Black Twitter Responses To The Dec. 12, 2020 Verzuz Between Ashanti & Keyshia Cole Was Postponed Because Ashanti Tested Positive For Covid-19

Edited by Azizi Powell

This is Part II of a two part pancocojams series about Black twitter and the Verzuz music battles.

Part II of this series documents examples of Black twitter responses to the news that the Dec. 12, 2020 Verzuz battle between Rhythm & Blues singers Ashanti and Keyshia Cole was postponed because Ashanti tested positive for Covid-19. 

This post pays particular attention to examples of tweets on these hashtags that provide opinions about the origin, purposes, and changes that have occurred to the concept and performances of  Verzuz music battles.
 
Particular attention is also given to examples of tweets on these hashtags that include African American Vernacular English (AAVE) in these tweets, although those terms and phrases aren't highlighted or defined.

Some of these tweets also serve as examples of how Black twitter refers to Covid-19 and feels about covid-19. 

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2020/12/general-information-about-black-twitter_13.html for Part I of this pancocojams series. Part I presents general information about "Black twitter" and general information about Verzuz.

The contents of this post are presented for historical and socio-cultural purposes. 

****
PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE
All of these twitter examples were retrieved from various twitter accounts on Dec. 12, 2020 and all of these twitter accounts were retrieved from top ten trending accounts on that date that referred to the Ashanti vs Keyshia Cole Verzuz (#verzuzonline, #ashanti , and #keyshia.)

These examples are given without GIFs, photographs, drawings or other visual attachments. These tweets are also given without time stamps or retweet information.

 Any profanity that is included in these tweets is given with amended spelling because pancocojams  is a family friendly blog. The words amended spelling are noted by an asterisk.  

Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.

Excerpt #1
From https://twitter.com/verzuzonline/status/1337908160460369923

1. Verzuz

@verzuzonline

Unfortunately, we have to postpone tonight’s #VERZUZ. Ashanti tested positive for COVID-19, and we cannot put anyone at risk in the process. First time this has struck us so close to show time. We apologize to our incredible audience!

**
2.  Verzuz

@verzuzonline

Replying to

@verzuzonline

Get well soon, Ashanti [emojis of Purple heart, Black heart, Green heart]

**
3. Verzuz

@verzuzonline

New date: January 9th, 2021 #VERZUZ

**
4. Anaconda to 1BILL

@NICKIDOJACAT

Replying to

@verzuzonline

Keyshia was winning anyways

**
5. Kellan Alexandra

@kellanluvsu

Facts

**
6. ZaIsMyPerfume [emoji of Kiss mark, Dizzy symbol]

@CoveredInZa

Replying to

@verzuzonline

From now on please put in your contracts artist have to be in state of scheduled Verzuz 14 days in advanced and STAY there. We being nice about all this but we mad so yeah.

**
7. Silent Beauty [emoji of Black heart]

@silentbeauty_

THIS!!! Up [multiple emoji of Up pointing backhand index]

**
8. Nicole emoji of  Statue of liberty, Water wave, Flag of United States, Woman, student, Graduation capScales, #Biden2020]

MzDivah67

Replying to

@verzuzonline

Sorry to hear that. But people please be safe and wear your emoji of Face with a medical mask].

**
9. Ryan Garry

@gregarryus

Replying to

@verzuzonline

While the production value is better when the artists are in the same place, hopefully you can have a contingency in place next time to go back to doing it the OG way like y’all used to

 **
10. Ashley Rose [emoji of Black heart Wilted flower]

@xoastrogirlxo

I legit was in feelings all week in preparation

**
11. Joi Joi

@NJoiYaWorth

Replying to

@verzuzonline

Boo! Just ordered food and everything. Feel better but damn. I’m having a selfish moment.

**
12. junior

@juniorlfelix

Girl I just got back from the supermarket! Bought beer, snacks and sh-t*.

[emojis of Man facepalming; Confounded face, Confounded face]

**
13. S_Mart15

@Mart15S

Replying to

@verzuzonline

the whole point of Versus was because of covid! Now I don't know why they gotta be in the same room [emoji of Man facepalming] if you really want it to happen you can just like you used to.

**
14. Kimberly Rawls

@KimberlyRawls7

Replying to

@verzuzonline

Prayers going up for Ashanti..... Get well soon sistah [emoji of Folded hands]. But once u get better #TeamKeyshiaCole gonna drag u boo. Love ya tho2[emojis of Crossed fingers,Face throwing a kiss]

**
15. calmye

@hotgirlbbyb

Replying to

@verzuzonline

why can’t they do it from home

**
16. TheLegitESTBOSS

@TheLegitESTBOSS

Replying to

@verzuzonline

 and

@qsteph

JUST DO IT ON ZOOM!

**
17. Jeremy

@JeremyKennan

Replying to

@verzuzonline

 and

@un_conquered

Did y’all test her twice? May have been a false positive.

**
18. Black with a capital B!

@un_conquered

I was thinking that too

**
19. Nea Nea

@good_Melanin

Replying to

@verzuzonline

I'm fuk—n* Saltyyyyy. but I understand, now what am I suppose to do [emoji of Rolling on the floor laughing]

**
20. HossyBigBoy

@HossyDawg

Read a book

**
21. It’s Jaime... NOT “Jamie”

@iamsomar23

Replying to

@verzuzonline

@adrifbaybee

 Ashanti didn’t want to get washed.

**
22. CKGTHEDON

@ckgthedon

Replying to

@verzuzonline

#PrayersUp Queen

@ashanti

 ❤❤

**
23. Richard.C

@RichardAmplery

Replying to

@verzuzonline

The remote setup had that excitement attached to it despite the small tech issues. Badu and Jill managed to pull it off well
-snip-
Thes tweet refers to the Veruz between Erykah Badu and Jill Scott.

**
24. Silent Beauty[emoji of Black heart]

@silentbeauty_

Replying to

@verzuzonline

I thought the whole purpose of verzuz was cause of covid, for our entertainment but the artists NOT to be in the same room!? & why would ya schedule it so close after announcing it, while she’s out of the country with a HUGE possibility of covid exposure?? This was a TEASE!! [emojis of Tired face, Face with look of triumph]

**
25. The Alkebulan Trust

@Alkebulan_Trust

Replying to

@verzuzonline

As much as many are eager for this to happen via alternative means

@ashanti needs to rest. She needs to consume the right nutrients to boost and maintain her immune system so exerting energy is not best for her right now. Please be considerate health isn't a game

**
26. Myles Warden

@ReallyMighty

Replying to

@verzuzonline

Back to basics and setting the example you were originally setting. Jan 9th won't be any less risk and likely more. Run it virtually from here on out.

**
27. $$$

@wheniwasinvogue

Replying to

@verzuzonline

 and

@blkgrlpoet

They’re supposed to be at their own homes playing songs off their computers. Y’all need to stick to the rivers & the lakes that y’all used to.

**
28.  Top Hat Talent Fat

@perfectiousness

Replying to

@verzuzonline

Y'all really should have just gone back to basics instead of postponing... Smh

**
29. Marsha Guerrier

@hersuitespot

Replying to

@verzuzonline

What happen to contingency plans? No backup duo? #newedition #versus #boystomen

**
30.  RockdaBellz

@ALL_BLK_EVRYTNG

Replying to

@verzuzonline

Y’all are doing way too much now, trying to put on a damn concert. Have the artist do it from their own space.

**
31. Tavian Deonte

@TavianDeonte

The audio experience is wayyy better tho like with brandy and Monica

**
32. Samantha Sophia

@RaisingSelf

But this is meant to be a scrappy innovative response to the realities and risks of a pandemic.

**
33. CJD

@LostYouKeptMe

Replying to

@verzuzonline

Get well soon, Ashanti. [emojis of Folded hands, Face with medical mask] When we win the runoffs in Georgia, it’ll be an even sweeter family affair [emoji of Peach] #VERZUZ ...

**
34. Alex M

@aalleexx101

Replying to

@verzuzonline

Was looking forward to the battle. But I do think it's best that it's being postponed. I personally would have rather seen it in person. Health comes first! Love seeing them both on Instagram live chatting tonight. Now looking forward to seeing it in January! #VERZUZ

**
35. Tavian Deonte

@TavianDeonte

I’m glad there are some sane people still

**
36. Kimberly Mundy

@KimberlyMundy8

Replying to

@verzuzonline

She Should  Have  Kept  Her  Ass  Home....

**
37. Raine J [emoji of Flag of Jamaica]

@_raineway

Replying to

@verzuzonline

I was literally just getting ready omg, get well soon hunny

**
38. Babou Sarr

@baboubsarr

Replying to

@verzuzonline

Wow! Some of the comments here are so insensitive and selfish. This is beyond being in the same room as others, imagine her psyche after testing positive to a virus that have killed hundreds of thousands

**
39. WUR YO MASS [emoji of Face with medical mask]

@nicnicinico

🗣🗣She was still traveling while hundreds of thousands were dying, so...

**
40. Twilight Zone aka 2020 [emojis of Face with rolling eyes, Face with medical mask, Woman shrugging]

@divasmom1985

Replying to

@verzuzonline

Well, go on over to Club Quarantine with Dnice on Instagram.  He is jamming cause he knows everyone was ready for the battle.

**
41. ronisa

@ronisahilliard6

Replying to

@verzuzonline

The way sh-t* going we might not make it to jam 9th [emoji of Neutral face]

**
42. Ale⁷

@_SlyFox1

Replying to

@verzuzonline

I got so excited for nothing. They should've been quarantined if they knew this was scheduled hello

**
43. Shawne White Land

@shawnesjplife

Replying to

@verzuzonline

Praying for @ashanti to have a speedy recovery [emoji of Folded hands]

**
44. Mrs. H.

@_nadelizabeth

Replying to

@verzuzonline

 and

@callmedollar

So … their Instagram ain’t working? Verzuz was much more enjoyable when it was two artists on IG with wonky wifi.

**
45. Patrina Adger

@KOCOPatrina

Replying to

@verzuzonline

Kesha would have won anyway.

**
46. HoodBoujie

@priince_ray

Replying to

@verzuzonline

I ain’t gone lie def mad but I want them to be happy.

**
47. Bub

@BubLanny

Replying to

@verzuzonline

Ashanti needs a better opponent. She would destroy Cole

**
48. O.Y.O YaYa

@ObsidianVitalit

Replying to

@verzuzonline

Brah if the UFC can have last min change ups in fights if fights don't make weight or get covid why can't yall!

**
49. Jonathan

@bedoya_jonathan

Replying to

@verzuzonline

Ashanti ducking keyshia [multiple emojis of Eyes] 

**
50. Queen Iman

@xoxoximan

Replying to

@verzuzonline

This entire production started because of a pandemic and the need to STAY HOME & SOCIAL DISTANCE!! Likeeeee what are y’all doing [Exclamation, question mark]

@THEREALSWIZZZ

@Timbaland

**
51. Dassit13

@Beef_13

Replying to

@verzuzonline

Ashanti been wilin with the no masks going everywhere on IG. Protect yourself Covid isn’t a game.

**
52. Philip Oliver Bush

@oliverbush

Replying to

@verzuzonline

She just tryin to prep the audience in case she come with that weakness

**
53. sav

@Savvyy519

Replying to

@verzuzonline

Damn you covid!!! [emoji of Weary face] I prepped all day for this!!!!!!

**
54.  BK923

@BK92316

Replying to

@verzuzonline

All she had to do was stay her ass at home. But no, obviously had to go out somewhere and catch the Rona [emoji of Face with rolling eyes]

**
55. Krampus Style #blacklivesmatter

@hannibaltabu

Replying to

@verzuzonline

I love y’all and I want everybody to be safe, so please, no more in person Verzuz. We need to ride this out, fam.

**
56. The DMX DJ

@thedmxdj

Replying to

@verzuzonline

expect it in 2020. expect it for years to come

**
57.  [Flag of United States] Queen_Ruba [Flag of Gambia]

@QueenJuuJuu

Replying to

@verzuzonline

I see people ranting and running their mouths about how she wasn’t wearing a mask! If you haven’t contracted the disease or know facts about then shut your mouth! I know alot of people who including myself have contracted the disease and wore a mask! Its more to it than we think

**
58. Λ J Λ Y ♚

@illest_sunO7

Replying to

@verzuzonline

Lol. Tim you are retweeting this now and we already know and also, it doesn’t make sense for an artist to not know to quarantine prior to their Verzuz battle, that’s the part I don’t get. It’s not like the battle came up all of a sudden

**
59. Reese [emojis of Purple heart, Rainbow flag, Syringe] BSN, RN

@Mshadz

Replying to

@verzuzonline

This is what happens when you get too big for your britches. Things were working fine the original way.

**
60. Qdot23

@qdot23

Replying to

@verzuzonline

@ashanti

 if u was scared of @KeyshiaCole

 u could’ve just said that damn ! [emoji of Face with rolling eyes]

**
61. Dru

@RnBMaster

Replying to

@verzuzonline

Pride comes before the fall. It would have been ok to just do it the original way, we would have understood. But we are also not gonna kick you while you’re down. Get well Ashanti! Set the new date, from HOME.

**
62. Justin Stephens

@justino16333

Replying to

@verzuzonline

Somebody go cut me a switch for Ashanti because ain't nobody tell her to leave the house and go over yonder. She knew this day was coming...  #GetWellSoon

**
63. [emojis of Unamused face, Right pointing backhand index] #JoeMalAmerica!

@marvinpcummings

Replying to

@verzuzonline

[emojis of Thinking face, Selfie] But the name says Verzuz 'Online' not Verzuz In Person Face-to-face. 

**
64. Right pointing backhand index#MakesNoSense

Rhoda

@rhoda_qadosh

Replying to

@verzuzonline

It is what it is, Safety and @ashanti  health comes first! Just as long as it’s rescheduled we straight

****
Excerpt #2
From https://twitter.com/search?q=Keyshia
1. tày

@tinnkky

The entire point of #Verzuz when it started was everyone being able to engage FROM HOME. Why now they have to be in the same room??

5:49 PM · Dec 12, 2020·Twitter for iPhone

**
2. tày

@tinnkky

Everyone is saying “technical issues” like every major late night show, daytime talk show, interview, NPR broadcast .. has successfully been streamed by major networks. It’s v hard for me to believe that they couldn’t figure out those same logistics lol

**
3. TSA Bae

@COOLassChefdude

Replying to

@tinnkky

 and

@DeeRene_

Cause Apple Music

**
4. Apollonia

@NahlahV

Replying to

@tinnkky

And this is pretty much when i stopped watchin cuz it wasnt even the same mood anymore.

**
5.  Jessika Rabbit Rabbit

@JessikaRabbit16

Replying to

@tinnkky

The Anglos put money in it...

**
6. lox on the blockz

@dreadzonswagg

Replying to

@tinnkky

 and

@Shadetagonist

Yt ppl got involved and started doing it for money instead of just the joy of black ppl having fun.

**
7. Trouble Pineapple

@LongDonnSilver

Long story short... yea

**
8. Jada [emojis of Party popper, Sparkling heart]

@jadaT17

Replying to

@tinnkky

It started IN THE PANDEMIC. I DON’T  UNDERSTAND

**
9. chris(TINA)

@justTINAalways

Replying to

@tinnkky

Exactly . Go back to the artists in their own personal space (HOME). I mean we are still in a global pandemic. “Less is better”.

**
10. Keisha Fraser

@Thee_Kraken

Replying to

@tinnkky

Beenie and Bounty came and turned Verzuz into a proper sound clash and it forever changed.

**
11. Sūe ŠwäyWater wave

@suzie_suee

Replying to

@tinnkky

 and

@thatgirljaycole

Even if it was at home...she still got rona, she shouldn't be singing anyways lol

**
12. Jasmine Tiara

@jastiara

Replying to

@tinnkky

 and

@_heyyymscarter

Easy answer. Capitalism.

**
13. مكتئب

@YenisedAjete

Replying to

@tinnkky

Cause of the wifi issues. They tired of people having GoodWill wifi and audio issues lol

**
14. The Hood Loves Me [emojis of Chequered flag, Flag of United States]

@MitchelBrown_

Replying to

@tinnkky

Because of Beanie and Bounty, they killed #Verzuz. And everybody else is struggling to compete to with them

**
15. Jeronicus Jangle

@JeroslynDiva08

Replying to

@tinnkky

Because Beenie Man and Bounty Killa changed the game

**
16. Zanade | It's Time to Grow | Marketing | Business

@zanade

I think that was the best one

**
17. Jeronicus Jangle

@JeroslynDiva08

It was

**
18. Not the one

@Les_Diabolique

I still listen to their verzuz. At the beginning verzuz were entertaining  for the shenanigans, but Beenie & Bounty made it a true show.

**
19. Mel ChapoRocket

@MelChap0

Replying to

@tinnkky

 and

@SabaFarwell

It was too many connection issues when the artist were separated

**
Excerpt #3
From https://twitter.com/search?q=Ashanti 
1. king crissle

@crissles

not ashanti blaming satan for her covid like she aint been traveling since the pandemic started. [emoji of Skull] some people will say anything to make themselves feel better.

**
2. ChaosAgentOfColor

@KirkWrites79

The devil didn’t buy that ticket to Kenya, Ashanti. Don’t put him in it. [emoji of Man shrugging]

**
3. Skylar Ezell is a Black, Broke, and Bougie Writer

@Skylar_Writer

ASHANTI: The devil gave me #COVID19

THE DEVIL:
-snip-
Those words are followed by a short clip of Real Housewives Of Atlanta interview

**
4. Ashanti: I have COVID..

Black Twitter and their extended family:

#VERZUZ
-snip-
This tweet includes brief clips of three different parties in which Black people are having a food fight.

**
5. K. Starr

@KSTARRSD

[two emojis of Weary face] DAMN

@ashanti  get better boo! 

**
6. Tasha’s wig

@StringerBellis1

Oh #Ashanti ain’t sangin with her inside voice tonight?

**
7. Cali M Dizzy symbolBlue heart

@CaliMOfficial_

And keep yo ass in the house until the 9th! 🗣🗣

**
8. AshleySparkles

@ashhhhnicoleeee

Ashanti managing to get out the battle with Keyshia Cole and testing positive for COVID - at the same time! #VERZUZ

**
9. Wind me up

@readsalottt

y'all really out here saying #Ashanti is faking a COVID diagnosis because she won't win a #VERZUZ battle?

#Dumbasses

**
10. 🅺🅸🅽🅶 🅿︎🅾︎🅿︎ⓅⒾ🅽🅶ⓉⓄ🅽

@SwagonballP

I’m on YouTube where these guys are playing the Verzuz songs frm #AshantiVsKeyshiaCole and Keyshia is crushing Ashanti

**
11. NtsaliDizzy symbolSparkles

@Ntsalimak

#verzuzbattle Ashanti must drink some ginger tea and go on zoom

**
12. Sista Tamika.

@PrinceIman_

The Ashanti Vs Keyshia Cole battle was supposed to be the highlight of my weekend and they talking about it’s canceled. #verzuzbattle

**
13.  Sparkles

@papiiimiguelll

If Ashanti don’t hop on a damn zoom call ... I swear #VERZUZ

**
14. crispynuggets

@Asiyah89569778

Ashanti if your woulda stayed your butt at HOME we wouldn’t have this problem [emoji of Pouting face] #VERZUZ 

**
15.  ⁷

@90sinterlude

ashanti better get her zoom account set up cause rona or not we are NOT missing out on singing foolish tonight #VERZUZ

**
16. Lina B

@livelovelina93

The Ashanti vs Keyshia Cole Verzus is cancelled and I am so upset! Damn it we cant have nothing. Ms. Rona tryna ruins everything! #verzuzbattle #verzuzbattle

**
17. karla marx

@losquiat

Ashanti been sight seeing around the world this whole quarantine and now we have no #VERZUZ  tonight

**
18. Brown Skin Girl With Skin Like Pearls

@AnimeOtaku1723

#VERZUZ

Ashanti: "I got COVID yall but I'm feeling fine"

Black Twitter: "ok so get your ass on Zoom or IG Live asum?? Tf??? Ain't nobody got time for this sh-t*!!"

**
19. $𝕭

@sbeezii

Ashanti if you knew you only had two solo songs to play just say dat.

**
20. yas

@Adoomies2

I hope she gets better but I know Ashanti did not want that Keyshia Cole smoke #VERZUZ

**
21. King Blue

@BestTothebest

So Keyshia won [emoji of Man shrugging]

#AshantiVsKeyshiaCole #ashanti #VERZUZ

**
22. luna

@coatlicue_11

miss rona after infecting ashanti #VERZUZ

**
23. Anita Faker

@MovesLikeRoy

Chile, Ashanti just tested positive for COVID 19 and y’all going awf wanting her to still do the damn #VERZUZ tonight?!?
-snip-
GIF of Black woman saying “These people need Jesus”.

****
This concludes Part II of this two part pancocojams series.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.