. Buffer attempted to set the atmosphere, but The Lox and Dipset were too busy talking s**t. Jim Jones was wearing a full leather outfit, and Jadakiss was quick to let him know what he thought about his drip.
“I’ll never let a n-gga in leather pants beat me,” Kiss told the “We Fly High” rapper.
The beginning of the show foreshadowed the rest of the night. The Lox started the battle with their song “F–k You,” and they never missed a beat. They performed live with little assistance from the background tracks.
The LOX really performed all these songs with no background vocals and amazing breath control. they are in amazing shape.
— Edward Elohim (@deezydothis) August 5, 2021
But Dipset was on the struggle bus for the entire night. They were forgetting the words to their songs and relied on the background tracks. They were clearly unprepared for the assignment. Jadakiss was quick to let them know they were f–king up.
“New York, they causing a distraction — this is hip-hop, we in the mecca of New York, it’s D-Block and Dipset,” Jadakiss said. “Why don’t they know the words?”
Twitter was also on their asses.
You could see last night that Sheek, Kiss and Styles are brothers for real. Them Dipset niggas don't even like each other 😭
— 🏅America Is Musty: Mustiest Olympics Ever🏅 (@DragonflyJonez) August 4, 2021
“You could see last night that Sheek, Kiss and Styles are brothers for real. Them Dipset n-ggas don’t even like each other,” noted one viewer.
“Not even “Ballin” could save Dipset. Jadakiss singlehandedly killed them on that stage,” lamented another.
Dipset tomorrow walking through 125th 🥴🥴🥴😩😩 #VERZUZ pic.twitter.com/W03tV3SitU
— Tia (@Godisgood2me7) August 4, 2021
Jim Jones falling off stages summons up Dipset L last night 😭 pic.twitter.com/oZMXc2dkva
— Chilla (@ChillaMoran) August 4, 2021
Not even “Ballin” could save Dipset. Jadakiss singlehandedly killed them on that stage. #Verzuz pic.twitter.com/6GRx6GDd9Y
— Lakia (@sparklenshine_l) August 4, 2021
Jadakiss was clearly the fan-favorite of the night for his witty banter and general unbothered behavior towards his opponents. Not to mention his undeniable talent.
How #Jadakiss going be riding thru Harlem tomorrow #VERZUZ #TheLOX pic.twitter.com/KjTwcdy90f
— DarkSkinChaz (@ChazM215) August 4, 2021
They should lock this man up for manslaughter #Jadakiss pic.twitter.com/35JWVAF1tK
— CT Thorn (@chevyguyCT) August 4, 2021
“Jadakiss was never a super-duper star. Was never as big as Jay, 50, Ja whoever. But there were plenty ppl who thought Jada was the best rapper alive in the late 90s to mid-00s. A whole lot of ppl” wrote one observer.
Jadakiss was never a super duper star. Was never as big as Jay, 50, Ja whoever. But there were plenty ppl who thought Jada was the best rapper alive in the late 90s to mid 00s. A whole lot of ppl.
— 🏅America Is Musty: Mustiest Olympics Ever🏅 (@DragonflyJonez) August 5, 2021
Jadakiss snatching Juelz Santana's bandana off was the nail in the coffin pic.twitter.com/EkG1QXtuzd
— Zoe 🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹 (@YourFavoriteZoe) August 4, 2021
At one point, Juelz Santana tried to defend his crew when he chided them for not having enough “songs for the ladies.”
Spoiler alert: it backfired because Jadakiss had the perfect rebuttal. The DJ started playing a medley of tracks The Lox did with heavy hitters like Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez.
“We got Grammys,” Jadakiss told the crowd. “These niggas don’t know what Grammys look like. They know what grams look like.”
It was this moment Juelz knew he fucked up! Jada had to remind em “WE GOT GRAMMYS!” #LetThatMarinate #LOX #Dipset #Jadakiss #verzuzbattle #VERZUZ pic.twitter.com/afWlKpbFM6
— Lorenzo Darden (@Godzchozen7) August 4, 2021
The Lox with a 6song combo for the ladies after Juelz said Lox don’t like the ladies pic.twitter.com/qTeZSxBvOC
— Deeno (@MrRoyalGlam) August 4, 2021
Julez set up that intro so well for the Lox 😭 ladies !! #VERZUZ
— bibiMartins (@Bebe7) August 4, 2021
Nonetheless, this Verzuz was considered an overall victory for New York.
New York niggas are special man. The Verzuz was everything I expected. Like literally every single thing I looked for occurred. I love this culture so much. NY culture and Hip Hop of course
— A.D.A.R.I.U.S. (@DariBelafonte) August 4, 2021
“New York niggas are special, man. The Verzuz was everything I expected. Like literally every single thing I looked for occurred. I love this culture so much. NY culture and Hip Hop, of course,” wrote one fan.
This #Verzuz is a New York ghettofest. I love it pic.twitter.com/5hciyJe92w
— LIL SAINT (@Wednesdayad_ams) August 4, 2021
Man, that vs was so good. brought back so many musical memories. Know one does it like New York. #VERZUZ #LOXvsDipset 🔥 pic.twitter.com/SdQNjpsIuu
— 💫🍟Emoji~ 😍~Fries🍟💫 (@Sis_Ajh_78) August 5, 2021
Despite the shenanigans, the crews eventually presented a united front.
“We are two groups from the heart of New York. We love the streets,” Styles P told the crowd.
FOR NEW YORK 🗣 #VERZUZ pic.twitter.com/n4ckbuNUQR
— HipHopDX (@HipHopDX) August 4, 2021
If you can’t get enough of The Lox and Dipset, they’re going on The Rap Superhero tour together. Their first stop will be in Atlanta in mid-September.