The way Janet Jackson and Busta Rhymes’ late ’90s single “What’s It Gonna Be?” is solidified in pop culture history, it’s hard to believe the pair never performed the hit onstage together — until now! More than two decades after the record-breaking track and music video was released, the duo finally got the chance to give fans the show of a lifetime.
Jackson, who is currently on her “Together Again Tour,” was in New York City last night (May 9) for her Madison Square Garden stop. Videos flooding social media show Busta walking onstage as the banger dropped. “You finally made a dream come true for me, queen. I waited 25 years to be able to share this stage with you and perform this song. And I am so grateful that I’m fighting tears of joy right now,” he said while still onstage after the track ended. Fans were shook. “They’ve never performed this? That’s crazy,” one person tweeted. Another wrote, “For the [first] time? [mind-blown emoji].”
They’ve never performed this? That’s crazy
— Shea W. (@ItsSheaButtah) May 10, 2023
When the “What’s It Gonna Be?” music video debuted, it was among the first of its kind. Both sensual and edgy, the futuristic recording featured the two artists in sleek costumes, morphing from liquids to solids, and reportedly cost a whopping $2.4 million to create. “To this day, our video is the most expensive hip hop video ever made in the history of hip hop culture. You cannot play with the royal empress. Please know that,” Busta said of his collab with Jackson during his lengthy onstage speech.
He also shared with the audience how the track came to be: “In 1998, 25 years ago, I’m on the Belt Parkway going from Long Island to Manhattan. I’m listening to Janet Jackson do an interview with Angie Martinez promoting The Velvet Rope album. Angie Martinez asked her, ‘What rapper have you never worked with before that you would like to work with?’ She said, ‘Busta Rhymes.’ Excuse my language, but I almost crashed my f**king car,” he recalled.
See additional reactions and clips below!
That show last night was so damn goooood! When Busta came out omggg my heart dropped. I loved that song so much when I was 12
— Khadijah James (@i_know_u_lyin) May 10, 2023
Awwww how sweet. You can tell they have genuine respect and affection for each other.
— Living + (@cquiller1) May 10, 2023
What’s It Gonna Be?!?
Busta Rhymes after his surprise performance with Janet Jackson at her second Madison Square Garden show. #TogetherAgainTour MSG
(📸 Busta Rhymes) pic.twitter.com/Yi0I9gw8gZ
— C H A M Ξ L Ξ O N (@Chameleon876) May 10, 2023
History made tonight at Madison Square Garden!! Busta Rhymes came on stage to perform “What’s It Gonna Be?” with Janet Jackson!! First time ever!! He brought her her flowers and a birthday cake. Amazing show. Janet Jackson is truly a legendary performer. pic.twitter.com/vXMl0N5XK7
— Dr. Trevon D Logan (@TrevonDLogan) May 10, 2023
For the 1st time.. 🤯tf
— jKHAHN🔊🔊🔊 nORf🏚 #215salute 🏴☠️ (@jk215pa) May 10, 2023
Busta Rhymes joins Janet Jackson on stage for the ultimate reunion of their 1998 song “What’s It Gonna Be?!”! #JanetJackson #TogetherAgainTour pic.twitter.com/hhrQd6FhUx
— FUSE TV (@fusetv) May 10, 2023
Clue The Kleenex Brigade Because Laaaaaaawd 😭😭😭😭🩵
— Let Go Let GOD (@MyYear4Greater) May 10, 2023
What I would give to travel back in time to witness this firsthand 😩
— Rocío (@rocioslane) May 10, 2023
Omg I’m gagginnnn. One of my fav songs and videos 🔥😍🔥💃🏾
— aRAYawna (@just1_RAY) May 10, 2023