"It's a Party" is a song by American rapper Busta Rhymes featuring American R&B duo Zhané. It was released as the second single from Rhymes' debut studio album The Coming on June 4, 1996, by Flipmode Entertainment and Elektra Records. The song was written by Rhymes and Zhané member Rene Neufville, and produced by Easy Mo Bee. Peaking at number 52 on the US Billboard Hot 100, it was a moderate success. The song was released as a double A-side single with several remixes and the album cut "Ill Vibe" featuring fellow rapper Q-Tip, which also appears on The Coming, as its B-side.

Background

After former group Leaders of the New School broke up, Rhymes had problems with recording a full album on his own. Rhymes called up A Tribe Called Quest-member and mentor Q-Tip asking for help. After seven months of frustration, he finally came up with the idea that would become the skit after "It's a Party". "It's a Party" marks the second collaboration between Busta Rhymes and producer Easy Mo Bee after he previously produced the remix to Craig Mack's "Flava in Ya Ear" and 1995 single "The Points". The song precessed Rhymes' collaborations with Janet Jackson on "What's It Gonna Be?!" and Mariah Carey on "I Know What You Want".

Composition

"It's a Party" was composed in time and the key of F minor, with a tempo of 178 beats per minute. It has a duration time of five minutes and fifty-three seconds.

Critical reception

Daryl McIntosh of Albumism noted that the song shows that Busta Rhymes "could entertain more than just the 'hard-knocks' at the party [and] now captur[es] the ladies' attention". He added that "the late-night gem added a new chapter to the growing legend of Busta Rhymes".

Music video

The official music video for "It's a Party" was directed by Marcus Raboy and depicts Busta Rhymes and Zhané at a party. Flipmode-members Spliff Star and Rampage make cameo appearances.

Track listing

United States 12" single

United Kingdom 12" single

United Kingdom CD single

Charts