Busta Rhymes says losing battle to Jay-Z helped him become a speed rap master

More On:

busta rhymes

Busta Rhymes says Janet Jackson nearly made him crash his car

Fat Joe celebrates 52nd birthday with performance by Mary J. Blige

Dave Chappelle parties with stars after violent Hollywood Bowl attack

Busta Rhymes goes on anti-mask rant: ‘Mandates can suck a d–k’

Busta Rhymes has Hova to thank for perfecting his unique rap flow.

The rap icon told fellow hip hop legend MC Lyte that he became a “monster” at speed rapping after losing a battle to Jay-Z in 1986 when they were just teenagers in high school.

“He was with this crew called the Originators, and I lost that battle — that’s when I became one of the most dangerous speed rap mothaf–kas who exist!,” Busta said during a fireside chat for MC Lyte’s annual BET Awards event series, “The Prelude.”

Busta added that the battle fueled his zest to become the best because, “One, I always wanted my revenge. Number two, I’m a competitive person.”

Needless to say, losing the battle paid off for Busta, who also revealed in the conversation with MC Lyte that Public Enemy frontman Chuck D gave him his stage name.

On Sunday, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the BET Awards, where music peers like Missy Elliot and Janet Jackson both sang his praises in a tribute video.

“Bust has always pushed the envelope and he continues to do that,” Jackson, who collaborated on his 1998 song “What’s It Gonna Be” said.

Elliott said she considers him her twin and credited him for opening the door “for me to do what I do” musically.

“Busta has brought timeless music, creativity, visuals… We should give more flowers to a Busta Rhymes. I don’t think there’s enough bouquets for all that you have done,” she said.

It’s been 37 years since that fateful rap battle with Jay-Z and Busta Rhymes remains the speediest rapper in game. In fact, he released a new track “Beach Ball” featuring Bia days before accepting his BET honor.

“I’m having the time of my life right now,” he said in an Instagram video.

“I can’t even express how grateful I am, how happy I am. I’m the happiest I’ve been in a long time – as a man, as an artist, as a human being…. Salute!” he concluded.

Share this article:

Source: Read Full Article