Local Notes: Busta Rhymes appears March 13, Toad’s Place, 140 Virginia St. $25 – $30. On March 24, “Back on My B.S.”drops, Busta’s ninth studio release, and his first with Universal/Motown.
Before Busta: He was born Trevor Smith, Jr. on May 17, 1973 in Jamaica. After seeing Trevor perform, Public Enemy’s Chuck D nicknamed him Busta Rhymes after NFL wide receiver George “Buster” Rhymes.
Early Leader: Busta Rhymes was a member of Leaders of the New School. In videos with the group, his charisma and talent are obvious, and even early on, his solo success seemed assured.
Solo Breakout: After releasing two albums with the group, Busta released solo album “The Coming” in 1996, which featured the hit single, “Woo Hah! Got You All in Check.” It pushed his first record to platinum.
Bustin’ Rhymes: On “Iz They Wildin Wit Us & Gettin’ Rowdy Wit Us?” from 1998 studio release “Extinction Level Event (Final World Front),” Busta raps faster than he’d ever done.
Trouble: In 1999, Busta received five years of probation for an unregistered gun in his car. Not happy with his behavior, his record company began to give him less studio time and reduced promotion for album “Anarchy.” Busta had to finish his contract with them, but later signed with J Records.
Cut for Change: Throughout his rise to fame, Busta was recognized for long and thick dreadlocks. In late 2005, with new music and another record deal, he felt it was time for a transformation. In a publicity event, he had them cut off in a New York City barbershop featured on MTV.
The Big Bang: His seventh studio recording lived up to its name, selling over 209,000 copies in its first week and became the first number one album of his career.
Star Partners: Busta has collaborated with Rah Digga, Baby Sham, Rampage, Lord Have Mercy, Mary J. Blige, P. Diddy, Janet Jackson, the Flipmode Squad, Kelis, Spliff Star, Sean Paul, Mystikal, Pharrell, De. Dre, Will.I.Am, Raekwon, Nas, Mariah Carey, Eminem, Jae Millz and Ne-Yo
