Born to parents Geraldine Green (1947) and Trevor George Smith Sr, and he has a younger brother, Paul Smith. His parents divorced when he 10 years old. Busta’s time during the year of 1983 was that of change, his parents got divorced and his way of thinking was altered, during that year he also changed his religious beliefs and re-named himself ‘Born Justice God Allah’ because of the supreme sorts of names that he now believed in and looked up to. He discovered hip hop music through listening to the Zulu Beats Radio Show, something influenced him from that show and three years later he would form a group. Busta also went to school in the United Kingdom, where he lived in Blackpool, Preston and Morecambe. Ended up graduating from George Westinghouse High School in downtown Brooklyn.
As a youngster he played basketball, football and soccer.
His Panamanian baby-sitter, Aunt Mitzi, made him listen to all the rap radio stations. So, He would sit there at 2 in the morning rapping when he was supposed to be sleeping. I just couldn't be too loud or Mitzi's poodle would start dancing around and barking. One night, the poodle barked and Mitzi took my radio away. So he said, "I don't need that radio. I'll write my own rap songs." Busta Rhymes later became part of a B-Boy crew with mainly latinos, a couple of white kids, and Busta, the only black one. When he was about 10 years old after he moved from Brooklyn to Long Island, where he became a member of the crew when it was a big contest happening which the leader of the crew, Johnny Juice watched. Busta just came up to him like, "Are you Johnny Juice?" and Johnny answered like "Yeah." and he said he wanted to be down with this crew. He started poppin' and Johnny said he was dope so he said "We're about to do this contest" and they wanted to put him down with them, but he didn't know the routines. But they put him down anyways and they lost the contest because they didn't know where to put him in the routine. The next contest they had was more of a battle, for the crown of best b-boys in Long Island and they had their crew there and they won. Busta destroyed these other guys, when he was poppin. Johnny Juice says "even if you listen to his rhymes now, you can tell by the way he rhymes and the way he moves around he's really dope on the popping shit".
Before his leap to stardom, Rhymes, was a rambunctious middle-class kid from Long Island who wrote "rap poetry" and dropped out of high school to pursue a music career. "I really thought he'd be a dancer," says his mother, Geraldine Green. "At family cookouts he would win all the dance contests. He was always a showman." He reminds his worst job: “I used to work as a stock boy at a department store called Cheap John’s,” he says. “I knew that I couldn’t really wrap my head around doing that kind of work. Even if your heart is not in something, your mind has to at least be able to be willing to do it. So, I took the job and I worked for about two weeks, and then I quit.” Why?
“They just had me doing too much. I had to line up the roach sprays on the shelves and make sure they were all in order, facing the same way, with the logos facing the front. The dishwashing liquids, the detergents, the boxes that they came in when they came from the actual shipping companies that they were manufactured at. After I lined them up on the shelves, I had to cut up the cardboard boxes, fold them up neatly and tie them up so that they could do the recycling thing with them. After a couple paper cuts too many, and hands that were calloused and ashy and bruised, I said ‘this is definitely not the thing for me to continue to be doing.’”
Busta adds, “I used that as inspiration to go into the studio all the time when I had a free moment. After work, during my lunch break, traveling back and forth to work … to just apply myself creatively, and the opportunity finally came one day when I was downtown.” At 17, Rhymes landed a six-figure record deal.
LONS signing with Elektra
His first name as a rapper was Chill-o-ski, but he thought it was a corny name, and Chuck D from Public Enemy gave him a new name, Busta Rhymes. He got the name from an american football player from the eighties, George "Buster" Rhymes, and people always asked him to "Bust-a-rhyme", so the choice was easy. In the end of the eighties he met Charlie Brown at Turtlehook Middle School and they formed Leaders of the New School with Dinco "The rhyme scientist" D and Milo In De Dance (aka The Cut Monitor). They were on Rush Management. They was signed to Elektra Records December 12th 1989. First Recorded Appearance: “Mt. Airy Groove” from the Rubaiyat compilation, Elektra 1990. A&R Dante Ross heard about Leaders of the New School from Hank Shocklee [Bomb Squad] and Chuck D [Public Enemy] and them.He says "I knew they were one of their burgeoning groups and I also knew they didn't have a record deal. I heard they were performing and I went to check them out. I had just got my A&R gig at Elektra. I went there, saw them perform, grabbed them right after the performance and told them they had a record deal if they wanted one. LONS released 2 albums, "A future without a past" in 1991, and "T.I.M.E." in 1993. In 1992 Busta's girl was pregnant, but the baby died right after he was born, and Busta had big personal problems after that, but he got great support from his group members. In 93 they where divided because of ego in the group.
A couple of other things that made him well known before his solo career was a couple of cameo performances, among them A Tribe Called Quest's remix of "Scenario" with Leaders Of The New School, and the "Flava in ya ear remix" with Craig Mack and Rampage.
It took Busta three years before he released an album for Elektra, in 1996 he released "The Coming" with the hits "Woo hah! Got you all in check" featuring Rampage and "It's a party" featuring Zhane. while recording his debut album, he left the studio to check on his new SUV. He'd recently purchased the Toyota Land Cruiser, a giant vehicle that gives the impression of driving on an elevated track, for $40,000. Rhymes took the elevator down and came out on Broadway, in lower Manhattan, at 11:30 p.m. His ride was gone. Furious, he marched back inside and closed the door in the recording booth. "There was nothing I could do at that point, so I just vented that angry energy into three songs," he says. Woo-Hah!! Got You All in Check, one of the tracks he completed by morning, went on to become a street anthem and crossover hit, his first ever.
There was a short gap between the release of Busta’s first album and his second album, but it came sooner than people imagined it to. Busta was sceptical about bootleggers copying the new album so for reviewing purposes he only sent out album samplers. In 1997 he released his second album, "When Disaster Strikes", and after that, his popularity exploded. 1998 became a very good year for Busta, he started his own clothing line, BUSHI designs, and released his third album "Extinction Level Event (The final world front)" and Flipmode Squad's debut "The Imperial". Flipmode Squad at that point included Busta Rhymes, Rah Digga, Spliff Star, Rampage, Baby Sham & Lord Have Mercy.
1999 became a year with problems for Busta, he had to visit the courthouse a couple of times because of child support, and police stopped his car and found an unregistered gun. He lost the case about child support, and he got a 5 year probation for the other case. Now Elektra started to shut him down with less studio time and promotion for his next album. Busta didn't like that, and took his squad over to J Records in 2001 after his fourth release in 2000, "Anarchy".
J Records
His first album at J was "Genesis", with the hits "What it is" featuring Kelis, "Break ya neck" & "Pass the courvoiser part 2" featuring Pharrell and P. Diddy. Now he is CEO for Flipmode Records. In november 2002 he released his most fervent album so far, "It Ain't Safe No More" with the singles "Make it clap" featuring Spliff Star, and a remix of it featuring Spliff Star and Sean Paul. Other achievements in 2002 was the movie roles he had in "Halloween: Resurrection" and "Narc". In 2003 his SUV was shot up with 6 bullets while he was in the Violator offices, that happened just a month after a couple of people shot inside their offices. The collaboration with Mariah Carey & Flipmode Squad named "I know what you want" on "It ain't safe no more" became Busta's biggest hit so far.
Aftermath
In February 2004, Flipmode Squad joined Aftermath Records, New members was added to the squad: M. Dollars, Labba and former Blackstreet Chauncey Black joined them. In March he got a six month probation sentence after pleading no contest to a charge that he assaulted a woman during a concert in Fall River, Massachusetts, in December 2002.
In November 2005 the first official single off the album "Touch it" was released to radio. The video premiered in December. He is now the father of four children (born in 93, 99, 00 and 02). In February, while making the second video for "The Big Bang"- the "Touch it remix" ft. Mary J. Blige, Missy, Rah Digga, Lloyd Banks, Papoose and DMX, one of his bodyguards, Israel Ramirez, who recently started working security for Busta as his jewelry handler, was shot and killed shortly after midnight outside of the Kiss The Cactus Production studio in the Greenpoint section of Brooklyn, NY. According to eyewitnesses, the shooting was a result of an argument that began inside the studio and continued outside.
The Aftermath chief Dr. Dre said before the release of The Big Bang that ”All of sudden I’m hearing people in the streets talking about hos Busta’s back. In my mind, he never left, and that’s why I wanted to fuck with in the first place. He’s got that drive, and he never stops trying to top himself. Anybody who knows Busta knows that he’s always gonna come with heat." His third video from "The Big Bang" was released 10th May, "I love my bitch". The video features actress Gabrielle Union and the Black Eyed Peas' Will.i.am, who produced the song, but Kelis who is featured on the song, was not in the video. The single also features Kelis, but she's not featured in the video. Also changed is his appearance, as he has cut off his trademark dreadlocks as part of a personal renewal. "Eight years of court appearances later and I was awarded custody of my children," he explained. "My hair was remindful of the unnecessary rocks in my career and life. So it was time to shed the locks... I've got my career and family right." "The Big Bang" was released 13th June. The fourth video was released in July, "New York shit" and the fitth video came out in August, "In the ghetto". The album was certified Gold in that month too. This month he was also charged with an assault after the Amsterjam Music Festival on Randalls Island, and he was ticketed after police saw him talking on his mobile while driving past a Manhattan police station.
On January 3rd 2007 he turned himself in to police custody after he allegedly attacking someone on Boxing Day. Lt. John Grimpel said a man told police that Rhymes, had punched and kicked him repeatedly after an argument over money. On May 3rd was arrested on a drunk driving charge by police in New York City. Officers stopped Rhymes at about 12:40 a.m. because the sport utility vehicle he was driving had overly tinted windows, officers then smelled alcohol on the rapper's breath and he was subsequently arrested. was released on $7,500 bail, set by Judge Tanya Kennedy. After a 8th May court appearance, he was free to drive. Rhymes' lawyer said a judge ruled against a prosecution motion to suspend the rapper's license following the driving-while-intoxicated arrest. He also turned down a plea deal that day that would have sent him to jail for one year, the Manhattan district attorney's office said.
Bus appeared in a Super Bowl finale commercial for Pepsi Max Diet in February. Busta Rhymes pleaded guilty on 23rd January to assault, two driving infractions and weapons possession, avoiding a trial and the yearlong prison sentence recommended by prosecutors. But Judge Larry Stevens disagreed with prosecutors that Rhymes deserved time behind bars. Instead, he sentenced him to three years' probation and 10 days of community service for beating a fan who reportedly spat on his car in August 2006, and then assaulting his driver, Larry Hackett, that December. Rhymes was also fined $1,250 for driving with a suspended license in 2006 and driving while intoxicated in 2007. "I just want to say that I'm very grateful to the judge, I'm very grateful to the system. I believe in the system. It hasn't failed me personally yet," Rhymes, dressed in a crisp black pinstripe suit, said outside the courtroom.
"I'm just glad that all of this is finally behind me and I can go back to doing what I do best - making great music and great films and being a people person," he said.
His 8th solo album "Blessed" was set for a release in July 2008. First he called it "When Hell Freeze Over" then he changed it to "Back On My B.S.", a title Pharrell helped him come up with, last it was changed to "Blessed" in April 08. Rhymes was added to Projekt Revolution 2008 (summer tour), He was joining Linkin Park, Chris Cornell, The Bravery, and Ashes Divide on the main stage. After the first week of touring he had to leave the tour because of business matters; Late July he left Interscope, because they couldn't agree with Busta how to handle the final version of the album.
Motown
In September 08 he his new deal was announced, with Motown/Universal. He then re-titled his album to "Back On My B.S." The first single was released in October 2008, called "Arab Money" featuring Ron Browz. 2 remix videos with different guests were later releases in February 09. The second single, "Hustler's Anthem 09" was released in Febuary too. The third single's video "Respect My Conglomerate" was released in March. "Back On My B.S." was released May 19th 09, and entered the Billboard chart at #5, after a lot of delays; 1st July 08, 9th Dec. 08, 10th Feb. 09, 24th March 09). In June, the video for "If you don't know" was released. The video for "World Go Round" will be released soon.
God's Plan
Busta Rhymes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Always leave a mark like when the metal hit your flesh
Blessed muhfucka, everything about me fresh
Every time we do this shit, we doing it to death
We getting money too, this shit don't make no kinda sense
(Pop!) Make 'em run until they hop another fence
When I'm in the building, niggas know I always got 'em and
The way we keep on winning, how the fuck you gon' stop' em?
Y'all know how we do it, everything colossal
Thirty karat diamond pink ring look like a marble
I don't mean to startle, making bitches argue
Put it in your mouth, stop the yapping, and gargle
Take over the whole shit, never do it partial
Fucking up the building 'till they call a fire marshal
Drop another classic, add a chapter to the novel
Pop a couple bottles, fuck a couple models
Rev it to the point where niggas bust open the throttle
You think you got a pot of gold? Got a couple potfuls
Could give a fuck about your shine, bitch I got a watch full
Them boys hot bitch, aw man
Make sure the penthouse suite got a ceiling fan
See, when I win, it's like it's God's plan
And when they see it, got these niggas saying "God damn!"
Shit changed nigga, chain hang nigga
Every time we drop, see how the shit bang nigga
We buzzing in the street until the shit sting nigga
We profit every time, that's why we rich, lame nigga
I'm 'bout my paper, I'm 'bout my dough
I keep my watch face twenty below
Bitch it's only three things you need to know
All three is "Can't no one fuck with J-Doe", aye
I'm getting mula, I'm getting cash
If I say "hi" to her, she give up ass
I got a Ruger, don't make me blast
My flow is too hot, why y'all listening to trash?
Aw yeah, I'm a beast lil nigga, off the leash lil nigga
I just bought a car that you can't even lease lil nigga
Don't reach lil nigga, just retreat lil nigga
'Cause you looking like a muhfuckin' feast lil nigga
Them boys hot bitch, aw man
Make sure the penthouse suite got a ceiling fan
See, when I win, it's like it's God's plan
And when they see it, got these niggas saying "God damn!"
Shit changed nigga, chain hang nigga
Every time we drop, see how the shit bang nigga
We buzzing in the street until the shit sting nigga
We profit every time, that's why we rich, lame nigga
Aye, okay, wrist look Rollie, charm look trophy
Top three rappers: O.T., O.T., and O.T
.45 on me so my shirt look pokey
Buss that muthafucka 'till that barrel get smoky
Diamonds Tropicana, got a bag like I am Santa
It's like 50 bitches wit' me and they all in my cabana
From the West Coast where these niggas throw they sets and wave bandanas
If that's at your neighborhood, you will go nail down from the hammers, I
Ride through any nigga hood in them GTs
No Bloods, Pirus, CCs
Selling Os, and I don't mean CDs
360 diamond chain, Butterfinger BBs, yeah
Them boys hot bitch, aw man
Make sure the penthouse suite got a ceiling fan
See, when I win, it's like it's God's plan
And when they see it, got these niggas saying "God damn!"
Shit changed nigga, chain hang nigga
Every time we drop, see how the shit bang nigga
We buzzing in the street until the shit sting nigga
We profit every time, that's why we rich, lame nigga
In the lyrics of Busta Rhymes's song "God's Plan," the artist exudes confidence and a sense of superiority as he describes his luxurious lifestyle and success. Busta Rhymes starts by boasting about his impact in the industry, claiming that everything he does leaves a lasting impression, likening it to the sensation of metal hitting flesh. He emphasizes his freshness and blessing, suggesting that his success and wealth are undeniable. Busta Rhymes also touches on the theme of competition and dominance, stating that every time he engages in something, he does it to the fullest and aims for excellence, making it challenging for others to compete with him. He speaks of making money effortlessly and causing chaos and envy among his peers. Busta Rhymes's extravagant lifestyle is evident through his references to his wealth, represented by his thick stack of money, massive diamond ring, and exclusive possessions like models and bottles.
The lyrics further delve into the concept of winning and asserting dominance. Busta Rhymes confidently declares that his success is part of a higher plan, suggesting a sense of destiny and divine favor in his achievements. He taunts his detractors, who are in awe of his accomplishments, causing them to exclaim in astonishment. Busta Rhymes highlights the transformation in the industry due to his influence, showcasing his impact through the quality and impact of his releases that resonate with his audience. He emphasizes his profitability, indicating that his endeavors always lead to financial gain, contrasting himself with those who are envious and unsuccessful.
In the next verse, Busta Rhymes shifts the focus to his personal ethos, where he prioritizes money and maintaining a tough, uncompromising image. He flaunts his wealth and power, stating that his reputation precedes him, and no one can rival his prowess. Busta Rhymes portrays himself as a formidable force, ready to take on any challenge, and showcasing his lavish lifestyle through his possessions and actions. He brags about his ability to effortlessly attract women and asserts his readiness to defend himself with a firearm if necessary. Busta Rhymes also critiques the state of the music industry, claiming that his talent surpasses that of his contemporaries.
The final verse continues the themes of opulence and dominance, as Busta Rhymes boasts about his expensive accessories and his elite status among rappers. He lists himself among the top three in the game, exuding confidence in his skills and influence. Busta Rhymes mentions his affinity for luxury items, such as a Rolex watch and a diamond chain, symbolizing his elevated status. He references his association with numerous women and the extravagance of his lifestyle, painting a picture of excess and grandeur. Busta Rhymes concludes with a nod to his toughness and prowess, hinting at his readiness to confront any challenges that may come his way.
Line by Line Meaning
Step up in the spot, sizzle it to death
Entering the place with confidence and style, making a lasting impact
Always leave a mark like when the metal hit your flesh
Leaving a strong impression akin to being struck by metal
Blessed muhfucka, everything about me fresh
Feeling blessed and confident, with everything about me being new and remarkable
Every time we do this shit, we doing it to death
Every time we engage in this activity, we give it our all until the end
We getting money too, this shit don't make no kinda sense
Earning money as well, even though the situation seems illogical
(Pop!) Make 'em run until they hop another fence
Creating a sense of urgency that makes people run and escape obstacles
When I'm in the building, niggas know I always got 'em and
Others can trust and rely on me when I'm present
The way we keep on winning, how the fuck you gon' stop' em?
With our consistent success, how can you possibly impede us?
Bitch my money long, thicker than a waffle
My money is substantial and abundant, like a thick waffle
Y'all know how we do it, everything colossal
You are aware of our approach, where everything we do is grand and impressive
Thirty karat diamond pink ring look like a marble
A large, valuable diamond pink ring that resembles a marble
I don't mean to startle, making bitches argue
Not intending to shock, but causing disputes among women
Put it in your mouth, stop the yapping, and gargle
Shut up by putting something in your mouth, forcing you to rinse and be silent
Take over the whole shit, never do it partial
Fully dominate the situation, never holding back
Fucking up the building 'till they call a fire marshal
Causing chaos in the venue to the point where emergency services are summoned
Drop another classic, add a chapter to the novel
Releasing another hit song that contributes to the success story
Pop a couple bottles, fuck a couple models
Celebrating with some drinks and spending time with attractive individuals
Rev it to the point where niggas bust open the throttle
Exciting people to the extent that they go all out and unleash their full potential
You think you got a pot of gold? Got a couple potfuls
Believing you have a fortune, but I have multiple fortunes in comparison
Could give a fuck about your shine, bitch I got a watch full
Not caring about your success, as I have a watch full of valuable items
Make sure the penthouse suite got a ceiling fan
Ensuring the luxurious suite has proper ventilation
Shit changed nigga, chain hang nigga
Signifying a transformation and displaying wealth through jewelry
Every time we drop, see how the shit bang nigga
Whenever we release new music, it creates a significant impact
We buzzing in the street until the shit sting nigga
Generating excitement and being influential in the neighborhood
We profit every time, that's why we rich, lame nigga
Making money consistently, which explains our wealth, unlike you who are insignificant
I'm 'bout my paper, I'm 'bout my dough
Focused on earning money and looking after my finances
I keep my watch face twenty below
Maintaining my watch at a low temperature to stand out and showcase wealth
Bitch it's only three things you need to know
There are only three essential facts you should be aware of
All three is "Can't no one fuck with J-Doe", aye
The key point is that no one can match J-Doe in any way
I'm getting mula, I'm getting cash
Earning money and making a significant amount of cash
If I say "hi" to her, she give up ass
Women willingly become intimate if I simply greet them
I got a Ruger, don't make me blast
Warning others that I possess a gun and am prepared to use it if necessary
My flow is too hot, why y'all listening to trash?
My music is excellent, so why waste your time on mediocre content?
Aw yeah, I'm a beast lil nigga, off the leash lil nigga
I am a powerful figure and unstoppable when unleashed
I just bought a car that you can't even lease lil nigga
Purchasing a vehicle that you couldn't afford to lease
Don't reach lil nigga, just retreat lil nigga
Instead of trying to challenge me, it's better to back off
Cause you looking like a muhfuckin' feast lil nigga
You appear vulnerable and easy to overpower
Okay, wrist look Rollie, charm look trophy
My wristwatch resembles a Rolex watch, and my charm appears as a trophy
Top three rappers: O.T., O.T., and O.T
Acknowledging oneself as one of the top three rappers
.45 on me so my shirt look pokey
Carrying a .45 caliber handgun, causing the shirt to bulge
Buss that muthafucka 'till that barrel get smoky
Firing the gun continuously until the barrel emits smoke
Diamonds Tropicana, got a bag like I am Santa
Having diamonds that resemble the drink Tropicana, and carrying a bag like Santa Claus
It's like 50 bitches wit' me and they all in my cabana
Being surrounded by many women in my private, luxurious space
From the West Coast where these niggas throw they sets and wave bandanas
Referring to the gang culture and activities on the West Coast involving gang signs and bandanas
If that's at your neighborhood, you will go nail down from the hammers, I
Implying that if the mentioned behavior occurs in your area, you will experience severe consequences
Ride through any nigga hood in them GTs
Drive confidently through any neighborhood in high-performance cars
No Bloods, Pirus, CCs
Reference to gang affiliations in the area
Selling Os, and I don't mean CDs
Selling ounces of drugs, not music CDs
360 diamond chain, Butterfinger BBs, yeah
Wearing a diamond chain and laughing at those who have inferior possessions
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: TREVOR SMITH, ODIS FLORES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Real Dude Uprising
The greatest showman in rap and nobody realizes it. His show is all energy... Truly is The Dragon
Mandé Sano
Busta Rhymes, my favorite rapper of all time. Big respect
Rican Floyd
This joint right here is 🔥. Excited to see what else Busta has in store.
Frank L
I remember when Busta made music videos you couldn't turn away from. You would wait all day to see it again. .
Frank L
+Frank L view count 260,085
javonrob
That was because back in the day record labels were budgeting a million dollars a piece for music videos, now a days they act cheaper
J P
Frank L now the budget is cut and his music is 🚮
Di Lung Move it Ya Fool!
Didn't the guy who directed his music videos die?
Echad
Busta has always been nice and holds his own against the greatest the game has to offer
Blaque Reign
I was About to give up on you Bus Bus ,but you came through...Salute !