Busta Rhymes has cleared out his entire Instagram page, leaving behind just a single cryptic photograph to tease fans about his next move.
On Friday (June 16), the former Leader of the New School deleted all of his photos, including his profile photo. In its place, he left behind a picture of a beach ball, which he also made his latest profile picture.
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“6.23.23 [eyes emoji],” he wrote in the caption, suggesting that this might be the “drop date” for his new album. While it’s not exactly clear what the beach ball is meant to symbolize, it could be in reference to a summer takeover, with the new season officially kicks off on June 21.
Fellow hitmakers such as Swizz Beatz and producer Hitmaka commented in excitement, and other Hip Hop mainstays like DJ Khaled and Dre of Cool & Dre reposted the beach ball in support.
Fans and industry professionals alike certainly can’t wait for Busta Rhymes’ latest effort, which will feature superstar production power from the likes of Swizz Beatz, Pharrell, and Timbaland.
Swizz first shared the news in a video posted to Instagram last month, in which he gave the Brooklyn rap veteran his flowers for his unique musical style, electric stage presence and long and decorated career in Hip Hop.
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“This is a Busta Rhymes appreciation post,” the Ruff Ryders producer said while on a boat. “My brother’s been doing this so long, from Leaders of the New School … to headlining every major festival, tour, show. Leaders was the ’80s and Busta’s been kicking ass since [then].
“It’s 2023. My bro got all new deals, all new music coming out. I just want to take the time to say I appreciate my brother Busta Rhymes for his longevity, his distinctive style, voice. I wish everybody a long career like Busta Rhymes. He’s the biggest deal.”
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He continued: “Him and Spliff Star don’t play no games on that stage doing older songs and new songs. He’s boxed with the best of ’em. He’s been on the charts with the best of ’em. And one week he was on the stage with Janet Jackson and Mary J. Blige — that’s just one week!
“Cheers to my brother Busta Rhymes for life. Wait until you hear this new music this man got. The album executive produced by Swizz Beatz, Timbaland and Pharrell. Wrap your face around what that’s gonna sound like.”
Busta confirmed the news in the comments section and further fueled excitement by claiming his upcoming project will “shift the culture.”
“I Guess it’s Time!!!! You let the cat out the bag huh King???!!!!! SWWWWWIIIZZZYYYY!!!” he wrote. “I love you and appreciate beyond description King!! Our years of friendship and being brothers cannot be described in words!!
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“Wait till they hear how we are going to SHIFT THE CULTURE with this album Executive Produced my you @timbaland @pharrell & myself King!! It’s been an incredible process doing this every step of the way with you Kings and we ain’t Stoppin’ NO TIME SOON!!”
