Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Busta Rhymes

Discover the career path of Busta Rhymes, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Busta Rhymes, born Trevor George Smith Jr., is an American rapper and actor known for his unique and energetic delivery. The name Busta Rhymes was given to him by Chuck D of Public Enemy. A highly respected figure in hip-hop, he has garnered significant critical acclaim throughout his career. Notably, he has received 12 Grammy Award nominations, highlighting his impact and artistry in the music industry, despite not winning any.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1986: Formation of Leaders of the New School

In 1986, Busta Rhymes formed the East Coast hip hop group Leaders of the New School.

June 1991: Release of Debut Album by Leaders of the New School

In June 1991, Leaders of the New School released their debut album, "A Future Without a Past...", on Elektra Records.

1993: Release of T.I.M.E. and Breakup of Leaders of the New School

In 1993, Leaders of the New School released their album T.I.M.E. (The Inner Mind's Eye). The group subsequently broke up due to internal problems.

1996: Release of "The Coming"

In 1996, Busta Rhymes released his debut solo album, "The Coming".

1996: Debut Solo Album "The Coming"

In 1996, Busta Rhymes released his debut solo album, "The Coming," which reached the top ten on the Billboard 200 chart, was certified platinum by the RIAA, and earned him a Grammy nomination.

September 1997: Release of "When Disaster Strikes"

In September 1997, Busta Rhymes released his second album, "When Disaster Strikes".

1997: Collaboration on "Starsky and Hutch"

In 1997, Busta Rhymes had the pair's first collaboration in nearly 27 years since 1997's "Starsky and Hutch".

1998: Album Extinction Level Event (Final World Front)

In 1998, Busta Rhymes recorded the album Extinction Level Event: The Final World Front.

1998: Recording of Extinction Level Event: The Final World Front

In 1998, Busta Rhymes recorded the album Extinction Level Event: The Final World Front.

2000: Release of Anarchy

In 2000, Busta Rhymes released his final album for Elektra, titled "Anarchy".

2001: Release of 'Genesis'

In 2001 Busta Rhymes released the song "Genesis". In 2018, he was accused of plagiarism by Bernardo Lanzetti and his group Acqua Fragile, who alleged that Rhymes' 2001 song "Genesis" used an uncredited sample of the group's "Cosmic Mind Affair".

2002: Release of It Ain't Safe No More

In 2002, Busta Rhymes released his sixth studio album, "It Ain't Safe No More".

May 19, 2009: Release of Back on My B.S.

On May 19, 2009, Busta Rhymes released his eighth studio album, "Back on My B.S.", through Universal Motown, which was later banned in the United Arab Emirates due to controversial content.

September 2009: Announcement of The Chemo Album

In September 2009, Busta Rhymes announced he was working on his ninth studio album, titled The Chemo.

May 2010: Change of Album Title to Extinction Level Event 2

In May 2010, Busta Rhymes reportedly changed the title of his ninth album from "The Chemo" to "Extinction Level Event 2".

November 1, 2011: Feature on Justin Bieber's "Drummer Boy"

On November 1, 2011, Justin Bieber featured Busta Rhymes on a song called "Drummer Boy" off Bieber's second studio album, Under the Mistletoe.

November 11, 2011: Release of Heavy D Tribute Song

On November 11, 2011, a Heavy D tribute song titled "You Ain't Gotta Wait Till I'm Gone" was leaked.

November 16, 2011: Signing with Cash Money Records

On November 16, 2011, Busta Rhymes signed to Cash Money Records.

2011: Move to Universal Republic Records

In 2011, Universal Motown went defunct, forcing Busta Rhymes and other artists to move to Universal Republic Records.

August 21, 2012: Release of Year of the Dragon

On August 21, 2012, Busta Rhymes released his ninth studio album, "Year of the Dragon", for free on Google Play.

December 21, 2012: Release of Catastrophic Mixtape

On December 21, 2012, Busta Rhymes and members of The Conglomerate Ent. released a mixtape titled Catastrophic.

2012: Move to Republic Records

In mid-2012, Universal Republic Records went defunct, forcing Busta Rhymes and other artists to move to Republic Records, reviving the label.

June 3, 2013: Filming of "Twerk It" Video

On June 3, 2013, Busta Rhymes shot the music video for "Twerk It" in Flatbush.

June 6, 2013: Release of "Twerk It"

On June 6, 2013, Busta Rhymes collaborated with Pharrell Williams and released "Twerk It".

July 2014: Departure from Cash Money Records

In July 2014, Busta Rhymes departed Cash Money Records due to creative differences.

July 23, 2014: Departure from Cash Money Records

On July 23, 2014, Busta Rhymes announced his departure from Cash Money Records due to creative differences.

August 2015: Featured on Cash Cash's "Devil"

In August 2015, Busta Rhymes was featured on Cash Cash's song "Devil", with Neon Hitch and B.o.B.

February 2, 2018: Release of "Get It"

On February 2, 2018, Busta Rhymes released a new single "Get It", featuring Missy Elliott and Kelly Rowland, through Epic Records.

February 2019: Confirmation of New Album with Dr. Dre

In February 2019, Busta Rhymes confirmed he was finishing his new album with Dr. Dre.

October 30, 2020: Release of Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God

On October 30, 2020, Busta Rhymes released his album "Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God".

2021: Release of The Coming 25th Anniversary Edition

In 2021, Busta Rhymes released the 25th Anniversary Edition of his debut studio album, "The Coming".

2023: Release of Blockbusta

In 2023, Busta Rhymes released his eleventh solo album, "Blockbusta".

2024: Guest Appearances on LL Cool J and Ciara's tracks

Throughout late 2024, Busta Rhymes made two major guest appearances on LL Cool J's "Huey in the Chair" and Ciara's single, "Wassup".

January 17, 2025: Release of Dragon Season... The Awakening

On January 17, 2025, Busta Rhymes released his EP, Dragon Season... The Awakening.

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