Busta Rhymes electrified the stage during his recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, bringing dynamic energy and excitement to the show's first episode of 2025. The hip-hop legend not only celebrated the upcoming release of his much-anticipated album Dragon Season... The Awakening, set to drop on January 17, but also left the audience on their feet with an unforgettable medley of his latest singles.
Performing on January 6, Busta Rhymes kicked off his set with the brand new track "Unleash Me," where he showcased his signature lightning-speed rap style. Joined by longtime hype man Spiff Star and DJ Scratch, Busta donned a puffy red Louis Vuitton parka, which he later discarded to reveal matching attire underneath—a fitting choice for the high-energy performance.
The audience was treated to Busta's classic rapid-fire verse from Chris Brown's hit, "Look At Me Now," where he quipped, "This record went diamond the first week of 2025, thank you Breezy!" This moment was highlighted by his impeccable delivery, demonstrating why he remains one of hip-hop's most influential voices even after 30 years.
Busta then transitioned to the funky dance track "Do the Busabus Pt. 2," where audience interaction was key. He called out dance commands, urging the audience to join in the fun, as he shouted, "Real big clap! All y'all freeze! One more clap! Do the Busabus please." The enthusiastic audience responded well, showing off their energetic dance moves, making the segment one of the highlights of the show.
Reflecting on the performance, Busta shared his gratitude for the continued support of his fans and his crew on Instagram, writing, "The blessings don't stop so we won't ever stop!" He expressed his excitement about the release of his new album, jokingly labeling the performance as "a movement and a celebration" of his career.
This new album, Dragon Season... The Awakening, marks Busta's twelfth studio album and follows closely behind 2023's Blockbusta. His thematic references to dragons resonate through his work, harkening back to his influential lyrical contributions such as his memorable verse on A Tribe Called Quest's "Scenario." But perhaps just as significant, Busta Rhymes is set to receive his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing his lasting contributions to the music industry.
Busta, reflecting on his innovative rap techniques, recently elaborated during the Musicians on Musicians event at Harlem's Apollo Theatre: "I’m going to be honest with you. It’s called relaxing... It’s really about centering everything to where the primary focus is. And in the moment it’s my mouth." His ability to balance high-energy performances with technical skill has not only captivated fans for decades but also paved the way for numerous artists to follow.
Busta Rhymes' performance on The Tonight Show was more than just another live gig; it was a celebration of his legacy and the evolution of hip-hop. With the countdown to the release of Dragon Season... The Awakening underway, fans eagerly anticipate what more the iconic artist has to offer, both on and off the stage.