(AllHipHop News)
Swizz Beatz and Timbaland sold their huge Verzuz brand to Triller for a stake in the brand.
The Triller network acquired the driving force, a virtual movement that was created in a pandemic. Swizz Beatz and Timbaland will now oversee the company’s music and strategy.
Verzuz was one of the biggest winners of the pandemic, effectively monetizing an audience that had nothing to do with the outside world. Initially, it looked like Apple would be the company that would buy, as it acted as an audience extension after the limitation on Instagram became apparent. But that did not happen.
Timbaland and Swizz are now “major shareholders” of the Thriller chain, in exchange for the sale of their company. Initially, the duo used their network and relationships to host “battles” between artists on the Instagram platform. They later broadcast on Apple TV as the company grew and the value of production increased.
In addition to all this, many of the 42 artists involved with Verzuz are now also shareholders of Triller.
Triller Network’s new partners and shareholders include John Legend, DMX, Alicia Keys, 2 Chainz, Rick Ross, Too $ hort, Patti LaBelle, Gucci Mane, Jeezy, E-40, Bounty Killer, D’Angelo, Ludacris, RZA, The Dream, Babyface, Nelly, Jagged Edge, Fred Hammond, Jadakiss, Fabolous, Brandy, Monica, Gladys Knight, Ox-1da, Hit-Boy, Ne-Yo, Johnta Austin, Scott Storch, T-Pain, Lil Jon, DJ Premier, Mannie Fresh, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, 112, Kirk Franklin, Sean Garrett and D’Angelo.
In a series of statements, Swizz, Tim and Triller executives explained their enthusiasm for the business.
Bobby Sarnevesht, CEO and co-owner of Triller:
“There is no more disruptive and innovative brand in music today than Verzuz. Verzuz and music are synonymous, and both Triller and Verzuz share the vision “the artist first, the music first”. We see this acquisition as more of a partnership than an acquisition, as Swizz, Timbaland and the other 43 artists who are becoming shareholders and partners of Triller Verzuz as of today become our voice. “
Swizz Beatz and Timbaland:
“This is an important occasion not only for Verzuz and Triller, but for the music industry as a whole. By placing Verzuz in the Triller Network ecosystem and expanding the Verzuz brand to be side by side with the powerful Triller application, we will be able to continue to grow and evolve the music business as a whole, as we have done. Having partners at Triller who share our vision, specifically to celebrate and elevate the incredible artists who continue to shape culture around the world and give consumers more direct access, is a game changer. ”
“We couldn’t be happier to elevate Verzuz and Triller and to recognize, in a very real way, all the artists who helped to make Verzuz the global phenomenon that it is today. Our dream, the artists’ dream, is now realized, which is no small feat. Triller Verzuz is a company that is made by artists, for artists and with people. “
Bobby Sarnevesht and Ryan Kavanaugh, co-controlling shareholders of Triller Network:
“Verzuz is not just a company, a platform or an event, it is a movement and cultural phenomenon. In our generation, Verzuz has made a bigger impact on music than any other company we know. With this acquisition, Triller continues its evolution to be at the center of culture and music. Who better to help shape the future of Triller’s music than the greatest artists in the world overseen by Timbaland and Swizz? “