Busta Rhymes

Busta Rhymes' 1996 debut single, "Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check," helped turn the New York City native into one of hip-hop's most beloved MCs. Born Trevor Smith, Jr. to Jamaican parents on May 20, 1972, he created a unique sound that blended dancehall, ragga rhythms, and a love of early hip-hop into a refreshing antidote to the warring gangsta rap stars of the day. Originally a member of the Leaders of the New School crew, Busta Rhymes released his platinum-selling solo debut, The Coming, in 1996. His next four albums — When Disaster Strikes (1997), E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event): The Final World Front (1998), Anarchy (2000), and Genesis (2001) — all achieved platinum status as well. Meanwhile, Busta Rhymes showcased his range by collaborating with diverse artists like P. Diddy, Kanye West, Mariah Carey, and nu-metal act Linkin Park, and scored the biggest hit of his career with his Janet Jackson collab, “What's It Gonna Be?”, in 1999. Still a highly popular star during the 21st century, he scored a pair of Top 40 rap singles with his 2006 album, The Big Bang, and returned to the Top 10 with 2008's "Arab Money." In 2020, he released a companion album to 1998's E.L.E. with Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God, featuring cameos by Mary J. Blige, Anderson Paak, and more than a dozen additional guests. Three years later, Busta Rhymes returned with the tracks “Beach Ball” (featuring Bia), “Luxury Life” (featuring Coi Leray), and “OK” featuring Young Thung, all which were earmarked to be included on his 11th album, Blockbusta. Following in 2025, the extensive 18-tracks Dragon Season includes contributions from Conway the Machine, Benny the Butcher, Killer Mike, Trillian, Coast Contra, YG Marley, and Barrington Levy among others.