Entertainment

Where is Busta Rhymes in your Top 5?

In the early ’90s, hip hop music gave birth to classic hits and colorful fashion trends. Through a group called Leaders of the New School and A Tribe Called Quest, listeners would be introduced to the rambunctious character of Busta Rhymes — who would highlight some of these moments individually and 20 years later be named among hip-hops greatest MC’s.

Some may argue that Busta, whose given name is Trevor Smith Jr., is more of a party rapper whose musical hits stay on the dance floor but do not contend in a lyrical arena of top dogs. But the ever-shifting criteria of how we measure this comparison makes it difficult to conclude unanimously on this notion.

“It’s always just the fundamental ability to be a lyricist first and foremost. I think overall it’s really about how well rounded and packaged as an artist you know how to be,” says the Brooklyn bred MC. “Lyrics alone ain’t enough to make you a top five dude of all time. It encompasses a lot. How you influence things how you shift the climate in music, the way you define turning points by what you do those things are the things that are necessary to make top s best of all time, to me.”

And while some may even debate that, there is no doubt Busta is also largely recognized in the music genre for his explosive stage presence. The energy he exerts during live shows seem to transpire into his extensive body of work.

Over the past 20 years the 40-year-old artist has collaborated with icons like Stevie Wonder, Ozzie Osbourne, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Jay Z, Chris Brown, Sean Paul, Steven Tyler and good friend Q-Tip just to name a few; and he’s still making music. There are only a handful of rap artists that can claim projects recorded with the same array of musical styles, and still be on radar.

It’s rare to see Mr. Rhymes perform without a familiar face beside him. After sizzling “Look at me Now” track with Chris Brown and Lil Wayne, Busta dropped his 9th album, Year of the Dragon and a feature two new artists from his new music label The Conglomerate.

“I think that it’s important, especially when we are in the positions of power that we’re in, as vet-artist that we start introducing those that’s worthy of the introduction,” says Mr. Rhymes, taking pride in giving exposure to Reek Da Villian and J Doe on the album’s first single, “King Tut“. The new album, released exclusively by Google Play, also features Rick Ross, Trey Songs and Anthony Hamilton, among others.

There has been buzz around Busta’s Conglomerate teaming up with Young Money Cash Money Billionares on a unreleased project. What could make this interesting is that YMCMB music group, headed by Birdman and Lil Wayne, has already saturated the industry with new sensations like Drake, Nikki Minaj and, of course, Weezie.

In the 1990’s there seemed to be a clear difference between rap crews (like the Juice Crew: Biz Markie, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Polo) and rap groups (like Tribe Called Quest, NWA, Pete Rock & CL Smooth). Musical content from this era consisted of varying subject matter with substance. Today, rap groups are rare and we are more likely to hear cliché collaborations with flashy names. It’ll be interesting to hear what this collaboration has in store, when the time comes.

As usual, Busta keeps things interesting with Year of the Dragon, which went public on Aug. 21st. It provides to enough to keep listeners tuned in.