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50 Cent & Busta Rhymes Connect In Badass Throwback Pic

50 Cent and Busta Rhymes have had an interesting relationship throughout the years. And it’s no wonder — both rappers share much in common, be it their New York heritage, their musical chemistry with Dr. Dre, and their affinity for good-natured (if occasionally scathing) competition. Though recent exchanges have seen the pair exchanging mischievous shots over social media, Funkmaster Flex recently came through to reminisce on the good old days, sharing a badass throwback image of the legendary New York emcees.

50 Cent Busta Rhymes

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“Brooklyn / Queens Legends: Busta Rhymes x 50cent! COMMENTS OFF: Hahaha!” captions Flex, alongside the vintage black and white snap. In it, both Busta and Fif are holding it down, with the former actually having his signature arm and shoulder tattoo polished off. It’s unclear as to when this was taken, but Flex confirms that he’ll be breaking down the origin of the picture “in detail” on his show tonight.

On that note, one has to wonder how many more photographic gems Funk Flex is holding onto in his archives. Clearly, Fif and Busta go way back, though they haven’t collaborated as many times as expected. In fact, Fif and Busta have only crossed paths on wax once for the Eminem-assisted “Hail Mary,” and it was a shared disdain of Ja Rule that brought them together. That and the use of a 2Pac beat, as Busta Rhymes and Pac enjoyed a lengthy friendship prior to his death.

Be sure to check out the picture below, and for those curious about the backstory, tune into Funkmaster Flex’s show tonight at 10 PM. Though 50 Cent has seemingly retired from music, Bus-a-Bus is still going strong, having lined up his new album ELE2 for this Friday. Be sure to check out the project’s official tracklist, which features Kendrick Lamar, Mariah Carey, and more, right here.

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Artist Spotlight

Billy Chuck Da Goat finds his flow on new release “Vibez”

Billy Chuck Da Goat’s latest release, “Vibez,” has a laid-back, hypnotic bounce that makes it easy to listen to without ever feeling empty. It makes a place where calmness and quiet confidence come together.

“Vibez” was made on purpose, but it also sounds simple. Billy Chuck’s smooth delivery flows through the production without rushing or pushing anything. Instead, he lets the rhythm breathe, allowing people to get into the song at their own pace. This laid-back energy is the best part of the song, nothing feels forced, which is exactly what it’s trying to do.

The track changes to fit whatever you need it for, like a late-night drive, a focused workout, or a way to unwind after a long day. It has a quiet edge of confidence, it’s not loud or bragging, but it’s steady and sure of itself.

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François Marius and Bérénice creates a tender acoustic pop confession with “Billie Jean”

François Marius’ latest release, “Billie Jean (Acoustic Version),” cuts to the quick and lets raw emotion take over. What you get, ultimately, is a personal pop experience that feels closer to a secret than to either a spoken-word show or a performance. The initial soft strum of an acoustic guitar creates a mood that is soft, sweet, and quietly interesting. It’s a full-throated, backbones-out piece, and every note is screaming its potential. It’s simple but riveting, and it proves that sometimes less is more.

François Marius and Bérénice’s voices sound right together, their voicings intermingle so naturally that they seem accidental or spontaneous, harmonies that emerge from nowhere. The way they speak to one another is very, I mean, they really love each other. That even makes the track seem like a conversation about feelings.

The two artists are clearly close. Romance and Eros are not just ideas, and they inhabit every note that lingers and every minuscule shift in tonality. The harmonies soar effortlessly over the acoustic foundation, a blend of sweetness and strength. It’s a sign of strength and also of a willingness to be hurt.

“Billie Jean (Acoustic Version)” is stripped of any fancy production or theatrical effects, it wins you over with its frankness and forthrightness. Sandy François Marius’s impersonation is fresh and real, endowed with depth and softness thanks to Bérénice’s presence, which definitely makes everything more perfect. This acoustic performance serves as a stark reminder of the elements that do connect people: the singer, his guitar, and a story from the heart.

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