Erykah Badu and Jill Scott are both legends. Honestly, I had no intention of entering their Instagram Live “battle” with the idea of choosing a side, I simply wanted to indulge in the mere presence of two of the greatest storytellers of my lifetime. I wanted to feel their auras, gain some of their strength and harbor some major artistic inspiration.
Yet, words cannot lay the foundation for the ambience of the iconic vibe. The entire atmosphere of the Instagram Live smelled like sweet cocoa butter, fresh jojoba oil and preferential indulgences of the earthly nature. It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced! Let’s not forget the amount of grace, respect and love that Badu and Scott (consistently) dished upon each other. It was beyond inspiring. I do believe at it’s peak, the overall Instagram Live reached well over 700,000 viewers. Sheesh!
The beauty of this Verzuz TV “battle” was the wisdom that spewed from Auntie E and Jilly from Philly. Never have I ever indulged in any celebrity’s livestream (for over 2 hours), genuinely excited to hear and simply re-experience the genius of what their talent has manifested within my life. Whether their music gave me strength at a vulnerable point of my life, or whether their lyrics still serve as positive affirmations that continue to soothe my soul, the spiritual vibrations were on a completely different level.
Erykah’s raw and unapologetic edge coupled with Ms. Scott’s effortless elegance and sophistication concocted the perfect recipe for a Saturday evening well-spent. Ya’ll, I had my Merlot in hand, I was decked out in my finest Badu-esque kimono, fruit was in hand, candles were burning, I was too ready. To bear witness to two artists (who I grew up jamming), still slaying and telling their own stories in the process, it was truly a moment to witness. No beef, no twerking, no Teddy Riley technical difficulties, just an inimitable ministry of music through core-wrenching musicianship and the power of the pen.
For the entire time, I forgot about how stressed out I was at my job. I forgot that I have bills due next week. I totally dismissed my frustrations with being unable to leave my home. Heck, I didn’t even think about COVID-19. I was encapsulated by the sheer magnetism of these two, uber-talented women who have paved the way for writers, singers, performers, fashionistas, artists and even poets. They literally stopped time and turned the world on its side.
If you missed it, I do apologize. It was a gift. Thank you, Queens! This escape was much needed.
*Photo Credits: Afrobella and InStyle; I do not own the rights to the featured photographs.
“Soul music is about longevity and reaching and touching people on a human level – and that’s never going to get lost.” – Jill Scott
ESMESHA CAMPBELL - Lifestyle, Fashion Culture, and Beauty 
The only thing worth telling my future grandkids about the Covid-19 experience. 2 beautiful queens came together and made the worries of the world disappear by just their presence. Whoooo chile!!! That was an experience. Captivated for 2 and a half hours.
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You put exactly how I felt into words! That was a full grown woman vibe! 2 black Queen’s showing us how it should be done! I’m with you, I had not intention on picking, I just wanted enjoy all they were going to offer.
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Yes! My goal was simple. I was just a fly on the wall, breathing in pure greatness, lol. Thank you so much for reading! 🙏🏾
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Reading this was just an amazing as attending last nights virtual healing! There is power in your pen!
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I just got chills, sis! Oh my gosh, thank you! So happy I could contribute to re-living such a dynamic moment, especially during this tough time. Blessings! 🙏🏾
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This mini concert cleansed my spirit and restored my soul.
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Same for me. Listen, I was parched! This minin concert cured all of that.
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Yes your article too is a breath of fresh air. You wrote just enough for someone who didn’t experience – capture it here. It’s been a long time since seeing people pay homage to one another without I’ll intent or regret. I pray our world resets to these great feel moments again.
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Thank you! I will always treasure the legendary exchange we had last night. It was much needed in today’s social climate. I really appreciate the support. Blessings!
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How did I miss this!? Two of my favorite artist and I missed them. Can I still see it somewhere?
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Yes! No worries though, I have seen replays on YouTube. Definitely start there!
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It stopped time it took me to a place a zone where I wanted to be!
A true demonstration of sisterhood and what it should always reflect! Thank you JILL
Thank you Erykah!
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Agreed! The world stopped in its tracks. I can’t thank them enough, true sisterhood at its finest. Thank you for reading!
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Truly Truly Amazing!!!! You described the true essence perfectly.❤️❤️ Unlike anything I have ever experienced. We are all better for it.
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Definitely. Thank you for rocking with me! 🙏🏾
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Esmesha, you are a very talented and descriptive writer. I loved reading your article. Even though I did not watch the concert, I felt the essence of it through your words. Thank you for sharing your experience.
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Thank you so much, Elise! Your kind words have just brought me to tears. I am so honored that I was able to provide you, even a slice, of the happiness I felt while watching last night. Thank you for supporting! Forever grateful. 🙏🏾
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This mini concert was just what my soul needed. I love both artist but that light that Jill radiates is just heart warming!!
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So glad you enjoyed the concert, sis! Jill is all types of goals, right? That smile, her essence, that voice… everything.
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I LIVE. This is so perfectly stated.
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Thank you so much! 🙏🏾
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You wrote everything my heart was feeling. I’m still in awe!
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Yes, same here! I’m still reeling.
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This was written perfectly. My very sentiments exactly! Thank you for your emotive write up! It’s was most definitely sublimely dope🔥
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My pleasure. All love. Blessings! 🙏🏾
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Love this!
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🙏🏾 Thank you! It was a total vibe.
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Oh yes. I enjoyed EVERY moment.
#BLACKWOMENROCK
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The only thing worth telling my future grandkids about the Covid-19 experience. 2 beautiful queens came together and made the worries of the world disappear by just there presence. Whoooo chile!!! That was an experience. Captivated for 2 and a half hours.
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Girl! I was too lit! I felt like I was on the front row at the Toyota Center, drink in hand with my best ‘fit on.. watching the Queens slay on stage. This is exactly what the world needed, and these two icons certainly delivered.
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Your words expressed the galaxy turning feelings, I felt watching. Had me excited ,as if to expect a part two!
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Wow! I am so grateful that my words are felt on such a higher vibration. Beyond just the IG Live itself, it’s dope to see so many people feel the same way. Thank you so much for reading. A part 2 would be so dope, right?!
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YES SIS CAN I SAY YOU KILLED THIS ARTICLE YES … BUT THE QUEEN UPLIFTED THE VILLAGE LAST NIGHT IT WAS SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL..
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I really appreciate the love, Queen! Thank you.
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You explained my exact feelings. They are both my absolute favorite artist. I went in knowing that it would be the best “battle” and that our souls would be fed. It ended with the same feeling I have when I leave one of their shows. Omg what an awesome time. We definitely needed that.
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And, you know what? Witnessing the love and respect they consistently expressed towards each other was so spiritual. It gave me chills. Both Ms. Badu and Ms. Scott are such amazing artists, they definitely left their mark with this one. Thanks for reading!
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I loved the fact that they kept gracing each other with black beauty compliments. Ultimate high! I was on an euphoric high. I need another one like this, in concert.
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Yes, sis! A concert would be evverryythiingg! In this day and age, it’s rare to see that kind of positivity bouncing between two successful, Black women. Everyone thinks we need to compete, but in reality, all we need is to support and uplift each other.
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Yes. Just a compliment a day keeps the haters away.
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Beautiful writing! I totally agree with everything you’ve said. I thoroughly enjoyed feeling like I was watching my two aunties get caught up on old times over music and wine like they haven’t seen each other in years. It was truly a beautiful evening and blessing for women of all ages to witness.
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So true! It was almost like a family reunion, right? Thank you so much for reading!
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Your (choice of) words literally captured that entire Experience to a ‘Tee’… Jill Scott and Erykah Badu was pretty much, nothing short, of Amazing! They were Love.
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Blessings! Thank you so much for reading. I am so grateful! 🙏🏾
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It’s on YouTube, they’re reaping all that continuous viewership–I don’t think they’ll take it down anytime soon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jodpe_RUq9Q
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Sounds about right. I knew someone on there would repost! Thanks.
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THANK YOU FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL ARTICLE WRITTEN ABOUT A COUPLE OF THEE BEST STORYTELLERS OF OUR TIME!!!! IT WAS MUCH NEEDED BECAUSE I LITERALLY MISSED THE ENTIRE EVENT. HOWEVER, I DID GET A CHANCE TO POKE MY HEAD IN FOR A MIN AND FELT EVERY INCH OF THAT MAGNETIC VIBE OF 2 BLACK SISTAS DOING MORE THAN JUST CHOPPING IT UP!!!!!! IT WAS THE MEETING OF THE MINDS AND I’M SO HAPPY MY F.B FRIEND SENT ME THIS PIECE AS CONFIRMATION THAT THE LIVE WAS INDEED LIT!!!!!!!!
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🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿
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The earth stood still last night if only for a few hours! This really touched my soul! Thank you to two of the most beautiful amazing and talented ladies ever!
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Yeeesssss!!! It truly a sight to see. I’m still in awe.
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Beautifully Written ❤️
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Thank you so much!
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Absolutely a beautiful night. I slept like a baby afterward.
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Haha! Me too! 🤣
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I missed it. Will it air, again.
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I missed it. Will it air, again.
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It won’t re-air, because it was an Instagram Live. But, you may be able to find the replay on YouTube.
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I couldn’t sleep last night, my heart was still singing!!!
Thank you queens for sharing your dynamic talent.
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Thank you for reading! 🙏🏾
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I’m so happy to know this can be replayed being that I have a few friends that missed this legendary musical escape of covid 19. I couldn’t put it into words as you did to explain the essence of the experience, so thank you because I can now share this article.
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Of course. Definitely check the full live out whenever you can. Sis, your life will be changed for the better! Thank you so much for reading!
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It was the exact thing I needed at the exact time. I already knew the jndivual magic of these two sisters, Badu and Scott. I have followed each from the beginning. The combined magic of these two lyrical genuis’ was nothing but earth shaking amazement. We could feel the energy and love through every song and word they spoke. Even through the comments the love was evident and spoke volumes. People want and need more love. COVID-19 has some positive. I’m choosing to hold tight to the positive to get through.🖤
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Preach on! Both Erykah Badu and Jill Scott are powerhouses; they have also been a strong inspiration within my life. Fact: I actually have Badu on my 2020 vision board, lol! They are everything. Thank you so much for reading. Keep shining!
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Couldn’t agree more! This experience gave me so much life—exactly what I (we all) needed!
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Yes! Blessings to you! Thank you so much for reading. 💜
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Thanks for sharing such an amazing blog. I must say you are doing a great job. Keep doing such hard work. Your blogs are really very informative. Keep posting! Good Luck for your upcoming updates.
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