Renowned for his lightning-fast lyrical delivery, Busta Rhymes recently opened up about the technique behind his rapid-fire verses, particularly in hits like “Look At Me Now” and “Break Ya Neck.” During a live session with fellow artist GloRilla for Rolling Stone‘s Musicians On Musicians series, Busta revealed that the secret lies in a surprisingly simple approach: relaxation.
Busta’s art of relaxation in rapping
When GloRilla asked Busta how he manages to rap so quickly, he emphasized the importance of staying calm. “I’ma be honest with you – it’s called relaxing!” he explained. Busta noted that while performing high-energy tracks like “Ante Up” or “Scenario,” he and his collaborator Spliff Star would be all over the stage, creating an animated performance. However, for tracks that require speed and clarity, such as “Break Ya Neck” or “Gimme Some More,” Busta adopts a more subdued stage presence.
He elaborated, stating, “My movement is minimal and Spliff will do all of the antics around me to keep the animation going while I calm down.” This strategic approach allows him to focus on enunciation and clarity, which are crucial for delivering fast-paced lyrics effectively. Busta emphasized that without clear articulation, the rapid-fire delivery loses its impact, making it essential to prioritize vocal precision.
Upcoming album and exciting News
In addition to sharing his rapping techniques, Busta has exciting news for fans. He recently announced that his 12th studio album is set to drop on Jan. 3, 2025. Initially teased on Instagram with a captivating album artwork featuring his logo and a dragon’s eyes, Busta expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “THE BLESSINGS DON’T STOP SO WE WON’T EVER STOP, EVER!! NEW ALBUM LOADING BY THE DRAGON DROPPING 11.29.24!!” However, he later amended the release date to Jan. 3, adding, “A NEW PROBLEM IS ABOUT TO START!!”
This forthcoming album follows his 2023 release, Blockbusta, which made waves on the Billboard 200, peaking at number 42. The album featured an impressive lineup of collaborators, including Chris Brown, Young Thug, Kodak Black, Quavo, and BIA.
Collaborations and production powerhouses
With a star-studded supporting cast, Blockbusta showcased the talents of some of the biggest names in the industry. The album also featured production from renowned figures like Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, and Pharrell, who served as executive producers. This collaboration of talent highlights Busta’s ability to blend his unique style with the innovative sounds of contemporary hip-hop.
