Verzuz Makes Epic Return With Cash Money & No Limit Battle
The highly anticipated No Limit and Cash Money Verzuz has officially gone down. The return of Verzuz was marked by an epic musical clash between two southern rap titans, sparking a nostalgic celebration of New Orleans hip-hop history.
The Verzuz brand, co-founded by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, made its big return after a three-year hiatus, hosting the event live at ComplexCon in Las Vegas on Saturday, October 25. the GrioThe decision to pit two New Orleans-based labels against each other in holding the event in Vegas was a unique touch, matching the “HBCU Classic” game between Grambling and Jackson State at Allegiant Stadium earlier that day.
Swizz Beatz and Timbaland emphasized the purpose of the extended reunion in a joint statement, saying, “Instead of talking so much, we just want to get to the action.” The event was streamed live on Apple Music, bringing the face to a global audience.
The No Limit En Cash Money Verzuz marks a legacy of Bling Bling and camouflage
The cultural significance of this No Limit and Cash Money Verzuz matchup cannot be overstated. In the 1990s and early 2000s, Cash Money and No Limit were synonymous with defining Southern hip-hop style and sound, influencing everything from fashion to the popularity of “bling bling.”
Both labels feature a who's who of hip-hop royalty. Complex reports that Cash Money, led by Birdman, released heavyweights such as Juvenile, BG, and Mannie Fresh. The label is famously responsible for launching the careers of giants such as Lil Wayne, Drakeand Nicki Minaj. On the other hand, Master P's No Limit Records, known for its iconic tank logo, featured his Mia X, Silkk the Shocker, and Master P himself. Master P acknowledged the shared legacy, saying in an interview earlier that week, “We're definitely two companies that came into New Orleans and made riches… So my hats off to Birdman and Cash Money, as well as my No Limit army, all my soldiers, everyone who represented us for so long.”
The crowd inside ComplexCon was electric as the two Louisiana heavyweights traded hit after hit, including classics like Juvenile's “400 Degreez” and “Back That Azz Up,” alongside No Limit anthems like “Make Em Say Unh” and “I'm Still Fly.” Adding major star power to the No Limit side was Snoop Dogg, who made a surprise appearance, stepping out to perform the classic C-Murda anthem “Down 4 My N****z.” Snoop's presence carried extra weight because of his history with the label, as he signed with Master P's No Limit after leaving Death Row Records in the 1990s, which helped further his career.
The Verzuz format, which evolved from a virtual hit on Instagram during the COVID-19 pandemic to a full-fledged in-house production, is known for its viral moments. Some of the most recognized battles include R&B favorites, Brandy and Monicawhich faced in September 2020, No-No against Johnta Austin, Ashanti across from Keyshia Cole, Jeezy across from Gucci Mane, Snoop Dogg across from DMXand the beginning of everything –Swizz Beatz across from Timbaland.
