History of Busta Rhymes in Timeline
Trevor George Smith Jr., better known as Busta Rhymes, is a renowned American rapper and actor. His stage name was bestowed upon him by Chuck D of Public Enemy, inspired by NFL and CFL wide receiver George "Buster" Rhymes. Despite receiving an impressive 12 Grammy Award nominations throughout his career, Busta Rhymes remains one of the most-nominated artists yet to secure a win.
May 20, 1972: Birth of Trevor George Smith Jr.
On May 20, 1972, Trevor George Smith Jr., later known as Busta Rhymes, was born in Brooklyn, New York City. His parents were Jamaican immigrants.
1986: Formation of Leaders of the New School
Busta Rhymes, along with Charlie Brown, Cut Monitor Milo, and Dinco D, formed the hip-hop group Leaders of the New School in 1986.
1987: Start of Busta Rhymes' Career as Part of the 50 Greatest MCs
This date marks the beginning of the period (1987-2007) during which About.com recognized Busta Rhymes as one of the 50 Greatest MCs of Our Time.
June 1991: Release of Leaders of the New School's Debut Album
Leaders of the New School, Busta Rhyme's group, released their debut album, "A Future Without a Past...," in June 1991 under Elektra Records.
1991: Graduation from Uniondale High School
Busta Rhymes graduated from Uniondale High School in 1991.
1993: Birth of First Son
Busta Rhymes' first son was born in 1993.
1993: Release of "T.I.M.E. (The Inner Mind's Eye)" and Breakup of Leaders of the New School
Leaders of the New School released their second album, "T.I.M.E." in 1993. However, due to internal conflicts stemming from Busta Rhymes' rising popularity, the group disbanded on the set of Yo! MTV Raps shortly after.
1996: Release of Debut Solo Album "The Coming"
In 1996, Busta Rhymes released his debut solo album, "The Coming," which achieved gold status, propelled by the success of his single "Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check."
September 1997: Release of "When Disaster Strikes"
Busta Rhymes released his second solo album, "When Disaster Strikes," in September 1997.
December 1998: Arrest for Gun Possession
In December 1998, Busta Rhymes was arrested and charged with possessing an unregistered gun after a routine traffic stop in New York City.
1998: Recording of "Extinction Level Event: The Final World Front"
Busta Rhymes recorded his third studio album, "Extinction Level Event: The Final World Front," in 1998.
1998: Release of "Extinction Level Event (Final World Front)"
Busta Rhymes released his album "Extinction Level Event (Final World Front)" in 1998. This album would later inspire a sequel.
1998: Birth of First Daughter
Busta Rhymes' first daughter was born in 1998.
1999: Birth of Second and Third Children
Busta Rhymes' second son and first daughter were born in 1999.
October 6, 2000: Probation for Gun Possession
On October 6, 2000, Busta Rhymes was sentenced to five years of probation after pleading guilty to possessing an unregistered gun.
2000: Release of "Anarchy"
Busta Rhymes released his fourth studio album, "Anarchy," in 2000, marking his final album with Elektra Records.
2001: Release of "Genesis"
Busta Rhymes released his fifth studio album, "Genesis," in 2001. This album featured collaborations with artists such as Mary J. Blige, P. Diddy, and Kelis.
2001: Release of "Genesis"
Busta Rhymes released the song "Genesis" in 2001, which would later become the subject of a plagiarism lawsuit.
2001: Birth of Fourth Child
Busta Rhymes' third son was born in 2001.
2002: Release of "It Ain't Safe No More"
Busta Rhymes released his sixth studio album, "It Ain't Safe No More," in 2002.
August 20, 2006: Arrest for Assault
Busta Rhymes was arrested and charged with third-degree assault on August 20, 2006, for allegedly attacking a man who spat on his car in New York City.
October 24, 2006: Weapons Possession Charge Attempt
On October 24, 2006, during a court appearance in Manhattan, the district attorney's office tried to add weapons possession charges against Busta Rhymes for a machete found in his car, but the judge dismissed the request.
2006: Birth of Sixth Child
Busta Rhymes' third daughter was born in 2006.
February 20, 2007: Plea Deal Refusal and Counter Offer
Busta Rhymes rejected a plea deal on February 20, 2007, for assaulting his former driver. The judge then offered an alternative: plead guilty to third-degree assault, which would involve community service, youth lectures, anger management, and probation.
May 3, 2007: Arrest for Driving Offenses
Busta Rhymes was arrested on May 3, 2007, in Manhattan for driving without a license and while impaired.
2007: End of Busta Rhymes' Recognition as Part of the 50 Greatest MCs
This date marks the end of the period (1987-2007) during which About.com recognized Busta Rhymes as one of the 50 Greatest MCs of Our Time.
March 18, 2008: Sentencing for Driving Offenses
On March 18, 2008, a New York City judge sentenced Busta Rhymes to three years probation, community service, fines, and a drunk driving program for the driving offenses.
September 25, 2008: UK Entry Denial
On September 25, 2008, Busta Rhymes was denied entry to the UK because of prior convictions.
November 2008: Release of "Arab Money" and Response
Following the release of "Arab Money" as a single in November 2008, DJ Dany Neville and Iraqi rapper The Narcicyst recorded a response track. Busta Rhymes subsequently issued an apology for the song's content.
May 19, 2009: Release of "Back on My B.S." and Subsequent Ban in the UAE
Busta Rhymes released his eighth studio album, "Back on My B.S.," on May 19, 2009. The album faced a ban in the United Arab Emirates due to the controversial content found in the song "Arab Money." Despite international availability, the album's physical CD sales were prohibited in the UAE, though it remained accessible through platforms like iTunes.
September 2009: Announcement of Ninth Studio Album, "The Chemo"
Busta Rhymes announced in September 2009 that he was working on his ninth studio album, titled "The Chemo," with Canadian producer Boi-1da. At the time, the album was reported to be 80% complete.
May 2010: Title Change of Ninth Studio Album to "Extinction Level Event 2"
In May 2010, Busta Rhymes changed the title of his ninth studio album from "The Chemo" to "Extinction Level Event 2," intending it to be a sequel to his 1998 album "Extinction Level Event (Final World Front)."
2010: Ron Browz Defends "Arab Money"
In 2010, Ron Browz, the producer of "Arab Money," defended the track during an interview in Dubai with journalist Awad Mustafa. Browz argued that the song's intention was misconstrued and that the phrase "Arab money" was meant as a compliment, akin to saying "Oprah money" or "Tiger Woods money."
November 1, 2011: Drummer Boy Release
On November 1, 2011, Canadian artist Justin Bieber released "Drummer Boy," a song from his album "Under the Mistletoe," featuring Busta Rhymes.
November 11, 2011: You Ain't Gotta Wait Till I'm Gone Leak
On November 11, 2011, "You Ain't Gotta Wait Till I'm Gone," a tribute song to Heavy D by Busta Rhymes, was leaked.
November 16, 2011: Cash Money Records Signing
On November 16, 2011, Busta Rhymes signed with Cash Money Records.
2011: Universal Motown Closure
In 2011, Universal Motown was shut down, leading to Busta Rhymes and other artists moving to Universal Republic Records.
August 21, 2012: Year of the Dragon Release
On August 21, 2012, Busta Rhymes released his ninth studio album, "Year of the Dragon," for free on Google Play. The album included collaborations with artists like Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, and Trey Songz.
December 21, 2012: Catastrophic Release
On December 21, 2012, The Conglomerate Ent., consisting of Busta Rhymes, J. Doe, and Reek da Villan, dropped their debut mixtape, "Catastrophic."
2012: The Source Recognizes Busta Rhymes as a Top Lyricist
In 2012, The Source honored Busta Rhymes by including him in their list of the Top 50 Lyricists of All Time.
2012: Universal Republic Closure
In 2012, Universal Republic Records also closed, causing artists to transfer to the reinstated Republic Records.
June 3, 2013: Twerk It Video Shoot
The music video for "Twerk It" was filmed in Flatbush on June 3, 2013.
June 6, 2013: Twerk It Release
On June 6, 2013, Busta Rhymes released "Twerk It," the lead single from his Cash Money Records debut, produced by Pharrell Williams.
July 2014: Cash Money Records Departure (Confirmed)
In July 2014, it was officially confirmed that Busta Rhymes had left Cash Money Records due to creative differences.
July 23, 2014: Cash Money Records Departure
Busta Rhymes announced on July 23, 2014, that he was leaving Cash Money Records due to creative differences.
August 2015: Devil Release
In August 2015, Cash Cash released "Devil," a track featuring Neon Hitch, B.o.B, and Busta Rhymes.
2016: Busta Rhymes Island Proposal
In 2016, a viral campaign emerged advocating for a small, uninhabited island in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, to be named after Busta Rhymes. Although the name "Busta Rhymes Island" gained traction, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names rejected a formal proposal due to rules against naming places after living individuals.
February 2, 2018: Get It Release
On February 2, 2018, Busta Rhymes released "Get It," a new single featuring Missy Elliott and Kelly Rowland, under Epic Records.
2018: Plagiarism Accusation
Bernardo Lanzetti and his band, Acqua Fragile, accused Busta Rhymes of plagiarism in 2018, claiming that his 2001 song "Genesis" sampled their track "Cosmic Mind Affair" without credit. Negotiations failed, leading to a lawsuit.
February 2019: New Album Confirmation
Busta Rhymes confirmed in February 2019 that he was finalizing his new album with frequent collaborator Dr. Dre.
October 30, 2020: Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God Release
On October 30, 2020, Busta Rhymes released his album "Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God."
2020: The Masked Singer Appearance
Busta Rhymes participated as "Dragon" in season 4 of "The Masked Singer" in 2020, but was eliminated in the first episode.
2020: Busta Rhymes' GQ Interview
In a 2020 interview with GQ, Busta Rhymes discussed his experiences living in the United Kingdom during his childhood and early teenage years.
2021: The Coming 25th Anniversary Edition Release
In 2021, Busta Rhymes released the 25th Anniversary Edition of his debut studio album, "The Coming."
2023: Release of "Blockbusta"
Busta Rhymes released his eleventh solo album, "Blockbusta," in 2023.
2023: Blockbusta Release
In late 2023, Busta Rhymes released his eleventh studio album, "Blockbusta," featuring numerous collaborations.