9 Moments We Loved From Bobby Brown Verzuz Keith Sweat During Essence Festival

Loading the player… By Keyaira Boone ·July 1, 2021July 1, 2021

Bobby Brown and Keith Sweat went hit for hit tonight in a special ESSENCE Festival of Culture edition of Verzuz.

With decades of hits to choose from, the R&B clash of the titans was full of surprises including a few unexpected guests who showed up to show love on stage, and dance moves that proved the New Jack Swing kings still have it.

We honestly could’ve kept the party going all night but since we eventually had to log off and let our vocal cords get some rest, we put together a list of our favorite moments from Keith Sweat Verzuz Bobby Brown that you can revisit anytime you please. Scroll down to see which of the club-closers-turned-house-cleaning-staples had us turning out the living room.

01The Original Rules Coming BackWhile recent acts have stuck to songs they recorded and performed, the original rules of Verzuz allow contestants to pick any song they were involved with on front street or behind-the-scenes. Brown took full advantage by playing the classic New Edition track Mr. Telephone Man and Sweat clapped back by pulling out the fruit of his pen.

02When Keith Brought Us Back To New Jack CityAfter the end of “There You Go Telling Me No again” Keith Sweat reminded us of the New Jack City scene that made us unable to shake the song from the classic. “That’s when they started shooting I thought I was gon die,” the legend joked. By the way it’s still Justice for Keisha- forever.

03When Bobby Let Us Know He Ain’t Too Proud to BegBrown let Sweat know that he approved of his role as the king of getting his girl back by saying “ain’t nothing wrong with begging,” before launching into “Hit Me Off.”

04When The New School Payed HomageTank and Pleasure P. popped up on stage to show love to the O.G.s. The sentiment of them showing up was sweet but it was their backup dancer moves that sent the message home.

05DJ Cassidy’s Pre-GameWe went straight from the ESSENCE Instagram live pre-show to the main event and were rewarded for our promptness with a set from the legendary DJ Cassidy. One of New York’s original club kids kicked off the event with tracks from Al B Sure!, TLC, and Shanice.

Courtesy of subject 06The Nippy Shout-outBobby Brown paid tribute to Whitney Houston by playing their hit duet “Something In Common.” The comment feed was overwhelmed by hearts, roses, and doves in response to the heartwarming gesture.

(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) 07When Keith Heated Us Up“The heartthrob had us ready to risk it all when he asked us, “How deep is your love?”