The year was 2020. The world was inside its homes, unsure of what the future held for itself and society as a whole. COVID-19 brought everyday life to a halt, leaving people searching for ways to cope, reconnect, and find entertainment from home. With gathering in person no longer an option, people turned to their screens for a sense of connection.
Out of that uncertainty came Verzuz. What began as a virtual gathering between artists and producers became a cultural phenomenon, giving audiences a reason to come together for music, nostalgia, fun, and dance. Six years later, that same spirit filled the room as R&B veterans Donell Jones and Joe took the Verzuz stage on August 20, bringing decades of music with them.
Jones went first, opening with “In the Hood,” a song that has found new life as a TikTok favorite. Joe followed with perhaps one of his biggest songs, “Don’t Wanna Be a Player No More,” immediately bringing a different energy to the night.
Technical difficulties plagued both performers, though Jones encountered them more frequently. Still, he continued performing through the interruptions, refusing to let the setbacks overshadow his set.
Joe arrived ready to party, while Jones needed some time to relax and settle into the night. By his fourth song, “Love Like This,” Donnell had loosened up, dancing and unbuttoning his suit.
Both artists used the night to showcase the breadth of their catalogs. Donell Jones brought out 702 for “Get It Together,” a song he wrote for the group in 1999. His background vocalists also performed Usher’s “Think of You” at a time when he is currently on tour with Chris Brown. Joe moved between songs he recorded, wrote, and appeared on, including “I’m Missing You,” which he wrote and contributed background vocals to for Case.
The night continued to build as Joe brought out G-Unit for “Wanna Get To Know You,” with 50 Cent joining him before they transitioned into “Big Rich Town,” the theme song from Power. Joe also revisited “Stutter,” performing both the original and remix versions among his 16 songs.
There was no need for either artist to prove who had the better career. For an hour and a half, they performed songs that have lasted across generations, interacted with the crowd, and created moments that felt more like a celebration than a competition.
Verzuz may have started during a period when the world was separated, but thanks to Donell Jones and Joe, nights like this show how music can still bring people together.
Na’ilah Burston
