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 a highly acclaimed American rapper, record producer, and actor. He is notable for receiving 12 Grammy Award nominations despite not winning. Recognized as one of the greatest rappers of all time by Billboard, Vibe, and Forbes, Busta Rhymes received his moniker from Chuck D, inspired by football player George "Buster" Rhymes. He remains a significant figure in hip-hop and entertainment.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1986: Formation of Leaders of the New School

In 1986, Trevor Smith Jr. (Busta Rhymes), alongside Charlie Brown, Cut Monitor Milo, and Dinco D, formed the East Coast hip hop group Leaders of the New School.

June 1991: Release of "A Future Without a Past..." by Leaders of the New School

In June 1991, Leaders of the New School, which included Busta Rhymes, 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 the album T.I.M.E. (The Inner Mind's Eye). Shortly after, the group broke up due to internal issues arising from Busta Rhymes' increasing popularity.

1996: Release of Debut Solo Album: The Coming

In 1996, Busta Rhymes released his debut solo album, The Coming. The album was critically acclaimed, debuted within the top ten of the Billboard 200, received platinum certification by the RIAA, and was nominated for a Grammy Award.

1996: Release of "The Coming" Album and Success of "Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check"

In 1996, Busta Rhymes released his debut solo album, The Coming. The single "Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check" was a success, pushing the album into gold record status.

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September 1997: Release of 'When Disaster Strikes' Album

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

1997: Collaboration with LL Cool J on 'Starsky and Hutch'

In 1997, Busta Rhymes and LL Cool J collaborated on 'Starsky and Hutch'.

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

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

1998: Release of Extinction Level Event

In 1998, Busta Rhymes released the album Extinction Level Event.

2000: Release of Anarchy Album

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

2001: Release of Genesis Album and Platinum Certification

In 2001, Busta Rhymes released the album Genesis, which later sold one million domestic copies and was certified Platinum by the RIAA. It featured collaborations with various artists.

2001: Release of "Genesis"

In 2001, Busta Rhymes released the song "Genesis", which later became the subject of a plagiarism claim in 2018.

2002: Release of 'It Ain't Safe No More' Album

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.' Album and Controversy

On May 19, 2009, Busta Rhymes released his eighth studio album, Back on My B.S., through Universal Motown. The album was 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, The Chemo, with producer Boi-1da, stating the project was 80% finished.

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, making it a sequel to his 1998 album.

November 16, 2011: Signing with Cash Money Records

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

2011: Universal Motown Became Defunct

In 2011, Universal Motown Records went defunct, which resulted in Busta Rhymes and other artists moving to Universal Republic Records.

August 21, 2012: Release of 'Year of the Dragon' Album on Google Play

On August 21, 2012, Busta Rhymes released his ninth studio album, Year of the Dragon, for free on Google Play, featuring guest appearances from various artists. He also released a music video for "Doin' It Again" as a tribute to his manager Chris Lighty.

December 21, 2012: Release of 'Catastrophic' Mixtape

On December 21, 2012, Busta Rhymes, along with J. Doe and Reek da Villan of The Conglomerate Ent., released a mixtape titled Catastrophic, their first collective effort.

2012: Universal Republic Records Became Defunct

In mid-2012, Universal Republic Records also went defunct, leading to artists on the roster, including Busta Rhymes, moving to Republic Records, which was revived.

June 3, 2013: Shooting of "Twerk It" Music Video

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

June 6, 2013: Release of "Twerk It" Single

On June 6, 2013, Busta Rhymes released "Twerk It", the first single off his Cash Money Records debut, produced by Pharrell Williams.

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July 2014: Departure from Cash Money Records

In July 2014, it was announced that Busta Rhymes had amicably departed Cash Money Records due to creative differences.

July 23, 2014: Departure from Cash Money Records and Republic Records

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

February 2, 2018: Release of 'Get It' Single

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

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February 2019: Confirmation of New Album with Dr. Dre

In February 2019, Busta Rhymes confirmed that he was in the "finishing touches" of his new album with longtime collaborator, 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 25th Anniversary Edition of The Coming

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

2022: Release of The Bad Guys film

In 2022, the film "The Bad Guys" was released, serving as the basis for the sequel where Busta Rhymes contributed to the soundtrack.

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2023: Release of Blockbusta Album

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

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

On January 17, 2025, Busta Rhymes released his EP, Dragon Season... The Awakening, as a precursor to his upcoming studio album, Dragon Season.

July 25, 2025: Release of "Taking Everything" as a promotional single

On July 25, 2025, Busta Rhymes' song "Taking Everything," which he co-wrote with Daniel Pemberton for the soundtrack of the animated film "The Bad Guys 2," was released as a promotional single.

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2025: Performance at the MTV Video Music Awards

In 2025, Busta Rhymes performed a medley set with Spliff Star, Joyner Lucas, Papoose, and GloRilla at the MTV Video Music Awards, hosted by LL Cool J.