Ludacris and Nelly went hit-for-hit on Saturday (May 16th), and while there were some technical difficulties that impacted the mood of the night a little, it was nonetheless a wonderful celebration of two of the best rappers to come out of that particular era. The evening got off to a rocky start, as Nelly's connectivity issues proved to be an obstacle. However, Luda managed to keep everyone entertained while he waited for his opponent to fix the problem. Looking for a way to stall, Luda asked Timbaland if he was permitted to play their unreleased song with Lil Wayne, "Silence of the Lambs." Timbo gave the go ahead, and Luda let the record play not once, not twice, but three times in a row.
Since Nelly still hadn't returned, Luda decided to play another never-before-heard track, this time featuring Chance The Rapper, or, more appropriately, Chance The Singer.
Once the battle officially kicked off, Luda and Nelly proceeded to play some of their biggest hits, including "My Chick Bad," "What's Your Fantasy," "Stand Up," and "Move B*tch" on Luda's part, and "Country Grammar (Hot Shit)," "Ride Wit Me," "Tip Drill," and "Pimp Juice" on Nelly's part. At one point, the two MCs discussed how they had never actually put out a song together. Nelly then mentions that had a joint ready to go, though, at which point Luda plays the original version of his Pharrell-produced hit, "Money Maker," that had Nelly on it.
It's unclear why they decided to exclude Nelly in the final product of the song, especially since he fits right in.
What was your favourite part of the Nelly & Ludacris Verzuz battle?
CBS Lands "Silence Of The Lambs" Sequel Series
More Clarice Starling is on the way.
CBS has closed a deal for a new crime series, Clarice, based on Clarice Starling from The Silence of the Lambs, according to Deadline.
The show is written and executive produced by Alex Kurtzman and Jenny Lumet. The story will take place in 1993, one year after the events of the original film. It will focus on the personal story of Clarice as she moves on from Hannibal Lecter and tackles other serial killers and sexual predators.
“After more than 20 years of silence, we’re privileged to give voice to one of America’s most enduring heroes – Clarice Starling,” said Kurtzman and Lumet. “Clarice’s bravery and complexity have always lit the way, even as her personal story remained in the dark. But hers is the very story we need today: her struggle, her resilience, her victory. Her time is now, and always.”
Kurtzman is also working on the Star Trek content for CBS All Access, including Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Picard.
A lead actress for Clarice has not yet been cast, but she will have big shoes to fill. Jodie Foster earned Best Actress at the 64th Academy Awards when she portrayed Clarice in 1991. The film also took home Best Picture and Best Actor for Anthony Hopkins’s performance as Hannibal Lecter.