Busta Rhymes Shares the Secret to Rapping at Lightning Speed
Busta Rhymes has long been celebrated as one of the fastest rappers in hip-hop, effortlessly delivering rapid-fire verses on iconic tracks like “Look At Me Now” and “Break Ya Neck.” Recently, he revealed the secret behind his remarkable skill during a candid conversation with GloRilla as part of Rolling Stone’s Musicians On Musicians series.
GloRilla, speaking on behalf of many fans and fellow artists, admitted she struggles to rap at such high speeds and asked Busta how he does it. For Busta, the answer was surprisingly straightforward: “It’s called relaxing!”
The Art of Relaxation and Focus
Busta explained that while performing high-energy tracks like “Ante Up” or “Scenario,” he and his hypeman Spliff Star are known for their animated stage presence, moving frenetically and engaging the crowd. But for songs requiring breakneck-speed delivery, such as “Break Ya Neck,” his approach changes entirely.
“If I’m doing one of them songs, my movement is minimal, and Spliff will do all of the antics around me to keep the animation going while I calm down,” he shared.
The rapper emphasized the importance of focusing solely on his delivery in these moments. “I can’t be doing all of this [movement] when I gotta give you proper enunciation. I gotta be clear because it defeats the purpose to do the fast thing if you don’t know what I’m saying,” Busta explained.
His method involves centering himself and channeling his energy into precision and clarity, ensuring every word lands with impact.
A New Era of Busta Rhymes
In addition to sharing his performance secrets, Busta Rhymes recently announced the release of his highly anticipated 12th studio album. Initially slated for November 29, 2024, the album’s release date has since been pushed to January 3, 2025.
Teasing the project on Instagram, Busta shared an artwork featuring his logo and dragon eyes, declaring: “A NEW PROBLEM IS ABOUT TO START!! ON GOD!!”
This upcoming project follows 2023’s Blockbusta, which peaked at No. 42 on the Billboard 200 and featured collaborations with Chris Brown, Young Thug, Kodak Black, Quavo, and BIA. With powerhouse producers like Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, and Pharrell behind the boards, fans can expect another high-energy offering.
Busta Rhymes’ ability to combine technical precision with showmanship has solidified his status as a hip-hop legend. His skill at delivering lightning-fast lyrics while maintaining clarity is a testament to his dedication to the craft. With a new album on the horizon and continued admiration from fans and peers alike, Busta Rhymes proves once again that his artistry remains unmatched.
