Welp, the anticipation of the battle between two giants, Babyface and Teddy Riley, proved to be an insurmountable task fighting against technology. Teddy was ready with a band, DJ, + sound equipment and Babyface practiced social distancing by working alone.
In the end, simplicity seemed to favor Babyface over Teddy Riley’s disturbing feedback and echo. If nothing else, we now understand the importance of sound engineers and how they are worth their weight in gold. Nevertheless, due to sound difficulties the battle went on pause and I’m not sure when it will return. Insert sad face ? .
Several key factors shined bright within this momentous/musically brief occasion:
1.) School Is In Session – We received history lessons about the music and projects these musical geniuses created. Did you know Teddy Riley produced the Doug E. Fresh and The Get Fresh Crew hit record “The Show” in high school??!!!!! Epic knowledge being shared cannot be ignored or deterred by sound difficulties.
2.) Always A Gentleman– Babyface opened up his set with an ode and toast to the ladies (peep video below). This classy move made a real woman swoon. Then Babyface bowed his head and pressed play as his classic hit by The Deeles, “Two Occasions” flowed so effortlessly in the background. He won at this point in my eyes.
3.) Doing Too Much – Sometimes less is more in the world of quarantining with IG Live. Teddy had a hype man and more but it didn’t work in his favor. Most battles are intimate sessions where producers are communicating via their cell phone speaker and a keyboard. Jidenna should definitely give them tips because his IG Live concert had everything and it was fiyah??.
4.) Babyface Unbothered– May we all reach the comfort and ability to be carefree when life throws us a curveball. Several times throughout the verbal exchange, Babyface allowed his seniority to reign supreme and he was in rare form. The subtle shade was pure comedy.
Of course we all understand that things happen, so I won’t hold it against them for providing us with a free concert. Hopefully we’ll receive a new battle date sooner than later. Overall we heard 2-3 songs from Teddy and Babyface versus an expected 20 song limit set list.
Check out clips from the event below.
Babyface & Teddy Riley Issue Verbal Statement
