Carl Thomas (Photo: Getty Images, via Hot 97)
Verzuz is bringing the R&B faithful another classic showdown. On Thursday, October 15, 2026, the platform announced that its next battle will pit Carl Thomas against Case, two turn-of-the-century slow-jam kings, on Thursday, October 22. The matchup streams live at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET via Apple Music, Complex, and official Verzuz social channels.
The announcement arrives on the heels of August's Joe vs. Donell Jones R&B Verzuz battle, continuing the series' return to its soulful roots. For fans who grew up on late-'90s and early-2000s R&B radio, this one is personal.
Carl Thomas was a flagship artist of the legendary Bad Boy Records roster. His 2000 platinum-selling debut album Emotional produced the signature hit "I Wish," which spent six weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart. He is also known for "Summer Rain" and the album's title track, songs that helped define the sound of their era.
Case, meanwhile, was a cornerstone of the Def Soul era. He broke out in 1996 with "Touch Me Tease Me," featuring Mary J. Blige and Foxy Brown, and his solo smash "Missing You" reached No. 1 on Billboard's R&B chart and No. 4 on the Hot 100. His catalog also includes "Happily Ever After" and "Faded Pictures," staples of any real R&B playlist.
Both singers remain active. Case released "I Can't Breathe" earlier this year, while Thomas returned to Emotional in 2025 with a remix and continues to hold it down on the R&B touring circuit. This Verzuz is more than nostalgia — it is a celebration of two catalogs that never really left the rotation.
Mark your calendars: October 22, 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET. Whether you are Team Carl Thomas, Team Case, or simply here for the music, this is one battle the R&B faithful will not want to miss. Follow the official Verzuz social channels and tune in via Apple Music or Complex for the full experience.
Sources: Hot 97 and KMEL / iHeart
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