Music media platform Verzuz has a new home.
Billboard reports that Swizz Beatz and Timbaland‘s media platform Verzuz has landed a distribution partnership with X, formerly Twitter. The deal will allow both artists to maintain 100% ownership and creative control of Verzuz, while X, currently led by Elon Musk, will maintain exclusive distribution rights.
“We are thrilled to partner with X, the most innovative platform globally,” Timbaland said, according to Billboard. “Our goal has always been to bring Verzuz to the world, which we can now do bigger than ever.”
Verzuz brought together iconic music battles, such as Brandy vs. Monica and The Lox vs. Dipset, and plans to share more moments of music culture with fans through its free livestream series, which can reach more than 550 million users now through X.
“We are beyond thrilled to have found the best partner for Verzuz,” Swizz Beatz added. “Not only are we excited to have Verzuz on X, we’re excited to help X build the biggest entertainment company in the world.”
X CEO Linda Yaccarino shared that the platform is proud to partner with Timbaland and Swizz Beatz on this venture. “Our platform stands at the forefront of innovation, and Verzuz defines the essence of an innovative content experience,” she said. “As we continue to work with the most exciting voices to bring premium content to X, there is no better fit than this series. Together, we will redefine how consumers engage with their favorite entertainment, one Verzuz at a time.”
The new deal could also be fruitful for the artists featured on the platform. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, Timbaland and Swizz Beatz were in their own battle with Triller for $28 million over a breach of contract. The resolution was to include steps to “increase the ownership stake given to the artists that Timbaland and Swizz Beatz brought to Triller as part of the original deal.”
“Me and Swizz wanted to be the first to call in these artists to get on an [Instagram] Live to perform. It’s only right — y’all helped us build this company — we gotta give back to y’all,” Timbaland said during an interview with the “Earn Your Leisure” podcast. “And nobody’s ever done that when it comes to Black business and really teaching our culture.”
