Busta Rhymes is honoring the life and legacy of D’Angelo in a deeply moving new tribute track called “Magic.” Premiered by Okayplayer, the song finds the hip-hop legend spitting heartfelt verses over the instrumental of D’Angelo’s “One Mo' Gin,” highlighting the singer’s impact on music, culture, and fans worldwide.
For anyone who admired both artists, this track is a heartfelt reminder of the profound mark D’Angelo left on the industry.
Fans of Busta and D’Angelo alike have been eagerly listening to the track since its release, captivated by the sincerity in Busta’s voice. Beyond the bars, “Magic” serves as a personal reflection on the decades-long friendship between the two artists and a celebration of D’Angelo’s artistry.
Busta Rhymes reflects on his connection with D’Angelo
The song’s acoustic energy, combined with Busta’s expressive delivery, makes it a standout homage in modern hip-hop.
Tribute tracks like this are more than just music. They’re history, emotion, and storytelling wrapped into one. “Magic” not only commemorates D’Angelo’s talent but also highlights the personal bond he shared with Busta Rhymes, giving listeners a glimpse into their experiences together.
In Magic, Busta reminisces about meeting D’Angelo during a Tribe Called Quest studio session in the early ’90s. He raps in a spoken-word style:
"“The sh*t he did cut deep in the soul, hit the center of your core / Oh yes, we wanted more! Damn right, we wanted more! / We could not get enough of the god, damn, he was so charismatic / Every body of work he contributed to culture ended up being a classic / Type of sh*t that made a n**** romantic together with his woman, climactic / Thank God He gave you to us as a gift that kept giving us this magic.”"Busta Rhymes
These verses showcase not just admiration for D’Angelo’s talent but a profound respect for his influence on music and listeners alike.
Celebrating a legacy beyond music
Reflecting on their friendship spanning decades, Busta added:
"“The entire 34 years of knowing D has been an incredible experience … I feel like the Earth shifted when D came to do music. He was the embodiment of some sh*t that was a complete balance of what our ancestors created, to where he took it.”"Busta Rhymes
He vowed to keep D’Angelo’s memory alive:
" “The sh*t that he did decide to share with us, when people discover it, now or years from now, [it] is going to still shift the way of thinking. People think that it ends because of his physical transition, but it needed to be made clear that there’s nothing about him that’s going to end anytime soon.”"Busta Rhymes
D’Angelo passed away on October 14 after a private battle with pancreatic cancer at just 51 years old. Through Magic, Busta Rhymes ensures that D’Angelo’s artistry, charisma, and impact on music and culture will continue to inspire generations. This tribute track is more than a song; it’s a heartfelt celebration of a legend whose influence is timeless.