And given the tragedy unfolding around us, Verzuz is a welcome distraction.

Here are 5 reasons why the weekly showdown is such a big hit.

It's a joke machine

The cultural jokes made in real time and after the livestreams are what make the Verzuz battles amazing.

Whether it's technology issues, song choice or even what the artists are wearing, folks on social media come ready with the jokes.

Like when Teddy Riley and Babyface got roasted for their age and inability to use Instagram during their first attempt at a Verzuz battle.

"This is like watching old folks use Jitterbug phones," singer Toni Braxton tweeted during the battle in April.

Nelly got roasted for having Wi-Fi issues during his battle with Ludacris.

The singer-actor commented "throw in the tile" during the Babyface and Teddy Riley battle.

Many viewers were tweeting their favorite lines to hit songs.

"EVERY LITTLE STEP I TAKE!" one person tweeted as on ode to Bobby Brown's hit "Every Little Step," which was produced by Babyface.

There was also virtual harmony of "GRIIIIIIIITS" when Jill Scott played her hit "The Way."

We get to see stars interacting in real time

Sure, we all know these stars have all interacted in some way or another, but on Verzuz we get to see it in real time.

And when they express respect and mutual admiration for each other's work, the feels kick in.

"You inspired me," Teddy Riley told Babyface during their livestream.

"We keep each other on our toes," Babyface responded.

Of course, the candid conversations reveal some of the artists' idiosyncrasies.

I don't know what that means," Badu told Scott.

Moments like that are what make Verzuz so special.

It brings us together

The biggest draw about Verzuz is that it feels more like a house party than a competition.

"Our First Lady is in the chat!" tweeted director Jennifer Lé in April during the Babyface and Teddy Riley battle.