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.
TRUE INDEED
Busta Rhymes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Busta Rhymes-Rhymes-Rhymes-Rhymes up in the place-uh
You could flow with me, just to let you know
We keep coming back with more and more
Kick the rest
Yeah, you want a round nigga?
Ayo, check
Mastered of the precision of the faster addition after you listen
Smashin' a whip, I'm fast with the wisdom I give 'em
I'm fluently speaking, who would be teaching jewels like science is hitting
Look, I'm tired of kicking niggas head off, see now
I'm tryna avoid from poppin' the lead off
I saw you're top and then jet off
It's time that I set off the heat like the trap is connected with the hook
Quicker than fiber optics, I'm deeper than Michael's pockets
I'm equally microscopic, germicidal like an Ebola
If I ain't already told ya you could suck up on my ecola
Hum
Please feel free to join us in a smoking section because we want all the smoke in here!
Colder than older polar bear weather
Know I'm chosen to clear 'em whether or not they're ready I'm stoppin' shit every
Time as I'm redefinin' and mastermindin' and redesignin' the master architect
Chemically combining genetically
See-see-see, I'm readily sick to the pulp competitively
The DNA of my blood Incredible Hulk and then
I shock with a volt into like El Camino supply you with supplements like aminos
You in trouble 'cause me and Premo finally got together
Yes, you got a script for you to learn from
Everybody get off when I shoot my sperm from
None of you niggas ready if you still guessin' at getting
I make a movie out of 'em, Tyler Perry
See how the style, I'm very wild, I'll bury you niggas
And I'm whippin' a Maserati and throwin' bread like confetti
You know that we got it plenty
Watch the movie while you still drivin' a Suzuki
Chill and have manners when you be talkin' to me
'Cause shit get spooky when I smoke a Lucy and I style a Louie
Then I leave niggas dead and stinking, worser than dookie
Haha, hahaha
Hi, yeah we're here to start now
In Busta Rhymes's song "True Indeed," he brings his signature fast-paced flow and lyrical dexterity. The song begins with Busta Rhymes asserting his presence in the rap game, proclaiming that he is "up in the place, true indeed." He invites his audience to flow with him and promises to deliver more and more. The lyrics also contain a reference to his rap skills, describing himself as a mathematician and master of precision in his delivery.
Busta Rhymes showcases his lyrical prowess by using various metaphors and wordplay throughout the song. He talks about being tired of figuratively decapitating his competitors and aiming to avoid resorting to violence. He boasts about his knowledge, comparing himself to a teacher who imparts wisdom like scientific knowledge. Busta Rhymes also demonstrates his ability to rap fast, as he mentions being quicker than fiber optics and having a deep understanding similar to Michael's hidden wealth.
In the latter part of the song, Busta Rhymes emphasizes his dominance in the rap game. He refers to himself as being "colder than older polar bear weather" and states that he is chosen to extinguish any competition, highlighting his confidence and readiness to take on any challenge. He mentions collaborating with DJ Premier (Premo) and asserts that his script for success is one that others should learn from. The lyricist exhibits a playful and braggadocious style, likening his lyrical ability to shooting bullets and even making a humorous comparison to filmmaker Tyler Perry.
Overall, "True Indeed" showcases Busta Rhymes's lyrical abilities, delivering intricate metaphors and skillful wordplay. The song demonstrates his confidence, dominance, and dedication to his craft.
Line by Line Meaning
Busta Rhymes up in the place-uh, true indeed
Busta Rhymes is confidently present in this space
Busta Rhymes-Rhymes-Rhymes-Rhymes up in the place-uh
Busta Rhymes repeatedly emphasizes his presence in this space
You could flow with me, just to let you know
You have the opportunity to rap alongside me, just for your knowledge
We keep coming back with more and more
We consistently return with greater content
Kick the rest
Eject mediocre rappers
Yeah, you want a round nigga?
Are you looking for a challenge?
Ayo, check
Pay attention
The mathematician let his rap expedition
Using mathematical precision, the rapper embarks on a lyrical journey
Mastered of the precision of the faster addition after you listen
Mastery of quick mental calculations after you comprehend the words
Smashin' a whip, I'm fast with the wisdom I give 'em
Delivering knowledge swiftly and powerfully
I'm fluently speaking, who would be teaching jewels like science is hitting
I speak eloquently, providing valuable knowledge like a scientific breakthrough
Look, I'm tired of kicking niggas head off, see now
I'm tired of defeating my competitors, you see?
I'm tryna avoid from poppin' the lead off
I aim to avoid engaging in violence
I saw you're top and then jet off
I noticed your status and quickly left to surpass it
It's time that I set off the heat like the trap is connected with the hook
Now I will ignite the energy like a trap song connected to a catchy chorus
Quicker than fiber optics, I'm deeper than Michael's pockets
I'm faster than high-speed internet connections, and my wealth surpasses that of Michael Jackson
I'm equally microscopic, germicidal like an Ebola
I am equally small but deadly, like the Ebola virus
If I ain't already told ya you could suck up on my ecola
If I haven't mentioned it before, you can admire my excellence
Please feel free to join us in a smoking section because we want all the smoke in here!
You are welcome to join our intense atmosphere and engage in heated exchanges!
Colder than older polar bear weather
I am colder than the freezing temperatures experienced by mature polar bears
Know I'm chosen to clear 'em whether or not they're ready I'm stoppin' shit every
I am destined to defeat my opponents, regardless of their preparedness
Time as I'm redefinin' and mastermindin' and redesignin' the master architect
I consistently redefine, strategize, and improve upon my skills as the master architect
Chemically combining genetically
Blending and enhancing my abilities as if manipulating genetic material
See-see-see, I'm readily sick to the pulp competitively
Understand that I am extremely skilled and hold a great competitive advantage
The DNA of my blood Incredible Hulk and then
The essence within me possesses the powerful and unstoppable nature of the Incredible Hulk
I shock with a volt into like El Camino supply you with supplements like aminos
I electrify and provide you with vital energy, similar to how an El Camino car supplies supplements like amino acids
You in trouble 'cause me and Premo finally got together
You should be worried since Premo and I have joined forces
Yes, you got a script for you to learn from
Indeed, I have a manuscript that you can gain knowledge from
Everybody get off when I shoot my sperm from
Everyone is amazed when I express my creativity
None of you niggas ready if you still guessin' at getting
None of you are prepared if you're still uncertain about achieving success
I make a movie out of 'em, Tyler Perry
I turn you into a spectacle, just like Tyler Perry does with his films
See how the style, I'm very wild, I'll bury you niggas
Witness my unique and untamed style, as I overpower and defeat my rivals
And I'm whippin' a Maserati and throwin' bread like confetti
I'm driving a Maserati and spending money extravagantly
You know that we got it plenty
You should be aware that we have an abundance
Watch the movie while you still drivin' a Suzuki
Observe my success while you lag behind in a modest Suzuki car
Chill and have manners when you be talkin' to me
Respectfully speak to me and maintain proper etiquette
'Cause shit get spooky when I smoke a Lucy and I style a Louie
Everything becomes intense when I smoke marijuana and wear luxury fashion brands
Then I leave niggas dead and stinking, worser than dookie
I defeat my competitors so severely that they are left lifeless and repulsive
Haha, hahaha
Expressing laughter
Hi, yeah we're here to start now
Greetings, we are ready to commence
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Barrett Strong, Christopher Martin, Norman J. Whitfield, Rodger Sr. Penzabene, Trevor Smith Jr
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@eternalyfeful
The only bad thing about this track is it's too short!
@willmcduffie8018
That's how you fuck wit ppl ear and make them want more i rap that's how i know
@eternalyfeful
@Will Mcduffie ...nah bruh, if we use your logic, all his songs should be that short....but they're not and I still want more!
@MrEric1545
Thought the same thing. But maybe it's so short because it's a teaser of more things to come from Busta and Premier. One can hope.
@devintucker5483
Right like wtf
@snakepliskin3010
Agreed
@tyiceking7998
You know you hard when you can sample yourself 💥💥fire
@collineveryone1853
Right!! First thing that came to my head. Ill ‼️
@andyc6542
To be fair, Premier often does this...
@Lukecage83
@Andy C OFTEN - but you gotta be hard to be able to rock a preem beat..so he's still not wrong lol