Social media outlets “Club Quarantine” and “Verzuz” continue to prosper

When you think about modern black history, you must think about what Hip Hop music has done for the community. It’s completely transformed the way people think about art and music. Now, in the 21st century, it’s become the most popular music genre.
In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic started, many wondered where and how they would be able to receive entertainment. Outlets like TikTok provided some sort of amusement in the beginning of COVID-19 quarantine, with various dance challenges. Then, in late March, DJ/Producer D-Nice changed live streaming to what we know today. D Nice initially conducted a 9-hour Instagram live broadcast of him DJ’ing, naming it “Club Quarantine.”
The first Club Quarantine drew over 100,000 viewers, including the likes of Erykah Badu, Rihanna, Lenny Kravitz, Nile Rodgers, Lalah Hathaway, Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden, Dwyane Wade, Janet Jackson, Fab Five Freddy, Michelle Obama, Mark Zuckerberg, Donnie Wahlberg, Angela Bassett, and Sheila E., among others.
While Club Quarantine started to strengthen via Instagram, Verzuz became the next big thing. Verzuz is hosted by producers Timbaland and Swizz Beatz. Initially starting out as a DJ/producer battle, it branched out to singers, rappers, and even NFL players (during the Pro Bowl).
Club Quarantine and Verzuz gained popularity quickly because it was a way for many viewers to cope while in quarantine during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. They were outlets for entertainment. These platforms became a vehicle for viewers to laugh, sing-along, dance, reminisce, and come together during trying times. As the pandemic continues, the popularity of Club Quarantine and Verzuz continues to grow right along with it. D Nice streams daily on Instagram, with Verzuz streaming 2-3 times a month. Instagram is not the only network Verzuz is stationed on. Tidal and Apple music also share recaps of Verzuz battles, with respective playlists too.
D Nice, Timbaland, and Swizz Beatz are most definitely getting their flowers for all that they’ve been doing for the culture. At the 2020 BET Awards, they were honoree recipients for the “Shine A Light” award. Music fans continuously ask for them to stream, whether it be for a special occasion or just for fun. Club Quarantine and Verzuz has influenced many others to premier or orchestrate music sessions for those yearning entertainment. Philly’s own, DJ Jazzy Jeff, makes sure that he’ll continue to hold DJ sessions via Instagram Live due to the fact that he had pneumonia last year. Whether that was COVID related or not is still unknown.
Verzuz and Club Quarantine have been a great alternative for concerts and music festivals. Hopefully, it’ll continue to become a staple for the culture, MTV and VH1.