When it comes to timeless anthems and epic beats, Pharrell Williams and Busta Rhymes go down in history as two of the greatest to ever do it. The success of hit collaborations like “Pass The Courvoisier” and “Light Your A** On Fire” have proved that the New York emcee and Virginia beat maker are a force to be reckoned with whenever they team up. On Wednesday, Pharrell paid homage to his friend and frequent collaborator at the 2022 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards by presenting him with the night’s Icon Award.
Busta Rhymes & Pharrell at the 2022 BMI Awards – Rodrigo Varela/Getty Images
Before Busta joined him on stage, the Grammy Award winning producer introduced the Guinness Book of World Records holder, praising him for having one of the craziest video budgets of “all time,” while still being a dominate presence in the game today. “It was so f**** amazing to have this guy ignore me in a room,” Pharrell shared. “Listening to my beats. And one turned into a song for Kelis called ‘Caught Out There,’ and he listened.”
Busta made his way on stage shortly after to receive his BMI Award, followed by an impromptu performance of “Pass The Courvoisier” alongside Pharrell. Last month, BMI Creative Catherine Brewton spoke about the 50-year old star being honored during the ceremony in press release, sharing, “As one of the pioneers of Hip Hop, we are excited to honor Busta Rhymes as a BMI Icon.” This year’s BMI R&B/Hip Hop took place at Liv Nightclub in Miami. Brewton added the special event, “We’re also thrilled to be back in person in Miami, celebrating our top music creators behind some of today’s most-performed songs. We’re looking forward to a fantastic night of great music.”
Although Busta has yet to win a Grammy Award, with 12 nominations throughout the years, he has solidified himself as one of the most-nominated artists to not have won an award— alongside Tupac and Nicki Minaj. Congrats, Busta on the Icon Award.