Busta Rhymes, born Trevor George Smith Jr. on May 20, 1972, is an American rapper and actor known for his energetic style and unique visuals. Named by Chuck D of Public Enemy, Busta gained fame as part of Leaders of the New School and through his solo career with hits like “Woo-Hah!! Got You All in Check” and “Gimme Some More.”
He has released 11 albums, including 2023’s Blockbuster. With 12 Grammy nominations, he also founded the Conglomerate label and is considered one of hip-hop’s greatest lyricists and visual artists.
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Busta Rhymes’s Net Worth
Busta Rhymes has a net worth of $20 million. In May 2014, it was revealed that he owed $789,577 in back taxes, with the IRS claiming he failed to pay $611,000 for 2008 and $178,000 for 2012. At the time, the rapper did not comment on whether this situation was a minor misunderstanding or a sign of larger financial issues.
Early life
Busta Rhymes, born Trevor George Smith Jr. in Brooklyn, New York, is the son of Jamaican immigrants Geraldine Green and Trevor Smith Sr. His family moved to Uniondale, Long Island when he was 12, and he graduated from Uniondale High School in 1991.
Busta attended George Westinghouse High School with future rap legends The Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z. He also spent time in the UK during his early teens, attending school in Morecambe while developing his breakdancing skills, even performing in local clubs as a minor.
Career
By 1992, Busta Rhymes embarked on a solo career after his group split. He gained attention through collaborations with artists like Notorious B.I.G. and A Tribe Called Quest. His 1996 debut album The Coming, featuring the hit “Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check,” marked his breakthrough.
Success continued with albums like When Disaster Strikes (1997) and Extinction Level Event (1998). After signing with J Records, he released Genesis (2001) and The Big Bang (2006), his first chart-topping album. Busta also pursued acting, starring in films like Strapped, Higher Learning, and Halloween: Resurrection.
Personal life
Busta Rhymes is a member of the Five-Percent Nation and has six children: three sons (born in 1993, 1999, and 2001) and three daughters (born in 1998, 1999, and 2006). In an interview for Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes, he walked out when asked about homophobia in rap, stating, “What I represent culturally doesn’t condone [homosexuality].”
However, in a later interview with MTV News, Busta expressed support for Frank Ocean after he came out and emphasized broader cultural acceptance of homosexuality.
What business does Busta Rhymes own?
Busta Rhymes owns The Conglomerate Entertainment, a record label he founded in 1994 under Flipmode. The label was rebranded as The Conglomerate in 2010 and is based in Brooklyn, New York City.
Conclusion
From his dynamic rap style to his personal challenges and accomplishments, Busta Rhymes remains an emblematic figure in the music world. His journey reflects the ups and downs of life but, above all, showcases the relentless spirit of an artist who remains passionate about his craft.
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FAQ about Busta Rhymes
- How much is Busta Rhymes worth?
- He has an estimated net worth of $20 million.
- Why did Busta lose so much weight?
- Health concerns related to breathing difficulties during intimacy led him to his weight loss journey.
- How many children does Busta have?
- He has fathered six children.
- Which country is Busta originally from?
- He is an American with Jamaican ancestry.
- What led Busta to part ways with Cash Money Records?
- Creative differences caused him to leave the record label.
