Busta Rhymes Net Worth 2024 and Bio in a Nutshell
- Net Worth: $20 Million
- Birth Name: Trevor George Smith Jr.
- Other names: Trevor Taheim Smith
- Birthdate: May 20, 1972
- Age: 52 years old
- Birthplace: Red Hook, Brooklyn, New York
- Gender: Male
- Height: 6 ft (1.854 m)
- Profession: Actor, Rapper, Record Producer, Voice Actor, Composer
- Nationality: United States of America.
- Children: 6
What is Busta Rhymes’ Net Worth in 2024?
Busta Rhymes is a famous American rapper known for his fast rapping style and powerful lyrics. With a net worth of $20 million, Busta Rhymes has become one of the most celebrated figures in the hip-hop world. Over the years, he has been nominated for 11 Grammy Awards and has also made a name for himself as an actor.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Busta Rhymes began his career in the late 1980s as part of the East Coast hip-hop group Leaders of the New School. However, it was his solo music that brought him global recognition.
His first solo album, “The Coming”, was released in 1996 and included the hit single “Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check.” This song helped introduce his fast rapping style to a wider audience. Busta’s unique flow and high-energy music videos became a key part of his identity.
Hit Albums and Iconic Tracks
Busta Rhymes continued to rise in popularity with his follow-up albums, “When Disaster Strikes…” (1997) and “E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event): The Final World Front” (1998).
These albums featured famous tracks like “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See” and “What’s It Gonna Be?!” featuring Janet Jackson, which became fan favorites. His ability to combine catchy beats with fast-paced rapping made him a top name in hip-hop.
Success in the 2000s and Beyond
In the 2000s, Busta Rhymes continued to release successful albums like “Genesis” (2001) and “The Big Bang” (2006). His album “The Big Bang” debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, showing his ongoing success in the hip-hop industry. After a long break, Busta returned in 2020 with his tenth studio album, “Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God”, which was praised by critics and fans alike.
With his unique style, chart-topping hits, and influence in both music and film, Busta Rhymes remains one of the most prominent figures in the world of rap and hip-hop.
Financial Issues
In May 2014, it was reported that Busta Rhymes owed a total of $789,577 in back taxes. The IRS stated that the rapper had failed to pay $611,000 in taxes for the year 2008 and $178,000 for 2012.
At the time, Busta Rhymes did not provide any public comments regarding whether this was a minor misunderstanding or a sign of a more significant financial issue.
Real Name and Early Life
Busta Rhymes, whose real name is Trevor George Smith Jr., was born on May 20, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York City to parents who were originally from Jamaica. During his childhood, Trevor’s family moved frequently. When he was 12 years old, they relocated to Long Island. The family then moved to the United Kingdom, where Trevor spent some time living in Liverpool.
After his time in the UK, Trevor Smith Jr. returned to the United States and enrolled at George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School. It was here that he met two future rap legends, The Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z, who were also classmates. In the end, Trevor and his family settled back in Long Island, where he graduated from high school in 1991.
Early Career and the Birth of His Name
Before Busta Rhymes graduated from high school, he joined the hip-hop group Leaders of the New School in 1990. The group, based in Long Island, quickly gained attention and became the opening act for the famous hip-hop group Public Enemy. During one of their collaborations, Chuck D of Public Enemy gave Trevor the nickname “Busta Rhymes,” inspired by the NFL player George “Busta” Rhymes.
As time went on, Busta Rhymes became the most popular member of Leaders of the New School. His unique rapping style, influenced by his Jamaican roots, and his public image played a big role in his rise to fame. His fast and energetic rap flow made him stand out in the hip-hop world, and he soon became a legendary figure in the industry.
Solo Career and Rise to Fame
By 1992, the hip-hop group Leaders of the New School had split, and Busta Rhymes launched his solo career. He began by collaborating with big names like Notorious B.I.G., KRS-One, and A Tribe Called Quest. These collaborations helped him build material for his debut album. After the release of the hit single “Woo Hah!! Got You All In Check,” Busta Rhymes dropped his first studio album, “The Coming”, which marked his breakthrough as a solo artist.
Major Success with Follow-Up Albums
In 1997, Busta Rhymes released his second album, “When Disaster Strikes”, which included the hit “Fire It Up.” By this time, Busta had become one of the most successful rappers in the world. He continued to rise in fame with his 1998 album “Extinction Level Event”, which further solidified his position in the hip-hop scene.
New Record Deals and Albums
Busta Rhymes initially signed with Elektra Records, but after releasing the album “Anarchy” in 2000, he switched to J Records. He released a greatest hits album with J Records before moving on to his 2001 album “Genesis”, featuring stars like Pharrell and P. Diddy. Although the album had big names, it didn’t perform as well as his earlier works.
In 2002, Busta Rhymes released “It Ain’t Safe No More”, which was a moderate success. However, he made a strong comeback in 2007 with his album “The Big Bang,” which reached number one on the charts – marking a career milestone for Busta.
Controversies and New Deals
In 2009, Busta Rhymes signed a record deal with Universal Motown and released his eighth album, “Back on My B.S.”. However, the album faced controversy, especially the single “Arab Money,” which was banned in several Arab countries due to its controversial lyrics referencing the Shahada.
In 2011, Busta Rhymes collaborated with Lil Wayne and Chris Brown on the hit single “Look at Me Now,” which reached number six on the charts. He later signed with Cash Money Records and released his ninth album, “Year of the Dragon”, in 2012 for free on Google Play. The album featured collaborations with stars like Gucci Mane, Rick Ross, and Lil Wayne.
Shifts in Record Labels and Future Plans
When Universal Motown and Universal Republic went defunct, Busta Rhymes moved to Republic Records. In 2014, he also left Cash Money Records. By 2019, Busta Rhymes announced that he was working on a new album with the legendary producer Dr. Dre.
Acting Career
In addition to his successful music career, Busta Rhymes also ventured into acting. He began his acting journey with the film “Strapped” in 1993. His acting career continued to grow with a role in the 1995 movie “Higher Learning.”
Busta Rhymes further expanded his acting portfolio by starring in notable films such as “Finding Forrester”, “Halloween: Resurrection”, and “Breaking Point.” His versatile talent in both music and acting helped him become a prominent figure in entertainment.
Family and Beliefs
Busta Rhymes has six children, whom he fathered between 1993 and 2006. Apart from his career, Busta is also known for his involvement with The Five-Percent Nation, a religious and cultural group.
The group holds some controversial beliefs, one of which is that white people are “devils” created 6,000 years ago by a rogue black scientist named Yakub. While Busta Rhymes has not been publicly outspoken about all the group’s beliefs, his association with it is part of his personal background.
Legal Troubles
Throughout his career, Busta Rhymes has faced a number of legal issues. In 2006, he was arrested and charged with third-degree assault after an altercation with a man in New York City. The following year, in 2007, he was again charged with assault, this time involving a dispute with his former driver over unpaid wages.
That same year, Busta Rhymes was arrested for driving while impaired and was caught without his driver’s license. As a result, he was sentenced to three years of probation, community service, fines, and mandatory participation in a drunk driving program.
Busta Rhymes’ Legacy and Influence
Busta Rhymes has left an indelible mark on the hip-hop world, influencing a wide range of artists across various genres. His innovative flow and unique style have inspired major hip-hop figures such as Eminem, Talib Kweli, Kendrick Lamar, Tyler, the Creator, Ski Mask the Slump God, Doja Cat, and Ciara.
In addition to these modern artists, Big Daddy Kane, another legendary rapper, has praised Busta Rhymes for having the best flow in hip-hop, particularly highlighting his early track “Turn It Up”. Busta’s influence continues to shape the evolution of hip-hop music and inspire new generations of artists.
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