On Tuesday, Billboard reported that Swizz Beatz and Timbaland have sold the Verzuz battle series to the Triller Network for an undisclosed sum. The two producers have become primary shareholders in the network and as a part of the deal, the 43 artists who have participated in the series to this point have received stakes of their equity. According to Bobby Sarnevesht, Triller’s executive chairman and co-owner, the move aligns with the company’s “artist first, music first” vision.

“There is no more disruptive and innovative brand in music today than Verzuz,” said Sarnevesht. “[Both brands] share the ‘artist first, music first’ vision. We view this acquisition as more of a partnership than an acquisition, as Swizz, Timbaland and the other 43 artists who are all becoming shareholders and partners in Triller Verzuz from this day forward become our voice.”

“This is a momentous occasion not only for Verzuz and Triller but the music business as a whole,” Swizz and Timbaland said in a statement. “By putting Verzuz in the Triller Network ecosystem and expanding the Verzuz brand to be side by side with the powerful Triller app, we will be able to continue to grow and evolve the music business as a whole, as we have been doing. To have partners in Triller who share our vision, specifically to celebrate and elevate the amazing artists who continue to shape culture around the world and give the consumer more direct access, is game changing.”

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