What's It Gonna Be

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Busta Rhymes

About What's It Gonna Be

"What's It Gonna Be?!" is the third single released by American rapper Busta Rhymes from his third studio album E. L. E. (Extinction Level Event): The Final World Front (1999), featuring guest vocals from American singer Janet Jackson. The song was a commercial and critical success, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and the top ten of various countries. It also hit number one on the Billboard Hot Rap Tracks and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks charts, and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the 2000 Grammy Awards. The music video, directed by Rhymes & Hype Williams, was critically lauded, and received four MTV Video Music Awards nominations at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards. It is one of the most expensive music videos ever made. The song appears on Rhymes' compilation albums Total Devastation: The Best of Busta Rhymes and Turn It Up! The Very Best of Busta Rhymes as well as Jackson's Number Ones greatest hits album. Jackson included the song as an interlude on her Number Ones: Up Close and Personal tour and sang it for the first time on the second leg of her 2018 State of the World Tour. 


Year:
1999
197 
#1

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Busta Rhymes

Trevor Tahiem Smith, Jr., (born May 20, 1972), better known by his stage name Busta Rhymes, is an American rapper, producer and actor. Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the alias Busta Rhymes after NFL wide receiver George "Buster" Rhymes. Early in his career, he was known for his wild style and fashion, and today is best known for his intricate rapping technique, which involves rapping at a fast rate with lots of internal rhyme and half rhyme, and to date has received eleven Grammy nominations for his musical work. About.com included him on its list of the 50 Greatest MCs of Our Time (1987–2007), while Steve Huey of Allmusic called him one of the best and most prolific rappers of the '90s. In 2012, The Source placed him on their list of the Top 50 Lyricists o… more »

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12 facts about this song

Song Information
"What's It Gonna Be" is a song that features American hip-hop artist Busta Rhymes and R&B superstar Janet Jackson.
Album Details
The song was released in 1999 and is a part of Busta Rhymes' third studio album titled "E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event): The Final World Front".
Commercial Success
On Billboard's Hot 100 chart, "What's It Gonna Be" peaked at number three, making it one of Busta Rhymes' most successful singles. It also reached number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart.
Chart Success Worldwide
Despite being heavily centered around American hip hop culture, the song gained international success by ranking in some of the top charts in countries like New Zealand, UK, and Canada among others.
Music Video
The song's music video, directed by visionary filmmaker Hype Williams, is considered a milestone in music video art. It features silver and chrome aesthetics, with Busta and Janet appearing in futuristic costumes and settings.
Expensive Video Production
At the time of its release, the video for "What's It Gonna Be" was among the most expensive music videos ever made, costing over $2 million.
Video Awards
Because of its unique concept and visual effects, the video was nominated for multiple awards in the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards, including "Best Art Direction", "Best Special Effects", and "Best Hip-Hop Video", winning the latter.
Sampled Music
The song samples a string passage from the 1976 song "I'll Move Heaven and Earth" by The Choice Four.
Collaboration Aspect
This track marked the first collaboration between Janet Jackson and Busta Rhymes, demonstrating a successful fusion of R&B and hip-hop genres.
Grammy Nominations
"What's It Gonna Be" was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
Concert Performances
Busta Rhymes included the song in his concert setlists and also performed it during televised award shows.
Digital Sales
Even two decades after its release, the song continues to perform well on digital music platforms such as iTunes and Spotify, further proving the enduring appeal of this Busta Rhymes and Janet Jackson's collaboration.

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