Kirk Franklin vs. Fred Hammond: This Verzuz ‘battles’ proves the power of God’s Healing

Healing Verzuz

“We think our culture needs a hug. We think that we need to heal some people. Well, we need to heal a lot of people,” Swizzy said to the group. “We need to help some people heal this Sunday. Tim, what do you think about that?”

“I think I need to hear the word,” Tim confessed. “I think we need some anointing because right now, the air is thick, the air is very thick…If we don’t get that anointing and that word and that good celebration, anything can happen.”

Upwards of 273,000 gospel ready Instagrammers signed into Sunday afternoon’s special edition of Verzuz featuring Kirk Franklin and Fred Hammond.  This Verzuz came as a much-needed relief from everything currently happening in the world.  For so many music fans, tuning in and singing along is a welcome distraction.

The gospel theme Verzuz was labeled as “the healing” edition.  Dressed in our Sunday’s best, we were able to gather around for a message of hope and celebration collectively.

The main event

The worldwide ceremony focused on bringing the good news of the savior was opened by Bishop T. D. Jakes, the senior pastor of The Potter’s House of Dallas.  Bishop Jakes acknowledged and prayed for those among us that feel hopeless.  He prayed for all of us that feel a pain that doctors can not heal.  He added weeping may endure for a night, but joy will come in the morning, and we will breathe again.

The two gospel music icons used this friendly musical competition to dig into their impressive, almost 30-year catalog.  Wear matching. “I can’t breathe tees.  Kirk Franklin jokingly addressed rumors that he and Florida rapper Plies were the same person.  Located in the same studio as Kirk, Fred chimed in and said well, you two do look alike.

At first, the songs were limited to only a 90-second snippet.   However, receiving an update, the songs were thankfully played for a longer time.  Franklin and Hammond would share their Live with special guests renowned gospel singers Marvin Sapps and Tamela Mann.  We also got to see a display of Black Love from Kirk and his wife when they dance to “Melodies from heaven.”  The music was later stopped briefly as Ahmaud Arbery mom was called and thanked everyone for their support in getting justice for her son.

We fellowshipped together

It was beautiful to share in praise and worship with gospel great Erica Campbell.  Along with the likes of Kandi Burruss, Kerry Washington, and Gabrielle Union-Wade showing support. This led to Healing Verzuz becoming the 1# worldwide trending on Twitter.

The gospel music Instagram Live music program was a very friendly head-to-head battle. Of course, no one was declared the winner.  Like all prior Verzuz, the audience was treated to a meme-worthy good time from the two battlers.

Trouble don’t last always.

“Putting together two artists and 20 songs — that’s the easy part,” Swizz says. “Fixing your Wi-Fi, getting on the phone with tech guys, which some don’t do when we ask — that’s the hard part.

The Verzuz battles have come to know for the replaying songs we know and love.  It is all known for technical difficulties.  Since Teddy Riley Verzuz Babyface viewers have witnessed static, Wi-Fi troubles, and sound quality issues.  Super producers Swizz Beatz and Timbaland have laid down new ground rules to improve their Verzuz series.  On Instagram Live, the two discuss the use of the Roland Corporation’s specially designed systems to optimize Verzuz sound quality.  It has been described as being only a couple of plugs.  “The technology,” Swizz said with more than a hint of frustration, “We’re sending it to you [ Verzuz battlers] for a reason.”  “That threw off the frequency of the whole thing,” noted Timbaland. “When one uses it, and one doesn’t, it’s all messed up.”  I am glad this was not the case with this Verzuz.

The Verzuz battles have become a cultural escape for Hip Hop, R&B, reggae, and now gospel fans worldwide.  If only for 2 hours and 23 minutes we were able to transport to a carefree time. The Verzuz team encouraged viewers to donate to https://colorofchange.org/

 LaToya Wright is the creator of thefatgirloffashion.com and independent contributor.  Connect with her about lifestyle, beauty, and fashion topics at @fatgirl_fashion on Twitter.