This song is part of our “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist. Check out the full list.
The sizzling classic “What’s It Gonna Be?!” sees the pairing of Rap titan Busta Rhymes and Empress of Pop Janet Jackson in an eclectic blend of Hip-Hop, Funk, and R&B. Lyrically, the track’s focus is driven by raw sexuality, a topic that Jackson’s pioneering influence helped normalize for women in pop music. Rhymes blends superbly well with Jackson’s sex kitten vocals, due to his frenetic energy and overall reputation as a stellar, intricate MC. The track, along with its world record-setting visual, became one of the most successful rap-sung collaborations in the latter half of the 1990s.
Watch the legendary “What’s It Gonna Be?!” video, stream it, or grab some Busta Rhymes or Janet Jackson vinyl.
In celebration of summer, the staff at THE 97 has compiled a playlist containing some of our favorite summer songs, from then and now. Each day we will reveal one song, rotating daily between past and present with pairings from 1998 and 2023, for a total of 97 days/songs. Since we love nostalgia, we’re celebrating summer songs from 1998 as they turn 25, alongside new songs that we feel deserve some shine. Pairings could be thematic, sonic, or based connections between the artists.