Anatii reflects on producing ‘favourite rapper’ Busta Rhymes’ new single ‘Open Wide’

Anatii produced ‘Open Wide’ on Busta Rhymes’ new album, ‘Blockbusta’. Picture: Instagram/@anatii

Anatii produced ‘Open Wide’ on Busta Rhymes’ new album, ‘Blockbusta’. Picture: Instagram/@anatii

Published Nov 24, 2023

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Anatii has forged such a successful career as a performing artist over the past half-a-dozen years that it’s easy to forget that he has arguably one of the most prolific producer catalogues in the history of South African hip hop.

As if to remind us just how good he is, the 30-year-old has emerged from a relatively quiet spell as a producer (particularly for other artists) with a placement on ‘Open Wide’, one of the songs on rap icon Busta Rhymes’ new album, ‘Blockbusta’.

The single features US R&B star Christ Brown and Jamaican dance hall sensation, Shenseea.

Anatii shared the news on Instagram with a carousel post that included some images of him and Busta together.

“Had the honour of producing ‘OPEN WIDE’ featuring @chrisbrownofficial & @shenseea for my favourite rapper of all time, the dragon @bustarhymes,” shared Anatii on Instagram on Friday morning.

“At a time during the pandemic when I was feeling alone, borderline depressed and uninspired, Busta texted me one early morning asking me to call him regarding one of the records I produced for him and shared his excitement about breezy jumping on the song, then proceeded to play it for me over the phone and I lost my mind.”

Anatii also shared that this was a full circle moment for him because Busta is someone he’s always respected for doing things outside of the box and pushing boundaries when it comes to vocal performance, lyrical content and overall creative direction.

Busta commented on Anatii’s post by writing, “Thank you king. Your contribution is immaculate family”.

‘Blockbusta’ marks Busta’s first album since he released 'Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God’ and is his 11th in an illustrious career spanning over 30 years.