After Brandy apparently called out Monica at the Essence Festival during her performance of their song “The Boy Is Mine” earlier this month, it seems Monica has finally issued a response of sorts.
During her concert in Houston Saturday, July 14, the R&B vocalist took a moment to acknowledge some of the fellow singers that came up with her in the genre. After noting the late Aaliyah was “one in a million for sure,” she turned her attention to Brandy.
“I want y’all to make some noise for the woman — this is the only Grammy I ever won in my whole life, only time they called a little Black girl from the country to the big stage — was with this amazing person Ms. Brandy Norwood,” she told the crowd. “I want y’all to make some noise in here for the night. See, the thing is, is if we lift each other up, we can do a whole lot.”
Singers Brandy (L) and Monica pose at the 2011 Pre-GRAMMY Gala and Salute To Industry Icons Honoring David Geffen at Beverly Hilton on February 12, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
Monica then asked the audience to put their phones in the air in honor of that notion and dedicated “For You I Will” to both Aaliyah and Brandy.
The remark came after Brandy wrapped up her performance of her and Monica’s 1998 Grammy-winning single by singing, “the song is mine.” Many perceived that to be a new dig at her collaborator, with whom Brandy has drummed up a beef with throughout the years.
It appeared Monica had responded previously, saying in an Instagram post around the time of the July 5-8 festival, “I conduct myself in the manner I would like to be remembered!! The work I have to do within myself leaves no room to focus on anyone else…. Always bettering me for my husband & babies.”
Meanwhile, fans are chiming in on the latest apparent response in the two’s spat.
“Yawn, is it 1998?”
“Brandy saying, ‘the song is mine,’ had nothing to do with/ Monica. She’s in a licensing battle with Atlantic because she’s refusing to sell the song rights. She was speaking to the label, not Monica – who KILLED this performance btw!!!”
“I just don’t understand why neither of them won’t just let this go. No one cares anymore. These women have children and sneak dissin’ and throwin’ shade about a 20 year old bop.”
