Busta Rhymes is a multi-Grammy nominee famous for his heavy use of fast rap and internal and half rhyme. Since his debut in 1995, the rapper has dominated the hip-hop scene. Although his success is undeniable, you’re likely wondering — what is Busta Rhymes net worth today? Does he still make music?
As of 2023, Busta Rhymes holds a hefty net worth of $20 million, with him releasing his latest album in 2020.
This post showcases how Busta Rhymes reached such success and wealth.
An Overview
Born on May 20, 1972, Busta Rhymes has dominated the hip-hop scene since the 90s. He debuted with a hip-hop group named “The Leaders of the New School” in 1991. But due to unknown reasons, the group disbanded a year later. And from there, Busta went on to work on his solo career.
After three years, Busta Rhymes debuted with his studio album “The Coming.” And thanks to his track “Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check,” Busta had the chance to experience mainstream success early. This success increased his collaboration opportunities, working with several artists like Chris Brown and Lil Wayne.
You can find Busta Rhymes on TV or the big screen when he’s not in the studio. He has appeared in several films and shows throughout his career, such as “Halloween: Resurrection.”
Despite his many run-ins with the law and financial issues made aware by the IRS, Busta Rhymes managed and kept his net worth at an all-time high today.
Early Life
Busta Rhymes, legally known as Trevor George Smith Jr., was born in NYC on the 20th of May 1972.
He initially attended George Westinghouse High School with Jay-Z and other rappers. But he shortly transferred to Samuel J. Tilden High School. And his time there didn’t last long, and he eventually went to Uniondale High School, where he graduated in 1991.
After graduating high school, Smith joined the hip-hop group “The Leaders of the New School.” Despite their success, the group didn’t last long, disbanding a year later. But this didn’t stop Smith as he continued on solo.
Career
Busta Rhymes launched his music and rap career in the 1990s.
Before going into his solo career, Busta Rhymes was with his hip-hop group for a while. And he experienced great success with fellow rappers Dinco D, Charlie Brown, and more. They were so successful that they had the chance to be the opening act for another hip-hop group.
In 1991, Busta Rhymes’s group released their debut album, “A Future Without a Past,” peaking at no. 128 in the Billboard 200 chart. And during his time with the group, Busta was already growing his fandom thanks to his distinct style. His advanced themes and unique rapping were uncommon for rappers at the time.
Despite his group’s success, they didn’t last long, breaking up in 1992. Then Busta Rhymes decided to go solo, debuting three years later. During this time, Busta collaborated with many artists, including Notorious B.I.G. and K.R.S. One. And this helped him score many contract offers.
For over three decades, Busta Rhymes launched nine studio albums and many singles. He has headlined many solo tours and music festivals, sharing the stage with some of the most prominent hip-hop artists. Busta Rhymes’s latest album release was in 2020.
Personal Life
Busta Rhymes has six kids, which he fathered between 1993 and 2006. And as of now, Busta has no partner.
Run-Ins with the Law
Busta Rhymes has faced several legal problems throughout his career. Most notably, the rapper got arrested and charged with 3rd-degree assault in 2006. The cops took Busta in after he attacked a man in NYC. A year later, Busta Rhymes got charged with assault again. But this time, there was an accident with his previous driver.
Allegedly the issues between Busta Rhymes and this driver were due to back pay owed by the rapper. And in the same year, Busta Rhymes got thrown behind bars due to impaired driving. Also, Busta didn’t have his driver’s license at that time.
The first time he committed a crime, Busta Rhymes didn’t get locked up for long. But for the second, Busta received three years of probation alongside fines.
Financial Problems
Busta Rhymes always had issues with money as the rapper liked living lavishly. But in 2014, reports say Busta owed the IRS over $700k in back taxes. And the IRS claims that the rapper failed to pay over $600k for 2008 and over $170k for 2012. During these accusations, Busta never addressed these.
What is Busta Rhymes Net Worth in 2023?
As of 2023, Busta Rhymes hold a $20 million net worth.
Busta Rhymes has been booming since his debut, thanks to his unique and fast style. And, of course, through his collaborations with several artists. Aside from his impeccable rapping and lyricism, Busta is also a special character. His personality appealed to the public, solidifying his title as a “rap legend.”
Aside from his music, Busta Rhymes also earn money through producing. He sometimes makes tracks for other artists, adding more to Busta’s bank account. And you can see the rapper on TV or the big screen when he’s not working on music.
Adding all these up bring Busta Rhyme’s career earnings to a whopping $45 million. And since the rapper lives and works in NYC, Busta has a 41% tax rate. So, after taxes, Busta Rhyme has a hefty net worth of approximately $35 million.
How Does Busta Rhymes Make Money?
Music
Busta Rhymes earns most of his income through music, starting his career from an early age. He began his journey as an artist with a hip-hop group named “Leaders of the New School.” But as soon as his group launched their debut studio album in 1991, Busta Rhymes decided to go solo.
He wanted to showcase his unique style of rapping, delivering lyrics fast. And in 1995, Busta Rhymes released his debut solo album, “The Coming.” But it wasn’t until a year later that Busta Rhymes caught his most significant breakthrough “Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check.” This single put Busta Rhymes on the map, selling over 9 million copies today.
Since then, Busta Rhymes released eight more albums, with the most recently released in 2020.
When not working on his music, you’ll find Busta Rhymes producing tracks for other artists. Aside from that, he also collaborated with several artists. Busta Rhymes worked with Chris Brown and Lil Wayne in 2011 for “Look at Me Now.” The track quickly became one of Busta Rhymes’s biggest hits, leaving a mark in the rap industry.
Then, Busta Rhymes solidified his title as a “rap legend.”
Acting
Although Busta Rhymes earns most of his wealth through music, he has also done some acting. And these roles, whether minor or significant, likely earned him over $1 million. In the movie industry, Busta Rhymes made his debut in 1993, appearing on the classic cult “Who’s the Man?”
Since then, Busta Rhymes has appeared in Halloween, Shaft, Finding Forrester, and Breaking Point.
When not on the big screen, you can find Busta Rhymes as a guest or cast in TV shows.
Other Ventures
At the peak of his career, Busta Rhymes launched a clothing line named “Bushi Clothing.” The apparel brand was a hit across the hip-hop community. But it didn’t last long, as Busta decided to halt production entirely in the early 2000s. And generously, the rapper donated the remaining inventory to charity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Busta Rhymes net worth today?
A: As of 2023, Busta Rhymes boasts a $20 million net worth. And he mainly earns his wealth through music and acting.
Q: What’s the reason behind Busta Rhymes leaving Cash Money?
A: During his visit to Sirius XM’s “Sway in the Morning,” Busta Rhymes said he left due to “creative” differences. And the rapper continually emphasized that there was no “bad blood” between them. He further stated that he and Birdman peacefully discussed things, deciding it was best for Busta Rhymes to leave.
Q: Is Dr. Dre Busta Rhymes’s producer?
A: At one point, Dr. Dre was Busta Rhymes’s producer, but it didn’t last long. Either way, Busta Rhymes released one album under Dr. Dre’s label, “After Entertainment.” It was when Busta Rhymes didn’t have his iconic dreadlocks, which were present for most of his career.
Q: Was Busta Rhymes in a Michael Myers movie?
A: Busta Rhymes made a special appearance in Halloween: Resurrection. Many deemed it as one of the worst entries in the Michael Myers movie franchise. The rapper’s character delivered the infamous film serial killer’s most embarrassing defeat.
Q: Did Busta Rhymes receive payment from Courvoisier?
A: Despite having a massive impact on Courvoisier, Mr. Warren said the rapper didn’t get paid to write the track. And Busta Rhymes stated that he chose Courvoisier because it worked with his song in the making.
Final Words
What is Busta Rhymes net worth? As of 2023, the legendary rapper boasts a considerable $20 million net worth. With Busta releasing one hit after another, it’s no wonder he’s dominated the rap scene. The rapper truly “made” it.
After his successful music career, Busta Rhymes began producing tracks for other artists. And this further increased his net worth, earning him a hefty paycheck. Aside from that, you can also see Busta Rhymes on TV and on the big screen from time to time. After all, the rapper is an actor at heart, scoring several major and minor roles since the 90s.
Despite the controversies surrounding him, Busta Rhymes continues to grow his fame and wealth decades later.
Do you want to see the riches of another Hip-Hop icon? Check out Ice-T’s net worth next!