Rolling Stone recently caught up with Busta Rhymes at Premier Studios in Midtown to chat about the YMCMB crew, working with artists on the label, an upcoming Drake collaboration, and more.
Busta says that he is inspired by the talent of watching artists like Lil Wayne, Drizzy, Shanell, Mystikal, and Nicki Minaj work. He also confirmed which artists on the record label he has worked with, and announced that he has a J. Dilla produced-song which will appear on his upcoming project featuring Drizzy Drake!
You joined Lil Waynes YMCMB family in 2011. What has YMCMB done for you, and what could they do better?
Number one, Im inspired by the Weezy and the Drake talent. Part of the reason Ive been able to do this for so long is because of the excitement you continue to feel since day one, other motherfukkers being dope. Like, you feel you could be just as dope or better. You aspire to do that; you use these guys as inspiration. And its all respect! Respectable competition. Im a fan first. When I see Drake, when I see Wayne work, Shanell she hasnt put out an album yet, but Ive watched her work Im a super-fan of that. Mystikal, Im happy they signed him! [Pause] I even think Nickis incredibly brilliant. Beyond that, I love what they represent as a movement, and I love the camaraderie that weve had. Me and Bird and Wayne, Slim, have always rocked with each other for the past 12 to 15 years! I just think the respect organically built throughout the years has been consistent. That alone has done a lot for me, at this stage of my career. Ive done stuff with people I didnt really have that great relationship with, and gotten amazing results. Now, to rock with motherfukkers that you really cool with? Can you imagine the results that be coming from some shyt like that?