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Busta Rhymes Reflects On Losing High School Rap Battle To Jay-Z
While plenty of rappers have challenged to go head-to-head on Verzuz, Busta Rhymes can rightfully brag that he went bar-for-bar against the GOAT during a lunchtime battle. The story’s been told countless times but still, it’s a moment of reflection on how far the two have come from battling in the lunchroom in high school to carving a path to bring hip-hop to the place it is today.
Bussa Buss joined the crew at 85 South Show where he dove into a lot of history from hip-hop’s roots in dancehall to the art of fast rapping that he, Tech N9ne, and plenty of others mastered. Jay’s early records showcase that flow more often than we’ll ever hear now.
“At the time, I never heard no rappers do it. No MCs wasn’t doin’ it. I have to say the only people that was fucking with it on some rap shit was the originators. And the originators was the crew that Hov was down with after Jaz-O. After they did the ‘Hawaiian Sophie’ joint… Hov was on that shit really early,” Busta said. “I don’t think he was actually one of the originators. They just all fucked with each other just being [from] Brooklyn.”
From there, Busta got into his high school history with Jay-Z and Biggie. Busta recounted that he was still trying to find his flow at that time while Jay had the chopper flow in the bag. Then, they battled.
“Ultimately, Hov got the best of the battle in that moment. I was just starting to figure out how to master my fascination with the speed rap. He was already on it,” Busta explained. “He was doin’ it at an incredible level of skillset. And was displayin’ that shit like — water spillin’ all over the place. Just takin’ shape and form whatever way he felt like it ’cause he had been on his shit with it,” he continued.
“Me, at that point, with my competitive ass. You know, I always wanted to have my rematch, you know what I’m sayin’? It didn’t happen which was fine because I ended up getting my skillset developed to the point where I don’t think nobody want to fuck with a n***a now,” Busta said.
Busta Rhymes has been ramping up his efforts in anticipation of his forthcoming album, Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of Godwhich was announced with some help from Chris Rock.
Check out the full interview with Busta Rhymes below.
Artist Spotlight
The Real Mack The Knife honors memory and spirit with soulful release “Rio Grande de Loíza”
The song “Rio Grande de Loíza” by The Real Mack The Knife is a powerful tribute to Puerto Rico’s history, memory, and sacred spirit. The track transforms nature into something spiritual, intimate, and timeless, inspired by the legendary river and Julia de Burgos’ immortal voice.
The song “Rio Grande de Loíza” has an old, alive vibe from the beginning. River water, moonlight, desire, and cultural memory shape a song that seems to rise from the ground. The Real Mack The Knife uses the river as a living, symbolic being, unlike the original work.
Julia de Burgos gives the piece incredible depth. She sees the river as a witness, a mother, a wound, a mirror, and a prayer throughout the song’s emotional landscape. The literary and spiritual connection gives the track a haunting beauty beyond music.
Connect with The Real Mack The Knife on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube
Artist Spotlight
Devan Ibiza adds soul and reflection on new release “Portland”
With “Portland,” Devan Ibiza creates a warm, thoughtful, atmospheric hip-hop record rooted in boom-bap’s deep, reflective energy. Soulful production and introspective mood make it a quiet moment of thought rather than a distraction.
“Portland” embodies classic hip-hop. Boom-bap gives it a rhythmic foundation, and warm, soulful production draws listeners in. This beat is perfect for contemplation, letting emotion and thought flow.
The single’s mood adds interest. Devan Ibiza values subtlety and atmosphere over loudness and trends. The song’s restraint is its strength. Late-night thoughts, personal memories, and quiet realizations make “Portland” contemplative.
Devan Ibiza’s release is well-paced emotionally. Since the song is never rushed or crowded, its atmosphere can naturally resonate. That patience gives “Portland” a timeless quality usually reserved for classic hip-hop stories and soulful underground records.
Connect with Devan Ibiza on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube
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