The closest round yet, but ultimately “Last Night” takes it. She then proceeds to play “Ain’t That Funny (Murder Remix),” tying it together by sharing a short story about how she almost signed to Bad Boy Records, and revealing to those unaware that she wrote the verses for J Lo in this song. “It’s funny you mention Diddy,” says Ashanti, feeding off Keyshia’s energy. As the unmistakable first notes of “Last Night” play, it’s clear why she loves to hit the stage with this one. Keyshia prefaces her next choice by shouting out the infamous Diddy bop, also sharing that the upcoming song is one of her favorite track sto perform. Ja Rule’s “Ain’t It Funny (Murder Remix)” Ashanti’s “Southside”Īlthough Lloyd’s Ashanti-assisted “Southside” is an absolute stand-out from his 2004 album, the emotion-filled mini performance by Keyshia as she belts “I Remember” reminds the audience of her penchant for crafting powerful post-break-up anthems. It pays off here, because she wins this round.

“That was a very expensive sample,” Ashanti jokes. The audience is overjoyed as her well-loved “Rock With U” blends brilliantly and seamlessly into Michael Jackson’s timeless “Rock With You” classic. Ashanti’s “Rock With U (Awww Baby)”Īs Keyshia reached back into her Just Like You days for round 4, Ashanti has the perfect rebuttal up her sleeve. Round 4: Keyshia Cole’s “Shoulda Let You Go” vs. Keyshia grabs back-to-back wins after bringing out the opening track of her 2012 Woman to Woman album - and her rapping along to Lil Wayne’s feature is the cherry on top. Ashanti’s “The Way That I Love You” was a hit, but the rawness of Keyshia’s “I Should Have Cheated” ultimately sticks more. “You already know how it is in these streets, being cheated to and lied to…” Keyshia says as she opens up the next round - and as soon as those words leave her mouth, everyone in the comments already knows what song was about to play. Round 2: Keyshia Cole’s “I Should Have Cheated” vs. Ashanti’s “Happy”Īshanti came out the gate swinging with one of the most popular feel-good hits off her self-titled debut, swinging the battle in her favor early. Round 1: Keyshia Cole’s “I Changed My Mind” vs.

Both ladies shined bright, but here’s how Billboard scored each round of the battle, with our winner for the entire event revealed at the very end.

Ashanti & Keyshia Cole Discuss Their Postponed ‘Verzuz’ Battle & ‘Getting Our Flowers’ on IG…Īs longtime collaborators like Ja Rule and Fat Joe filed into the IG live, Keyshia Cole kicked the nostalgic evening off with the very first song.

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