When it comes to your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper, Busta Rhymes is a name that is held in the highest regard in hip-hop. With several classic platinum albums, unparalleled charisma and iconic style, the legendary rapper is a one-of-one.
For his latest project, “Dillagence 2,” Busta is releasing a full-length studio album built entirely around the late J-Dilla’s unreleased productions, as he was gifted with more than 300 tracks. The LP also features guest appearances from Lil Wayne, Common, and D’Angelo.
Before he became a legendary MC, Busta built his rep as hip-hop’s ultimate feature artist. Without question, he has an uncanny ability to completely hijack any track using his explosive delivery, animated vocal presence, and unmatched technical speed. To pay tribute to the rap icon, here are Busta Rhymes’ Most Legendary Guest Verses.
“Scenario” – A Tribe Called Quest featuring Leaders of the New School (1991)
In this classic posse cut, Busta Rhymes’ legend took off on”Scenario.” Delivering his iconic “Rawr, rawr, like a dungeon dragon” battle cry with unhinged kinetic force, a young Busta completely hijacked the track’s momentum and established his singular vocal identity. Undoubtedly, a new rap star was born.
“Come On Down” – Big Daddy Kane, Q-Tip & Busta Rhymes (1991)
Featured on Big Daddy Kane’s 1991 track “Come On Down” alongside Q-Tip, a young Busta Rhymes held his ground next to hip-hop royalty. He delivered rhymes “direct from the lungs of the dragon,” which quickly defined his persona throughout the 1990s.
“Flava In Ya Ear (Remix)” – Craig Mack Featuring Busta Rhymes, The Notorious B.I.G., LL COOL J, and Rampage (1994)
Even with an all-star lineup of rappers, Busta Rhymes manages to stick out. Sandwiched between hip-hop titans like The Notorious B.I.G. and LL Cool J, his appearance stands as one of the most iconic show-stealing guest verses in hip-hop history.
“Da Goodness” – Redman Featuring Busta Rhymes (1998)
Pairing up with Redman, Busta Rhymes brought pure lyrical chaos to the 1998 track “Da Goodness.” With organic chemistry, Red and Busta became one of the most entertaining rap duos of the late ’90s.
“Imperial” – Rah Digga Featuring Busta Rhymes (2000)
Bringing the track for his Flipmode Squad protégée, Busta Rhymes delivers a commanding verse that asserts his veteran boss status while elevating Rah Digga’s debut. With a back-and-forth on the final verse, Digga and Busta’s energy and lyricism are undeniable.
“Simon Says (Remix)” – Pharoahe Monch Featuring Lady Luck, Redman, Method Man, Shaabam Shadeeq And Busta Rhymes (1999)
Rhyming alongside elite lyricists like Method Man and Redman on Pharoahe Monch’s all-star “Simon Says (Remix),” Busta’s high-intensity closing performance brings pure riot-inducing energy to an already chaotic East Coast anthem.
“Do It Now” – Mos Def Featuring Busta Rhymes (1999)
On Mos Def’s classic 1999 track “Do It Now,” Busta Rhymes delivers a masterclass over a smoking hot groove. On the Beatminerz-produced boom-bap track, Busta leans into an effortless, magnetic pocket—trading slick back-and-forth call-and-response banter with his fellow Brooklyn comrade.
“Ante Up (Remix)” – M.O.P. Featuring Busta Rhymes, Teflon, and Remy Martin (2000)
Busta Rhymes’ opening verse on M.O.P.’s 2000 “Ante Up (Remix)” is widely celebrated as one of the most explosive start-to-finish features in hip-hop history. With raw energy, Busta steps up as the lead-off hitter and kicks the door off its hinges with high-voltage paranoia that mimics the chaotic rush of a high-stakes robbery. Tuck your jewels!
“Get Low (Remix)” – Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz Featuring Busta Rhymes, Elephant Man (2002)
On Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz’s iconic “Get Low (Remix),” Busta Rhymes took Lil Jon’s high-octane crunk production and injected it with his signature energy and lyrical fire. Busta elevated the massive club banger into an explosive anthem that dominated airwaves throughout the mid-2000s.
“Don’t Cha” – The Pussycat Dolls Featuring Busta Rhymes (2005)
Busta Rhymes displayed his star power, bridging the gap between hip-hop and pop on The Pussycat Dolls’ 2005 breakout global smash “Don’t Cha.”
“I’m So Hood (Remix)” – DJ Khaled Featuring Busta Rhymes, Young Jeezy, Ludacris, Big Boi, Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, Birdman, and Rick Ross (2007)
Busta Rhymes proved once again why he was the ultimate weapon for posse cuts. He stepped into a line-up of heavyweights like Young Jeezy, Ludacris, and Big Boi and immediately stole the spotlight on DJ Khaled’s massive 2007 “I’m So Hood (Remix). He elevated the song’s energy to another level, making it a classic.
“All I Do Is Win (Remix)” – Featuring Busta Rhymes, T-Pain, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, Fabolous, Jadakiss, Fat Joe, and Swizz Beatz (2010)
Busta Rhymes’ verse on DJ Khaled’s 2010 “All I Do Is Win (Remix)” stands out as another takeover performance. From the outset, he launches into a breathless, rapid-fire double-time flow that instantly electrifies the track.
“Look at Me Now” Chris Brown Featuring Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes (2011)
On Chris Brown’s 2011 hit “Look At Me Now,” Busta Rhymes’ guest verse gave the world the “flow of all flows.” Clocking in at a dizzying speed of over 300 words per minute, Busta delivered a jaw-dropping performance in breath control, rhythmic precision, and tongue-twisting cadence that completely stole the spotlight, leaving Lil Wayne in the dust.
