Busta Rhymes has been contributing to the Hip-Hop culture for a very long time now and he seems to be overshadowed and left out of the conversation of great emcees. 20 years ago Busta Rhymes exploded on the scene as a solo artist and quickly became one of the best rappers to spit a rhyme. Busta Rhymes held his own during the 90’s which is referred to as the “Golden Era of Hip-Hop.” Many people know that he is a solo artist, but a lot of people may not know that he started out in a group called the Leaders of the New School. Leaders of the New School Often collaborated with acts such as A Tribe Called Quest, and Jungle Brothers, all of which belonged to the collective Native Tongues. Leaders of the New School got their big break when they began to open for Public Enemy. Busta Rhymes, born Trevor George Smith Jr., was destined for rap greatness when he received his stage name from Chuck D.
Busta Rhymes’ eccentric fashion style and lyricism caused him to stand out from other rappers. One of his most memorable verses is on A Tribe Called Quest’s 1992 “Scenario” hit. It wasn’t until 1996, when Busta Rhymes released his first solo album, The Coming, that people realized that he was worthy of attention. The Coming has reached platinum status along with Jay-Z’s ’96 debut, Reasonable Doubt. Busta Rhymes’ solidified a sound that no one has been able to duplicate. His unique flow and delivery on tracks like “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See,” can be seen as the foundation for The Migos’ style of rapping. Busta Rhymes is also known for rapping in a fast, rapid fire style that only a few rappers can do.
His music videos were always top notch and extravagant. The visuals for “What’s It Gonna Be,” Gimme Some More,” “Dangerous,” and “Woo Ha (Got You All In Check)” were popular for their visual effects and characters.
A side from rapping Busta Rhymes has dabbled in acting appearing in films like Halloween: Resurrection and as the voice of Flonominal of Thugnificent’s Lethal Injection crew on the animated series, The Boondocks.
Through his 20-year solo career, Busta Rhymes has released nine albums, received 11 Grammy nominations, created and runs Conglomerate records (formerly Flipmode Entertainment), who has signed O.T. Genasis. Busta Rhymes has dropped some of the hardest lines in rap, earning him the nick name “The Dragon” and the respect of rappers across the culture.
