Released: 2023 • Features: Burna Boy
“ROBOSHOTTA (feat. Burna Boy)” by Burna Boy and Busta Rhymes offers up a high-octane mix of swagger, bravado, and streetwise philosophy. The track is a powerful assertion of their respective places in the world of hip-hop, packed with intricate rhymes and aggressive delivery accentuated with a splash of Jamaican patois. This song is a testament to their domination and survival in a gritty, harsh world, layered with confident boasts about their lifestyles, successes, and invincibility.
The song sets the tone with its powerful hook: “We gon’ show a nigga how blackout is supposed to feel”. Busta Rhymes sets the bars high, daring competitors to step into his arena and setting the foundation for the lyrical onslaught that follows. The bold reference to playing soccer in the next line goes beyond sports talk; it symbolizes knocking down enemies with the same casual ease as kicking a soccer ball.
Busta’s following line, “I got that white, you can call it Cyndi Lauper” is a clever double entendre; he could be hinting at his prosperity and the potential dealing in narcotics (white), all while referencing the iconic Eighties singer Cyndi Lauper who was known for her unique, often white-blonde, hairstyles.
In the line “My passport pregnant, niggas call me globetrotter”, Busta Rhymes communicates his well-travelled status, suggesting his international fame and influence. The term ‘globetrotter’ is often associated with individuals who have explored and conquered various parts of the world – an apt description of Busta’s global musical impact.
The chorus: “Can you give me that? It’s still eco, can you give me that?” is a call-and-response, asking those around him if they can match his energy or offer him the respect he commands. The phrase “it’s still eco” in this context can be deciphered as it still echoes, meaning his influence and power still resonates regardless of his status or location.
Burna Boy’s verse brings a distinctive style flavoured with Nigerian Pidgin and Jamaican Patois, a nod to his African and Caribbean roots. His lines “Yeah, they call me Burna Boy, but I’m a full-grown adult / No sign of weakness” is a strong assertion of his maturity, aptitude, and fearlessness in the face of adversity. Burna Boy is not just simply an artist; he’s an entity commanding respect.
The line “Riding with tree man in a Benz like Spragga” makes a reference to Jamaican dancehall artist Spragga Benz – a nod to the influence of Caribbean culture in his music. ‘Tree man’ is a Jamaican term meaning three men, indicating his crew or posse that accompanies him.
The powerful closing lines “Mi and Burna, come fi kill yuh wid a scorcha / Free Kartel before di man turn into martyr / Wi come fi fuck up everyting, yuh know di order” brings out the artists’ disruptive and combative energies. The artists make a shout-out to incarcerated Jamaican artist Vybz Kartel and present themselves as forces to be reckoned with in the music scene.
Ultimately, “ROBOSHOTTA” is a raw, unfiltered display of Busta Rhymes and Burna Boy’s lyrical prowess and invincibility. It’s a flaunt of their status, survival, and growth amidst the rough terrains of the music industry. The track marries their different cultural influences – from the Bronx to Lagos to Kingston – to assert an indomitable presence in the world of hip-hop. This song doesn’t just demonstrate their ability to spit rhymes; it underlines their grit, resilience, and cultural richness that forms the foundation of their artistic prowess.
