Busta Rhymes is bringing his long-running connection with the late J Dilla back to the forefront, announcing that Dillagence 2 will officially arrive on August 25.
The announcement comes alongside the release of Busta’s latest single, “Talk Ya Shit,” featuring Lil Wayne and produced by J Dilla. The track follows “SPAZZZ” as another preview of the highly anticipated project, which continues the story of Busta and Dilla’s original Dillagence mixtape from 2007.
The sequel is shaping up to be a major celebration of Dilla’s influence, with Busta bringing together an impressive collection of artists from across hip-hop, R&B and soul. The 26-track project is set to feature Talib Kweli, Anderson .Paak, Big Sean, Slum Village, Lil Wayne, Common, Ludacris, Jon Batiste and the late great D’Angelo, alongside several other guests.
The guest list is particularly fitting given Dilla’s history with many of the artists involved. Talib Kweli, Common and Slum Village all have deep connections to the legendary producer, while D’Angelo’s appearance adds another significant link to Dilla’s musical legacy. Dilla and D’Angelo famously worked together on some of the producer’s most celebrated material, making his inclusion on Dillagence 2 especially poignant.
Lil Wayne also brings a new dimension to the project. His appearance on “Talk Ya Shit” marks his first time rapping over a J Dilla production, pairing his unpredictable wordplay with Busta’s trademark rapid-fire delivery.
For Busta, Dillagence 2 is more than simply a sequel. His relationship with Dilla stretches back decades, and the original Dillagence gave fans the opportunity to hear Busta rhyme over previously unreleased Dilla beats following the producer’s death in 2006.
Almost 20 years later, Busta is continuing that tribute with a project that brings together multiple generations of artists influenced by Dilla’s sound.
With 26 tracks, a heavyweight guest list and J Dilla’s production at its centre, Dillagence 2 is shaping up to be one of Busta Rhymes’ most anticipated releases in years.
Dillagence 2 arrives August 25.
