Busta Rhymes 'Fortunate' To Be Part Of Cash Money

Busta Rhymes most certainly respects the Cash Money conglomerate.

Some scratched their heads when the Dungeon Dragon announced last month that he had signed with Cash Money Records. Critics couldn't fathom why the East Coast rap vet would ink with Birdman's Southern-based, youth-driven label, but for Busta, the deal makes perfect sense.

"It's real fortunate to be able to have a 20-year career run and partner up with the most powerful record company in the business 20 years later," Busta told on Tuesday from the set of his Hype Williams-directed "Why Stop Now" video.

Bussa Bus began his career in 1991 as a member of the four-man Long Island, New York, group Leaders of the New School but went solo after the crew disbanded in 1993. The gravel-voiced speed rapper has since dropped eight solo albums and given hip-hop a number of memorable party anthems. Not only were "Woo-Hah! Got You All in Check," "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See" and "Pass the Courvoisier Pt. 2" huge radio hits, each song also had high-priced, creative music videos attached to them. Combining his hitmaking ability and strong visuals has made Busta one of rap's greatest and most unique artists.

The veteran continued to dominate this past year thanks to his scene-stealing verse on Chris Brown's Grammy-nominated smash "Look at Me Now" and his guest spot on Lil Wayne's Tha Carter IV. At this point in his career, he was looking for a home that would continue to fuel his fire.

"They understand. They know how to nurture the music, they know how to let artists be artists, they know how to let you reach your fullest capability creatively," Busta said of Cash Money.

Back in 1997, Lil Wayne was an oft-overlooked kid rapper, but he has steadily grown into a bankable soloist and the mega musical star he is now. Busta factored in Weezy's trajectory when deciding on where he should sign. "Wayne is a perfect example. He reached his apex a little while ago, and he just continues to grow," Busta said.

It isn't just Tunechi, though. While officially signed to Young Money, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Lil Twist and Tyga all fall under the Cash Money umbrella. With a stable of successful artists, why wouldn't Busta want to join the YMCMB team? "It feels good to see that," he said of the label's success. "It feels good to be a part of that."

What do you think of Busta joining Cash Money? Let us know in the comments!