Busta Rhymes age, bio, weight, career, wife, kids, net worth, color • biography

Early Life and Education

Busta Rhymes, born Trevor George Smith Jr. on May 20, 1972, in the East Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. He is the son of Jamaican immigrants Geraldine Green and Trevor Smith Sr. At age 12, his family relocated to Uniondale, Long Island. He later spent time in Liverpool and Morecambe, England before returning to the United States to continue his education.

During his high school years, Rhymes first attended George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School in Brooklyn, where he was classmates with future hip-hop legends such as The Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z. He later attended Samuel J. Tilden High School, sharing halls with artists like Special Ed and Chip Fu of Fu-Schnickens. Ultimately, he graduated from Uniondale High School in Long Island in 1990. By then, his music career had already begun to gain traction.

Breakthrough with Leaders of the New School

Busta Rhymes launched his musical career as a member of the East Coast hip-hop group Leaders of the New School. The group began recording in late 1989 and released their debut album, A Future Without a Past, in 1991 under Elektra Records. The album received critical acclaim and helped establish Rhymes as a rising star in the hip-hop scene.

Solo Career and Record Deals

Following the group's eventual breakup, Busta Rhymes embarked on a successful solo career highlighted by his dynamic lyrical style and energetic performances. Over the years, he collaborated with many major artists and released several chart-topping albums. In November 2011, he signed with Cash Money Records. However, he parted ways with the label in 2014, citing creative differences as the reason for his departure.

Legacy and Recognition as a Top MC

Throughout his career, Busta Rhymes has earned recognition as one of hip-hop's most influential figures. Known for his intricate rhymes and rapid-fire delivery, he has been named one of the top "50 Greatest MCs of Our Time." Music critic Steve Huey of AllMusic described him as one of the most prolific rappers of the 1990s, acknowledging his lasting impact on the genre.