Busta-ology: Busta Rhymes Spits On Bunji Garlin’s “Differentology”

Words by Natalie Weiner—

Bunji Garlin isn’t about to let you sleep on “Differentology” for even a minute. What began as the reigning tune at Trinidad’s 2013 carnival has, over the course of the year, become an international hit. It’s blowing up mainstream radio, network television – even music ID app Shazam. Since its release last November, it’s already gotten the remix treatment from Major Lazer and Jamaican producer Noah Issa, among others. Now Brooklyn and Jamaica’s own Busta Rhymes is stepping in with a few verses, to make “Differentology” his first-ever soca collaboration.

Busta has made no secret of his West Indian heritage, both biological and musical. Especially in recent years, he’s spent almost as much time collaborating with the biggest names in dancehall as he has working on more traditional hip-hop. Even songs like “#Twerkit” and “Thank You” that technically qualify as hip-hop have included references to Busta’s Jamaican background. If what you know about Busta begins and ends with “Look At Me Now,” check out our countdown of the best Bussa Bus bashment tunes, including jams from artists like Shabba, Vybz, and Sean Paul.

Busta’s technical precision works perfectly with this track’s uptempo, dance-friendly vibe – less patois, more of the rapid-flow rhymes he’s most known for. As he says in his verse, it looks like “Differentology” has got “2014 flatline already” – this song isn’t going anywhere. Listen below, and let us know what you think!

Can’t get enough Garlin? Check his performance of “Differentology” with the Roots at the Okayplayer Holiday Party, and his appearance from a few weeks ago on the LargeUp Sessions (he even did a LargeUp exclusive freestyle!).