“A Lady Was Shot Outside My Hotel:” SWV’s Coko Explains Her Energy During Verzuz Battle

This past Mother’s Day weekend, R&B girl group legends SWV and Xscape performed their biggest ‘90s hits during the latest Verzuz battle. But many fans couldn’t help but notice that Coko, SWV’s lead singer, appeared uncomfortable and reserved.

In a Sunday Instagram post, the vocal powerhouse got candid with her supporters, explaining that she was shaken after witnessing a woman get shot outside of her hotel window.

“Last night as I’m preparing for Verzuz, a lady was shot outside my hotel window,“ she wrote. “To see & hear the four shots, see her laying on the ground and all the blood was unbelievable!! [Then] I get to the venue and had a really bad anxiety attack! Literally crying & screaming.”

Admitting that the experience affected her performance, the “Weak” singer said, “Yeah y’all saw me looking uncomfortable & irritated during the first half but, if it wasn’t for my son @jayyemichael @ynottamiya & @mrljb I probably wouldn’t have been out there at all.”

Coko then showed appreciation for her team, adding, “Thank you for calming me down & understanding my mental. I love y’all to the fullest!! I always say most won’t care to understand but when you get those that do cherish them!!”

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Dozens of celebrities and fans flooded her comments with words of encouragement. Carlos King, a former producer of

The Real Housewives of Atlanta, wrote “You were exceptional, queen. We love you.”

Missy Elliot also commented in support. “Praying for comfort & peace for you. You just never know what someone dealing with. But You still pushed through & Saaang down,  prayer up.”

During Saturday night’s Verzuz battle, SWV member Tamara Johnson-George surprised Coko by bringing her son on stage. The two then sang a duet version of “Sunshine,” a song Coko wrote in 1999.

“To have my youngest sing the song better than me had me so geeked!! My kids are my everything!!!!” she said on Instagram about the performance. 

We hope Coko is able to move on from the traumatic experience. Let us know your thoughts on the SWV and Xscape Verzuz battle in the comments.