Trevor George Smith Jr., professionally known as Busta Rhymes, is a celebrated American rapper, singer, and actor whose explosive energy and intricate lyrical flow have made him a standout figure in hip-hop. Born on May 20, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York, he earned his stage name from Chuck D of Public Enemy, who dubbed him after football player George “Buster” Rhymes. Busta Rhymes is known not only for his dynamic style and rapid-fire delivery but also for being one of the most Grammy-nominated rappers without a win, amassing 12 nominations. His influence in the genre is widely recognized, with both Billboard and Vibe including him in their list of the 50 Greatest Rappers of All Time, and Forbes also honoring him on their “50 Top Rappers of All Time” list.

Rhymes began his career as a member of the hip-hop group Leaders of the New School, who rose to prominence while touring with Public Enemy. The group became especially notable for their collaboration with A Tribe Called Quest on the track “Scenario,” which became a defining moment in early ’90s hip-hop and introduced Busta’s eccentric charisma to a wider audience. Following the group’s breakup, Busta Rhymes pursued a solo career, quickly becoming a staple guest artist known for stealing the spotlight with his animated and aggressive delivery.

His debut solo album, The Coming (1996), was both a critical and commercial success. It entered the Billboard 200 in the top ten and was later certified platinum by the RIAA. The album included the hit single “Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check,” which further solidified Busta Rhymes as a force in hip-hop and earned him his first Grammy nomination. His career has spanned decades, filled with iconic music videos, collaborations, and a reputation for pushing the boundaries of hip-hop performance and style.