"Verzuz" Documentary Produced By Lena Waithe Will Arrive On Prime Video

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Timbaland, Swizz Beatz
Waithe, Timbaland, and Swizz Beatz spoke about what people can expect from the documentary.

You may have been there to witness the birth and rise of Verzuz in real-time, but get ready to receive an intimate look at the development behind the scenes. At the launch of 2020's quarantine, Timbaland and Swizz Beatz took a great leap forward in pushing forward with their music brainchild. What began as artists at home going track-for-track as they played their favorite hits has turned into a full-blown movement, and it was recently announced that Lena Waithe will produce a documentary about the platform.

According to reports, the Hillman Grad Productions documentary, titled Gifted & Black—a nod to Nina Simone—will be available on Prime Video.


Deadline reports that there will be personal interviews with artists as well as a narrative that takes a look at the history of Black music. 

“I’m grateful to Swizz and Tim for trusting us with something so historic,” said Waithe. “Verzuz is more than just two artists going song-for-song. It’s a testament to the power of Black people. It’s the joyful celebration of legacy that we all needed. With this documentary, we’re excited to take audiences behind the scenes of this global phenomenon, while also paying tribute to the artists that shaped us.”

Swizz added, “When we first started this mission the entire world had hit rock bottom. People were going through so much and Tim and I felt we should do something to help folks escape. The rest is history, we made the magical call to Hillman Grad because we only wanted people to see the best of the best.”

We'll keep you updated on the evolution of this documentary and its release date once more information is shared.


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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.