Major Controversies Surrounding Busta Rhymes: A Detailed Timeline

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Busta Rhymes.

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

December 1998: Arrest for possession of an unregistered gun

In December 1998, Busta Rhymes was arrested and charged with possession of an unregistered gun following a traffic stop in New York City.

October 6, 2000: Sentenced to probation

On October 6, 2000, Busta Rhymes received five years' probation after pleading guilty to possession of an unregistered gun earlier in the year.

August 20, 2006: Arrest for assault

On August 20, 2006, Busta Rhymes was arrested and arraigned on charges of third-degree assault after allegedly attacking a man who spat on his car following the AmsterJam Music Festival on Randall's Island on August 12.

October 24, 2006: Court appearance regarding weapons possession charge

On October 24, 2006, Busta Rhymes appeared at Manhattan Criminal Court where the district attorney's office attempted to add a weapons possession charge for a machete found in his car, but the judge refused, and the case was adjourned.

February 20, 2007: Rejection of plea deal for assault charges

On February 20, 2007, Busta Rhymes rejected a plea deal from the prosecutor's office for assaulting his former driver, Edward Hatchett, which would have included jail time and pleading guilty to two assaults. He was later offered an alternative sentence of community service, youth lectures, anger management, and probation.

May 3, 2007: Arrest for driving without a license and driving while impaired

On May 3, 2007, Busta Rhymes was arrested in Manhattan for driving without a license and driving while impaired.

2007: Walk-out during interview about homophobia

In 2007, during an interview for Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes, Busta Rhymes walked out when questioned about homophobia in the rap community, stating his cultural representation does not condone homosexuality.

March 18, 2008: Sentencing for driving offenses

On March 18, 2008, a judge in New York City sentenced Busta Rhymes to three years of probation, 10 days of community service, $1250 in fines, and enrollment in a drunken driving program for driving offenses.

September 25, 2008: Temporary refusal of entry to the UK

On September 25, 2008, Busta Rhymes was temporarily refused entry to the UK due to "unresolved convictions".

November 2008: Release of 'Arab Money' and Initial Responses

In November 2008, when Busta Rhymes released "Arab Money" as a single, it sparked controversy. DJ Dany Neville and The Narcicyst responded with a reply track, and opinions within the DJ community in Dubai were mixed regarding the song's offensiveness.

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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.

2010: Defense of 'Arab Money' by Producer Ron Browz

In 2010, Ron Browz, the producer of Busta Rhymes' track "Arab Money", defended the song in an interview in Dubai, stating it was meant as a compliment and that the lyrics were misunderstood as street slang.

2018: Plagiarism Accusations

In 2018, Busta Rhymes was accused of plagiarism by Bernardo Lanzetti and his group Acqua Fragile, who claimed that Rhymes's 2001 song "Genesis" sampled their song "Cosmic Mind Affair" without credit, leading to a lawsuit.

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January 10, 2025: Arrest for assault of assistant

On January 10, 2025, Busta Rhymes was arrested and charged with third-degree assault after allegedly assaulting his assistant, Dashiel Gables, following an argument in Brooklyn. Gables sustained facial injuries.