Busta Rhymes on collaborating with Lil Wayne, Ludacris, Jon Batiste and more for new album

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Busta Rhymes is opening up about his latest musical chapter—and a collaboration that has been nearly two decades in the making.

The legendary rapper recently sat down with CBS Mornings to discuss Dillagence II, his new project built around the music of the late, influential producer J Dilla. The album brings together Busta's signature rapid-fire delivery with previously unreleased Dilla productions, while featuring an impressive lineup of artists including Lil Wayne, Ludacris, Big Sean, Common and Jon Batiste.

Keeping J Dilla's Legacy Alive

J Dilla, born James Yancey, died in February 2006 at age 32, but his influence on hip-hop has continued to grow in the years since his death.

His relationship with Busta Rhymes stretched back to the 1990s, with Dilla contributing production to several of Busta's early albums. Their musical chemistry came from the contrast between Busta's explosive flows and Dilla's unconventional, often unpredictable production style.

Following Dilla's death, Busta continued to honor their creative partnership. In 2007, he released Dillagence, a mixtape built around unreleased and underused Dilla beats. Nearly 20 years later, Dillagence II continues that tradition.

A New Album Built From Old Beats

Released August 25, Dillagence II features 19 tracks and runs for just over an hour. The project pairs newly recorded Busta Rhymes verses with Dilla beats that had remained unheard or unused.

Rather than treating the older production as a museum piece, Busta approaches the material as an opportunity to continue a conversation that began during Dilla's lifetime.

The result is an album that moves between raw, stripped-down tracks and bigger collaborations, allowing Busta to showcase both his veteran lyricism and his ability to adapt to Dilla's distinctive rhythms.

Lil Wayne, Ludacris and an All-Star Guest List

One of the project's biggest attractions is its collection of guest appearances.

Lil Wayne joins Busta on "Talk Ya Shit," while Ludacris and Big Sean also appear on the album. Common and Jon Batiste are featured on "What We Got in Common," and D'Angelo appears on the previously unfinished collaboration "This Woman."

The lineup gives the album a modern reach while keeping its foundation firmly connected to Dilla's production.

For Busta, however, the guest list is secondary to the larger purpose of the project: allowing a new generation of listeners to experience music from an artist whose influence remains deeply embedded in hip-hop.

Dilla's Influence Runs Deep

Dilla's production has long been celebrated for its unusual timing, off-kilter rhythms and ability to make seemingly imperfect beats feel completely natural.

His work with Busta was particularly distinctive. Between 1996 and 2006, Dilla contributed to six of Busta's first seven albums, quietly building a body of work that became an important part of the rapper's catalog.

That history is part of what makes Dillagence II more than a collection of archival recordings. It represents Busta returning to a creative partnership that helped shape his sound during a pivotal period of his career.

Nearly 20 Years Later

The timing of Dillagence II also highlights just how long Dilla's musical legacy has endured.

While the producer died two decades ago, unreleased material continues to surface, and artists who worked with him continue finding new ways to celebrate his influence. Busta's decision to build an entire new project around Dilla's production shows how deeply that partnership continues to matter.

For longtime hip-hop fans, Dillagence II offers a chance to hear Busta Rhymes and J Dilla's musical chemistry once again. For newer listeners, it serves as an introduction to the distinctive sound and creative approach that made Dilla one of hip-hop's most revered producers.

Source: CBS Mornings