On Saturday, November 19, 2022, at The Ned NoMad, Busta Rhymes hosted a private EP Album Release party taking over the entire Jazz Club level of Akiva’s Members Club and hotel, a popular New York hotspot. The party, of which guests entered through The Library Room which was filled floor to ceiling with red and black balloons, went from Midnight to 4:00am, with an exclusive guest list of Busta‘s personal invitees celebrating all evening. The party was to honor his new album, “The Fuse Is Lit,” as he toasted with guests into the late night hours.
Other music artists and industry notables at the bash included Dave East, DJ Suss One, Rowdy Rebel, Spliff Star, Giggs, Badius, Capella Grey, Tr Trizzy, Hustle Hard Herbie, Eric The Jeweler (Eric Mavani), Murda Mook, DJ Scratchator, Nicole Mitchell Murphy, Stacie J, Gianni Credle-Harrell, and more.
“The Fuse Is Lit” EP has been trending on the charts, released on November 18th. The album includes a collaboration with Swizz Beatz as producer, and special guests Conway The Machine, Capella Grey, Big Daddy Kane & more.
Busta, all smiles all night, was draped in a powder blue custom Chanel suit and matching puffer jacket ensemble highlighted by red Chanel stitching, a red turtleneck and gold button details. The rap mogul was draped in gold jewelry, his hands donning oversized gold, diamond and ruby rings, for a show-stopping look.
Busta took to the mic once the room was full, noting “I didn’t have a DJ until 8:00pm, shout out to Blends, and a venue until 72 hours ago, okay..ok… let’s be straight, 48 hours ago.., I called my brother Richie Akiva and he pulled off a lot for me, not going to sugarcoat it, love that man.” Guests continued to cheer and shout out their pal Busta, everyone so excited for his EP. He also went on to give additional speeches, and noted “Now I am going to say a few things. First, I AM HAPPY. I have been working on final touches of this EP release for the last 48 hours, and right now I am super in love with being an artist first and when it comes to the creative space especially. When you have real friends and real love and relationships in your life, that just makes all things next level.”
A special DJ set was performed by Busta‘s pal DJ True Blends.
The Ned NoMad continues to have an endless flow of VIPs through its doors, with Dave Chappelle hosting his SNL party the weekend prior, of which Busta and Miguel were both present and performed.
Richie Akiva has been at the forefront of New York hospitality since he opened Butter, followed by Up&Down, The Darby and 1OAK. The Ned NoMad is his latest chapter of an evolved career, bringing New York his latest vision of curated hospitality and nightlife, through the doors of the exclusive Members Club, Hotel, and private lounge.
Exclusive Images from Busta’s EP Release Party. Photo credit: Johnny Nunez
