Busta Rhymes Recalls Near-Fight Between Roc-A-Fella and Terror Squad
Busta Rhymes recently opened up in an interview with RESPECT. Magazine about a significant moment in hip hop’s late ’90s rivalry between Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella Records and Fat Joe’s Terror Squad. The rivalry between these two powerful New York-based crews had always been bubbling beneath the surface, with both camps holding considerable influence within the hip hop scene. As the leader of the respected Flipmode Squad, Busta was well-connected with both Roc-A-Fella and Terror Squad, but he revealed a night at the Roxy where tensions nearly boiled over.
In the interview, Busta reminisced about how his song “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See” unexpectedly played a role in de-escalating a fight between the two crews. With Kid Capri on the turntables, Roc-A-Fella and Terror Squad crossed paths, and it didn’t take long for things to get heated. According to Busta, Kid Capri repeatedly played his hit track to help calm the situation before it got out of hand.
Rivalries in Hip Hop: Roc-A-Fella vs. Terror Squad
At the height of their success, both Roc-A-Fella and Terror Squad were major players in the rap game. Roc-A-Fella, headed by Jay-Z, was known for its dominance in both music and business, while Terror Squad, led by Fat Joe, was revered for its street anthems and lyrical prowess, particularly with Big Pun as one of its key members. Their rivalry represented the competitive spirit of New York hip hop at the time.
Rumors had long circulated about a confrontation between Jay-Z and Big Pun, with some claiming that Pun hit Jay with a bottle. While these stories have yet to be confirmed by either camp, the tension between the crews was palpable. Busta Rhymes’ account of the night at the Roxy adds another layer to this storied rivalry.
Busta’s Role as a Peacemaker in Hip Hop
What makes Busta’s recollection stand out is his role as a neutral figure in the midst of this rivalry. With his track “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See” serving as a surprising peacemaker, Busta was able to witness firsthand the power of music in diffusing a potentially dangerous situation. Busta’s ability to maintain good relationships with both Roc-A-Fella and Terror Squad speaks to his reputation as one of the most respected artists in the game.
As hip hop continues to evolve, Busta’s story serves as a reminder of the role music can play in resolving conflicts. His track not only provided a soundtrack to the night but also prevented what could have been a major incident between two of New York’s most powerful crews.
Busta Rhymes: A Bridge Between Two Worlds
Busta Rhymes’ position that night was unique. As a respected figure in the industry, he had close ties to both Roc-A-Fella and Terror Squad. So, his music resonated with fans from both camps. His hit “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See” was more than just a club anthem—it was a cultural moment that transcended the beefs and rivalries of the time.
Looking back, Busta’s ability to bring people together through his music is part of what has made him such a beloved figure in the hip hop community. He’s always been able to navigate the industry’s ups and downs. As a result, his influence continues to be felt. His influence is not just through his hits but through the stories like this one, which showcase his role as a unifying force in the culture.
Rivalries Drive Hip Hop Forward
Throughout the ’90s and early 2000s, rivalries like the one between Roc-A-Fella and Terror Squad were instrumental in shaping the direction of hip hop. They pushed artists to be more creative, to come harder with their lyrics, and to stake their claim as the best in the game. Jay-Z and Fat Joe, while competitors, were each working to establish their respective crews as the dominant force in New York, which inevitably led to friction.
While these rivalries often resulted in legendary diss tracks and unforgettable moments in hip hop history, they also had the potential to spill over into real-life confrontations. Fortunately, as Busta Rhymes’ story shows, music itself has the power to bring people together, even in the midst of intense competition.
Jay-Z and Fat Joe: A Relationship Beyond the Beef
By 2008, Jay-Z and Fat Joe had matured, putting their differences behind them and squashing their beef with the help of Just Blaze. Their reconciliation was a defining moment, not just for their relationship, but for the entire hip hop community. It signaled a shift away from the feuds that had defined much of the previous decade, and toward a new era of collaboration and mutual respect.
Even with their beef in the past, Jay-Z and Fat Joe’s legacy as rivals lives on in stories like the one Busta Rhymes shared about the Roxy. These stories remind us of a time when competition in hip hop was fierce and the stakes were high. But they also show that, at the end of the day, the music was what mattered most.
The Roc-A-Fella and Terror Squad Legacy
As of 2011, both Roc-A-Fella and Terror Squad have evolved in different ways. Jay-Z has become one of the most powerful figures in the music industry, expanding his empire far beyond Roc-A-Fella. Fat Joe, meanwhile, has continued to put out music and has solidified his place as one of New York’s most respected MCs. While the beef between these two camps may have cooled, the legacy of their rivalry remains an important part of hip hop history.
Busta Rhymes’ revelation about the Roxy incident offers fans a rare glimpse into a moment that could have escalated into something much bigger. But thanks to the power of music—and the quick thinking of Kid Capri—the night ended on a high note. It’s a story that reminds us of the way hip hop can unite as much as it divides, and how even in moments of tension, the culture finds a way to move forward.
