Busta Rhymes’ wish to battle T.I. in a Verzuz match won’t come to fruition as the Urban Legend star will soon be competing against Jeezy. Still, the “Break Ya Neck” emcee is determined to face someone with a crazy catalog, and he’s offered the names of three potential contenders.
The rapper — who recently released his long-awaited album Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God — told Complex that he is willing to take on Eminem, Lil Wayne or JAY-Z.
“I would love to spar against anybody … as long as their catalog is a powerful catalog because I don’t want to do a corny Verzuz,” Busta said. “I don’t wanna do no Verzuz with anybody whose catalog isn’t crazy. And I would love to do a Verzuz with somebody that I’m a fan of because I’m only trying to compete with people that bring the best out of me.”
Busta — who believes his oldest records “will stil destroy anything that’s moving” — previously challenged T.I. to the Verzuz ring. Despite the “Bring Em Out” rapper’s inability to secure a celebratory competition with 50 Cent, however, he respectfully declined.
“Busta Rhymes is one of the most phenomenal talents of our time, man,” T.I. said in an Instagram video. “Muthafucka’s catalog is thick. Catalog is thick! It just ain’t the same. I can’t go back right now and play goddamn Pop Warner football … We can’t reach back there. Might as well call out Melle Mel … [It would be like] Brandy against Dionne Warwick.”
“I appreciate the consideration. I truly do, Busta. I appreciate your contributions to the culture. Got nothing but respect for you. I feel like me and Busta would be me calling out and saying ‘21 Savage, I want to see! Me and you, Verzuz!’” he continued in attempt to explain the generational gap between him and the “Touch It” star.