The Brief: "Throw in the tile" means to be defeated or bring to an end. The phrase was popularized by Black Twitter after singer Tyrese accidentally coined the phrase during Babyface and Teddy Riley's Verzuz Instagram Live battle.

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“Throw in the tile” is a new iteration of the phrase “throw in the towel,” which is a boxing reference. A coach would literally throw a towel into the ring in order to signal that his fighter has been defeated, according to Know Your Phrase. It was popularized on Black Twitter after singer Tyrese accidentally commented “throw in the tile” instead of “throw in the towel” during Timbaland and Swizz Beatz’ Verzuz Instagram Live battle featuring R&B legends Babyface and Teddy Riley. These sessions call for two artists (or producers) to go head-to-head and play their best work. Previous battles have featured rappers T-Pain and Lil Jon and producers Scott Storch and Mannie Fresh.

On April 18, Babyface and Teddy Riley took part in Verzuz. The live drew over 500,000 people to the session, including other R&B greats like Toni Braxton and Tyrese.  The battle ended up being a wash due to the artists starting an hour late followed by horrible feedback that prevented listeners from enjoying the music. Many fans, major music publications, and other artists commented during the live session. Tyrese’s comment in particular captured audiences attention. He wrote “throw in the tile” instead of “throw in the towel.”Black Twitter zeroed in on the comment and shared it across the platform. It was quickly adopted as a new phrase and eventually became a meme on Twitter.

"Throw In The Tile" Tyrese
Twitter/DopeChubbyChick

Some of the best “Throw In The Tile” memes:

Watch the battle below: