Busta Rhymes Revisits the Records—and the People—That Shaped Him
Busta Rhymes’ latest record-store-style conversation is really a story about recognition: the musicians who influenced his ear, and the peers who recognized his potential before he fully understood it himself. In KCRW’s October 13th Must Listen episode, he selects A Tribe Called Quest’s The Low End Theory as his essential album.
The choice anchors a lively visit to the station’s CD library. In the original video, Busta credits Q-Tip, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Phife Dawg and Jarobi with seeing what he could become. He remembers being welcomed into their working environment and watching the album come together at Battery Studios. His recollection emphasizes the community around the music as much as the finished recording.
Before reaching that selection, he moves through a much wider musical family tree. James Brown represents a foundation for Hip-Hop’s feel and sampling culture. Sly and the Family Stone prompt memories of drums producers drew from. His browsing also reaches Parliament, reggae and dancehall names including Shabba Ranks and Super Cat, and Fela Kuti. Those stops make the short visit a useful listening map.
KCRW describes Must Listen as a weekly discovery series built around one essential record and a handwritten note left for the next listener. The format gives personal taste room to lead. Instead of a ranked best-albums list, the episode offers one artist’s explanation of why certain sounds and relationships continue to matter.
The station’s separate October 7th Morning Becomes Eclectic program places the visit in context: Busta joined host Novena Carmel to discuss Dillagence II and its connection to J Dilla’s beats. The library segment expands that conversation outward, tracing influences across generations and genres.
Watch the original KCRW episode above. Its strongest invitation is to listen for connections: a drum sound, a rhythmic approach or a collaborator’s encouragement can leave a lasting mark on an artist. For more interviews and perspectives behind the music, explore PowerPage’s Hip-Hop coverage.
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