The History Of Brandy And Monica's 22-Year Feud

1. Monica was one of the biggest R&B singers of the 90s. She’d had plenty of hits already with songs like “Don’t Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days)” and “Angel Of Mine.” She was one of music’s powerhouses.

2. Brandy was equally as celebrated, being a well-renowned hitmaker in her own right. “I Wanna Be Down” and “Top Of The World” being just a couple of her smash singles.

The world was really behind Brandy and Monica as the two top dogs in the game.

3. When Monica and Brandy came together for “The Boy Is Mine,” they made one of the biggest hits ever. The song stayed on the top of the charts in 1998 seemingly forever.

Then things fell apart…

4. The origin of the feud is up in the air but the prevalent rumor is that Monica was upset Brandy performed the song by herself on the Tonight Sow instead of having Monica with her.

5. Dallas Austin told VladTV that Monica and Brandy actually hadn’t met through the recording or shooting for the video and when they met at the VMAs, Monica clocked Brandy. “The first time they actually saw each other to do it was at the American Music Awards or something…Before they could even get to the stage, Monica decked her in the face.”

6. They came together in 2012 for a song called “It All Belongs To Me.” Monica tried to apologize for her actions in a Hot97 interview with Angie Martinez. She also then admitted to having a physical altercation with Brandy.

7. In 2016 the internet was abuzz with the So Gone challenge, using Monica’s track by the same name. When asked if she would participate via social media, Brandy said “Chile, Bye.”

8. Monica responded to it all on The Real:

“Honestly, the old me and the new me are two different things and this journey of self-progression and self-love and empowerment that I’m on, I can’t go backwards. I think that that was just a test from God for me and I’ve always thought that she was one of the most legendary people and has one of the most amazing voices in her runs and riffs.”

“I just think that some of it’s been blown out of proportion to a degree but I can’t tell my kids to do something that I can’t do.So it was just a test for me to always just take the high road and know that in anything that happens in this life, if it’s meant for you, it’s yours and nobody can stop it or stand in the way of it. So, I wasn’t bothered at all.”

“It’s never been an easy situation but the reason that I would do it is because we are from a special elite group. It was her, Aaliyah and myself and it was a very special time where each of us were individuals—we did our own thing and we all made our own mark…so yeah, I absolutely would.”

9. Later that day Brandy posted an IG pic with these hashtags: “Hey Hey Hey, #IKnowTHEREALStoryThatEverybodyDoesntKnow #NewKeyOnKeyNewMeOnMe #MissSubstance #PositivityIsTheOneThingYouShouldNotFake.”

10. A few days later, Monica took to Snapchat to post this: “I have to stay so positive, I can’t say what I really feel, because I have to be so…positive!” she said in a mocking tone, then adding, “Whew, back to normal…had to get that little…off my chest. I just felt so, um, attacked. But I’ve been erasing and deleting and starting over because these streets. Very, very lit.”

“Oh my God, Oh my God, Oh my God, Is Brandy okay? Is everything fine?’ Yes, everything is okay. I just know that my calling is higher. I will not take credit for that. That’s all God, period. So I have to stay poised. I have to choose my battles. So I’m going to choose to inspire…just be the change you wish to see in the world. Don’t be shady.”

11. Monica at one point, called Whitney Houston a “fairy godmother” to many people on a version of Oprah’s Where Are They Now? Brandy then put out a tribute to Whitney that seemed to shade Monica:

“Everybody wanted what we had/have and I am blessed enough to have been your friend, #FairyGodDaughter and make history with you as my #FairyGodMother — and now you’re my angel— I wish that you were here in the physical to witness so much of my courage that you stayed on me about– but I know you are watching and I know what you expect me to do. Our bond is unmatched… I love you Nippy.”

12. In 2018, Brandy performed at Essence Fest and changed the lyrics to “the song is mine.” The feud just won’t end.