Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, and D-Nice will receive ASCAP Voice of Culture at the 2021 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards on June 22.
The award will highlight the award winning songwriter-producers’ ability to persevere music during the global coronavirus pandemic.
According to the official press release, the award will highlight “their success as creators of Verzuz and Club Quarantine, two virtual events that became touchstones of empowerment through music during the pandemic.”
Last year as the pandemic forced the entire world into lockdown, Beatz and Timbaland teamed up and created Verzuz. Verzuz is a virtual music match-up competition where musical icons go hit for hit with other musical stars in their genre. The now popular show has garnered millions of viewers. The series featured matchups from some of music’s most legendary talents, such as Patti LaBelle vs. Gladys Knight, Snoop Dogg vs. DMX, Gucci Mane vs. Jeezy and more.
According to Revolt TV, Gucci’s Mane vs. Jeezy’s Verzuz battle is the highest viewed Verzuz battle. The legendary showdown between the two long feuding Atlanta rappers garnered over 9.1 million views.
Similar to Verzuz, Dj D-Nice Club Quarantine also sought to perverse music during the pandemic. For hours the legendary DJ played sets for millions of viewers on his Instagram Live. D-Nice played hour-long sets lists inspired by iconic pop culture references and stars. Many celebrities tuned in including Rihanna, the Obamas, and President Joe Biden.
The contributions of the D-Nice, Swizz Beatz, and Timbaland kept the music and home alive admit the skyrocketing coronavirus cases and deaths.
Be sure to watch the talented trio accept their award at the virtual 2021 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards on June 22.
