In Pitchfork’s episode of Critical Breakthroughs, Busta Rhymes breaks down some of his biggest songs, including “Calm Down,” featuring Eminem.
“If you want a clear display of what the fundamentals of hip-hop is and an art of emceeing, “Calm Down” is the case study. I sent the record to Eminem with 16 bar verse. He sent it back with like 40 bar verse. I’m like ‘man, what the f**k is going on. You are not gonna do this to me on my song.’ I sent back my verse with 45 bars. He sends back 56 bars. I sent mines back 62 bars. He sends back 66 bars. I’m like, look bro, who we making this record for at this point? are we making this record for consumers or we are just battling each other now?”
“But that’s the beauty and the competitive nature and spirit we both have cause we care that much. We love it that much. No one wants to be a weak link. It’s no longer a business at that point. It’s just that fiery passion that still burns in the souls of both of us as true incredible Swordsmen of the sport and we love the opportunity to display the skill set at the most highest level of just raw emceeing. That was so much fun.” – says Busta Rhymes
Watch the interview below: