Busta Rhymes
Encyclopedia
Trevor Tahiem Smith, Jr., better known by his stage name Busta Rhymes (born May 20, 1972),Smith is an American rapper, producer and actor
. Chuck D
of Public Enemy gave him the alias Busta Rhymes after NFL
wide receiver George "Buster" Rhymes
. Early in his career, he was known for his wild style and fashion, and today is best known for his highly skilled rapping technique, which involves rapping at a much faster rate, and to date has received nine Grammy
nominations for his musical work. About.com
included him on its list of the 50 Greatest MCs of Our Time (1987–2007), while Steve Huey of Allmusic called him one of the best and most prolific rappers of the '90s.
, Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in Flatbush, Brooklyn,to Jamaican parents Geraldine Green and Trevor Smith in 1972. Smith attended George Westinghouse Information and Technology High School, alongside Jay-Z
, DMX
and The Notorious B.I.G.
He went to Uniondale High School on Long Island
, graduating in 1990.
began recording in 1989 and released their debut album A Future Without a Past
in 1991 on Elektra Records
. In early 1992 the group appeared on A Tribe Called Quest
's posse cut
"Scenario," in which Busta's climactic verse propelled him into the cultural consciousness. In 1993, they released T.I.M.E. (The Inner Mind's Eye)
. Soon after, however, internal problems arose because of Busta's increasing popularity, and the group broke up on the set of Yo! MTV Raps
.
" from his platinum record album The Coming
. His second album, When Disaster Strikes
, released in 1997, produced the hit singles "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See
" and "Fire It Up
".
. Its lead single, "Gimme Some More
" — which sampled Bernard Herrmann
's theme from Psycho
— reached number 6 in the UK singles chart in January 1999. Busta enjoyed further transatlantic success in April when the single "What's It Gonna Be?!
", featuring Janet Jackson
, reached the US and UK Top 11. The album received prominent notice for featuring the fastest rapping Busta has ever performed, particularly on a song called "Iz They Wildin Wit Us?", featuring a guest appearance by Mystikal
.
, a label started by the then recently ousted Arista Records
chief and founder Clive Davis
, he released a greatest hits collection alongside a new album of original work. Continuing the Biblical
theme of his previous albums, he titled his record Genesis
. The album featured collaborations with Mary J. Blige
, P. Diddy, Kelis
, and others. Genesis was powered by the hit single with Kelis, "What It Is," and his solo single released in November 2001, "Break Ya Neck." The final single was the summer smash "Pass the Courvoisier, Part II
", which featured Pharrell and P. Diddy. Despite the success of the two singles, this album did not sell as well as previous releases.
. The album was moderately successful, with a hit song featuring Mariah Carey
and the Flipmode Squad called "I Know What You Want
". Another hit song was "Make It Clap", featuring Spliff Starr. The remix of "Make It Clap" featured Sean Paul. After its release, he left J Records
. In 2004, he signed with Dr. Dre
's Aftermath Entertainment
.
, became the first #1 album of his career. The CD sold over 209,000 copies in its first week to earn the top spot on The Billboard Top 200
.
The album also became his highest charting album in the UK, peaking at #19. Some of the album was leaked on the Internet
, and as a result several songs were left off the album and new ones added. The Big Bang featured more production by Dr. Dre than Busta's previous releases, as well as appearances by Raekwon
and Nas
. The singles that have been released from the album are, "Touch It
", "I Love My Chick", featuring Kelis
and Will.I.Am
, "New York @#!*% ",featuring Swizz Beatz
and "In The Ghetto
". Busta also had a stint opening for Mariah Carey
's The Adventures of Mimi Tour
. Also, Busta performed with Eminem
on "Touch It Remix Part 5" and performed a verse on the aforementioned rapper's song, "I'll Hurt You". On July 17, 2008, Busta left Interscope/Aftermath due to a creative clash with Interscope head Jimmy Iovine
.
called "We Made It
". It was later revealed that Busta inked a deal with Universal Motown, who released his ninth studio album, Back on My B.S., on May 19, 2009. He also appeared on Asher Roth
's debut album, Asleep in the Bread Aisle
. The album debuted at #5 on the Billboard 200
, selling 56,000 copies, and was his first album to not receive an RIAA certification, selling 122,000 copies to date. The singles that have been released from the album are, "Arab Money
", featuring Ron Browz
, "Hustler's Anthem '09
", featuring T-Pain
and "Respect My Conglomerate
". The song "World Go Round
", featuring British
singer Estelle
, was released in France
on April 6, 2009 due to the heavy rotation of a leaked version. The single was released in the UK on July 13, 2009.
Due to controversial content, the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
has banned the album. Back on My B.S. was released internationally, but because of one song, "Arab Money
", it is not available to buy as a CD there (however, the album can still be purchased via iTunes
). According to the National Media Council, the lyrics were considered to be offensive to Arabs and to Islam
, and permission for distribution was therefore denied. Some DJs, artists and fans have lambasted the track, saying it portrayed Arabs in a stereotypical way. The first part out of three of the remix by Rhymes contains verses from the Quran.
In November, when "Arab Money" was released as a single, DJ Dany Neville and the Iraqi
rapper The Narcicyst responded by recorded a reply. Busta later apologized. DJs in the country said they had not received an order banning the record from being spun in nightclubs, and they had mixed feelings on whether the record was offensive or not. DJ Saif of Dubai
said:
The Emirati DJ Bliss, who has his own show on Radio 1 in Dubai, also says he no longer plays "Arab Money". He added:
, entitled The Chemo. He says that his next project is 80 percent finished. Busta has reportedly changed the title of his forthcoming Chemo album to Extinction.Level.Event.2 (E.L.E. 2). Some new songs are being considered for the album, including "C'mon (Catch 'Em By Surprise) by Tiësto
and Diplo and "Look at Me Now
" alongside Chris Brown and Lil Wayne
.
The trend of album sequels continues with Busta adding another chapter to his 1998 opus E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event): The Final World Front. Busta's manager Chris Lighty sent out the message via Twitter. He said; "Extinction.Level.Event 2 ......prepare yourself." Like the first, E.L.E. 2 is inspired by movies of impending destruction on planet Earth, Lighty said; "From the Intro of the new Busta Album you're going to know you're in trouble and you just turned on 2012 the movie on warp speed,".
DJ Premier
, in an August 6, 2010 interview on Conspiracy Worldwide Radio said Busta Rhymes has received over eight beats which he didn't want to use but Premier hoped his next beat would be chosen for inclusion on the album. On DJ Premier's Live From Headqcourterz radio show Premier confirmed that one of his beats were to be included in E.L.E. 2. In 2010, Busta Rhymes formed his new label Conglomerate Records (With later on having rosters such as N.O.R.E.
, and Spliff Star
). He was featured on C'mon (Catch 'Em By Surprise) by Tiësto
and Diplo.
In 2011, Rhymes recorded "Look at Me Now
" with Chris Brown and Lil Wayne
on Brown's fourth album, F.A.M.E.
, the song has received favorable reviews regarding Rhymes guest verse on the song, and is his highest chart entry on the Billboard Hot 100
, peaking at number six, while reaching number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
chart, becoming his first #1 on that chart. On September 7, 2011, Rhymes received six nominations for the BET Hip Hop Awards
, held on October 11, 2011.
On May 1, 2011 Rhymes appeared on the launch show for MNET's Big Brother Africa 6: Amplified and performed some of his songs.
In 2011, Busta Rhymes performed at the Gathering of the Juggalos
.
Canadian recording artist Justin Bieber
will feature Busta on a song called "Drummer Boy" off Bieber's sophomore studio album, Under the Mistletoe
, released on 1 November 2011.
On November 11, 2011, a Heavy D tribute song titled "You Ain’t Gotta Wait Till I’m Gone" was leaked.
On November 16, 2011, it was announced that Busta Rhymes signed to Cash Money Records
since the age of 15.
On Sep-2-2007, a video was uploaded on Liveleak.com about Busta Rhymes having converted to Islam
. He himself has said that he lives his life by Islam, stating he is Muslim
& loves Allah
.
after attacking a man who reportedly spat on his car in New York City on August 12 after the AmsterJam Music Festival on Randall's Island
.
On October 24, 2006, he appeared at Manhattan
Criminal Court as the district attorney
's office attempted to amend previous charges against him to include weapons possession for a machete
found in his car. The judge, ShawnDya Simpson, refused to add the charge and adjourned the case.
On February 20, 2007, Busta refused a plea deal offered by the prosecutors office for the assault of his former driver, Edward Hatchett. The deal would have entailed six months in jail and pleading guilty to two assaults, the attack on Hatchett, and the attack on the former fan. The dispute with Hatchett is believed to have originated over back pay Hatchett felt he was owed. Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Becki Rowe offered Busta another option, pleading guilty to third-degree assault. The conditions of the proposed sentence would include five days of community service
, two weeks of youth lectures and six months of anger management classes, as well as three years of probation
. On March 18, 2008 a judge in New York City
sentenced Busta to three years' probation, 10 days' community service
, $1250 in fines (plus court costs), and to enroll in a drunken driving program.
On September 25, 2008, he was temporarily refused entry to the United Kingdom due to "unresolved convictions".
On October 14, 2009, a Brooklyn judge ordered Busta to pay a concert goer $75,000 in compensation for an assault which occurred in 2003.
Grammy Awards
Busta Rhymes has been nominated for 10 MTV Video Music Awards during his 15 year solo career, but has yet to win one.
MTV Video Music Awards
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
. Chuck D
Chuck D
Carlton Douglas Ridenhour , better known by his stage name, Chuck D, is an American rapper, author, and producer. He helped create politically and socially conscious rap music in the mid-1980s as the leader of the rap group Public Enemy.- Early life :Ridenhour was born in Queens, New York...
of Public Enemy gave him the alias Busta Rhymes after NFL
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
wide receiver George "Buster" Rhymes
Buster Rhymes
George "Buster" Rhymes is a former professional American football wide receiver.Rhymes grew up in Liberty City, an inner-city section of Miami. He graduated from Miami Northwestern High School...
. Early in his career, he was known for his wild style and fashion, and today is best known for his highly skilled rapping technique, which involves rapping at a much faster rate, and to date has received nine Grammy
Grammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
nominations for his musical work. About.com
About.com
About.com is an online source for original information and advice. It is written in English, and is aimed primarily at North Americans. It is owned by The New York Times Company....
included him on its list of the 50 Greatest MCs of Our Time (1987–2007), while Steve Huey of Allmusic called him one of the best and most prolific rappers of the '90s.
Early life
Busta was born in Red HookRed Hook, Brooklyn
Red Hook is a neighborhood in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, USA. The neighborhood is part of Brooklyn Community Board 6. It is also the location where the transatlantic liner, the , docks in New York City.- History :...
, Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in Flatbush, Brooklyn,to Jamaican parents Geraldine Green and Trevor Smith in 1972. Smith attended George Westinghouse Information and Technology High School, alongside Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
, DMX
DMX (rapper)
Earl Simmons , better known by his stage name DMX, is a multiplatinum American rapper and actor who rose to fame in the late 1990s. His stage name pays tribute to the Oberheim DMX drum machine, an instrument he used when he made his own rap beats in the 80's...
and The Notorious B.I.G.
The Notorious B.I.G.
Christopher George Latore Wallace , best known as The Notorious B.I.G., was an American rapper. He was also known as Biggie Smalls , Big Poppa, and The Black Frank White .Wallace was raised in the Brooklyn borough...
He went to Uniondale High School on Long Island
Long Island
Long Island is an island located in the southeast part of the U.S. state of New York, just east of Manhattan. Stretching northeast into the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island contains four counties, two of which are boroughs of New York City , and two of which are mainly suburban...
, graduating in 1990.
With Leaders of the New School
Hip-hop crew Leaders of the New SchoolLeaders of the New School
Leaders of the New School was a Long Island, New York-based hip hop crew.-History:The crew was composed of Uniondale, New York, natives Charlie Brown and Dinco D ; North Amityville, New York native Cut Monitor Milo ; and Busta Rhymes , who was originally from Brooklyn, New York but later moved to...
began recording in 1989 and released their debut album A Future Without a Past
A Future Without a Past
-Album:-Singles:-Personnel:Information taken from Allmusic.*assistant engineering – John Gamble*engineering – Dr. Shane Faber, Mike Mangini, Christopher Shaw...
in 1991 on Elektra Records
Elektra Records
Elektra Records is an American record label owned by Warner Music Group. In 2004, it was consolidated into WMG's Atlantic Records Group. After five years of dormancy, the label was revived by Atlantic in 2009....
. In early 1992 the group appeared on A Tribe Called Quest
A Tribe Called Quest
A Tribe Called Quest is an American hip hop group, formed in 1985, and is composed of rapper/producer Q-Tip , rapper Phife Dawg , and DJ/producer Ali Shaheed Muhammad. A fourth member, rapper Jarobi White, left the group after their first album but rejoined in 2006...
's posse cut
Posse cut
A posse cut is a popular form of song in hip hop music that involves successive verses by four or more rappers.Tracks described as posse cuts by Rolling Stone include A Tribe Called Quest's "Scenario", "Tha Shit" by The D.O.C., "Doin' Our Own Dang" by Jungle Brothers, and "Set It Off" by Snoop Dogg...
"Scenario," in which Busta's climactic verse propelled him into the cultural consciousness. In 1993, they released T.I.M.E. (The Inner Mind's Eye)
T.I.M.E. (The Inner Mind's Eye)
-Track listing:-Album:-Singles:...
. Soon after, however, internal problems arose because of Busta's increasing popularity, and the group broke up on the set of Yo! MTV Raps
Yo! MTV Raps
Yo! MTV Raps was a two-hour American television music video program, which ran from August 1988 to August 1995 through its original Yo! MTV Raps name and later by Yo! . The program was the first hip hop music show on the network, based on the original MTV Europe show, aired one year earlier. The U.S...
.
The Coming & When Disaster Strikes (1996-1997)
Busta broke out with a 1996 solo hit single, "Woo Hah!! Got You All in CheckWoo Hah!! Got You All in Check
"Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check" is Busta Rhymes' first solo single and was released in 1996 from his solo debut album The Coming. It peaked at #8 in the U.S. on April 20, 1996 and #2 in the UK. In the U.S., the song was released as a double A-side single with "Everything Remains Raw".The song's...
" from his platinum record album The Coming
The Coming
The Coming is the debut album by former Leaders of the New School member, Busta Rhymes, released in 1996 by Elektra Records. The Coming features rapping from Def Squad members Redman and Keith Murray as well as a guest appearance from Q-Tip and singing from Zhané and different future Flipmode Squad...
. His second album, When Disaster Strikes
When Disaster Strikes
When Disaster Strikes... is the 2nd studio album by Busta Rhymes, released on September 23, 1997. The album follows the same theme as The Coming, the apocalypse. The album was a commercial success, sporting the hit singles "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See" and "Dangerous"...
, released in 1997, produced the hit singles "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See
Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See
"Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See" is a song by American rapper Busta Rhymes from his second studio album When Disaster Strikes. Released as the lead single, the song includes samples from "Sweet Green Fields" by Seals & Crofts...
" and "Fire It Up
Turn It Up (Remix)/Fire It Up
"Turn It Up /Fire It Up" is a hit single by Busta Rhymes released in 1998.The original version of the song first appeared as the seventh track on When Disaster Strikes, but it was the remix that was released as a single. The remix sampled the theme from the 1980s TV series Knight Rider and became...
".
Extinction Level Event (Final World Front) (1998-1999)
In 1998, Busta recorded Extinction Level Event (Final World Front)Extinction Level Event (Final World Front)
E.L.E. : The Final World Front is the third studio album by American hip-hop artist Busta Rhymes, released on December 15, 1998 . It is the first album by Busta Rhymes to feature production by Swizz Beatz, as well as no contribution from longtime collaborator Jay Dee...
. Its lead single, "Gimme Some More
Gimme Some More
"Gimme Some More" is the first single by Busta Rhymes from his third solo album E.L.E. : The Final World Front. The song is often considered to be the very summit of Busta's complex, breathless, high-speed rhyming delivery most prominent in his early work. The track was produced by regular Busta...
" — which sampled Bernard Herrmann
Bernard Herrmann
Bernard Herrmann was an American composer noted for his work in motion pictures.An Academy Award-winner , Herrmann is particularly known for his collaborations with director Alfred Hitchcock, most famously Psycho, North by Northwest, The Man Who Knew Too Much, and Vertigo...
's theme from Psycho
Psycho (1960 film)
Psycho is a 1960 American suspense/psychological horror film directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins. The film is based on the screenplay by Joseph Stefano, who adapted it from the 1959 novel of the same name by Robert Bloch...
— reached number 6 in the UK singles chart in January 1999. Busta enjoyed further transatlantic success in April when the single "What's It Gonna Be?!
What's It Gonna Be?!
"What's It Gonna Be?!" is a single released in 1999 by rapper Busta Rhymes Featuring R&B singer Janet Jackson. It proved to be an international success, gaining the highest peak on the Billboard Hot 100 chart at #3....
", featuring Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson
Janet Damita Jo Jackson is an American recording artist and actress. Known for a series of sonically innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows, television and film roles, she has been a prominent figure in popular culture for over 25 years...
, reached the US and UK Top 11. The album received prominent notice for featuring the fastest rapping Busta has ever performed, particularly on a song called "Iz They Wildin Wit Us?", featuring a guest appearance by Mystikal
Mystikal
Michael Lawrence Tyler , better known by his stage name Mystikal, is an American rapper, and actor from New Orleans.-1993-1994: Early career:...
.
J/Arista/BMG
Anarchy & Genesis (2000-2001)
In 2000, Busta recorded his final album for Elektra, entitled Anarchy. After Busta signed to J RecordsJ Records
J Records was an American record label, owned and operated by Sony Music Entertainment, and was distributed through the RCA Music Group.-Company history:...
, a label started by the then recently ousted Arista Records
Arista Records
Arista was an American record label. It was a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment and operated under the RCA Music Group. The label was founded in 1974 by Clive Davis, who formerly worked for CBS Records...
chief and founder Clive Davis
Clive Davis
Clive Davis is an American record producer and music industry executive. He has won five Grammy Awards and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a non-performer. From 1967 to 1973 he was the President of Columbia Records. He was the founder and president of Arista Records from 1975...
, he released a greatest hits collection alongside a new album of original work. Continuing the Biblical
Bible
The Bible refers to any one of the collections of the primary religious texts of Judaism and Christianity. There is no common version of the Bible, as the individual books , their contents and their order vary among denominations...
theme of his previous albums, he titled his record Genesis
Genesis (Busta Rhymes album)
- Singles :* "What It Is" * "Break Ya Neck"* "As I Come Back"* "Pass the Courvoisier, Part II"...
. The album featured collaborations with Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige
Mary Jane Blige is an American singer-songwriter, record producer and occasional actress. She is a recipient of nine Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards, and has recorded eight multi-platinum albums. She is the only artist with Grammy Award wins in Pop, Rap, Gospel, and R&B. Blige has...
, P. Diddy, Kelis
Kelis
Kelis Rogers Kelis Rogers Kelis Rogers (born August 21, 1971 is an American musical artist. She is a BRIT Award, Q Award and NME Award winner and has been nominated for two Grammy Awards. She has had nine top 10 singles on the UK Singles Chart...
, and others. Genesis was powered by the hit single with Kelis, "What It Is," and his solo single released in November 2001, "Break Ya Neck." The final single was the summer smash "Pass the Courvoisier, Part II
Pass the Courvoisier, Part II
"Pass the Courvoisier, Part II" is a hit single by Busta Rhymes. It also features rapper P. Diddy, and R&B singer Pharrell and was the fourth and final single from Busta Rhymes's fifth studio album Genesis. The song was also featured on the soundtrack to the 2003 film, Love Don't Cost a Thing...
", which featured Pharrell and P. Diddy. Despite the success of the two singles, this album did not sell as well as previous releases.
It Aint Safe No More (2002-2004)
In 2002, Busta released his seventh studio album It Ain't Safe No MoreIt Ain't Safe No More
It Ain't Safe No More... is the sixth studio album by American rapper Busta Rhymes, released in 2002 . The album eventually went Gold with 605,000 copies sold as of December 5, 2007.- Track listing :...
. The album was moderately successful, with a hit song featuring Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. She made her recording debut with the release of her eponymous studio album in 1990, under the guidance of Columbia Records executive Tommy Mottola, whom she later married in 1993...
and the Flipmode Squad called "I Know What You Want
I Know What You Want
"I Know What You Want" is a song written by rapper Busta Rhymes, and produced by Rick Rock for Rhymes' eighth album It Ain't Safe No More . It featured American singer Mariah Carey, and was co-written by Rah Digga, Rampage, Rick Rock and Spliff Star...
". Another hit song was "Make It Clap", featuring Spliff Starr. The remix of "Make It Clap" featured Sean Paul. After its release, he left J Records
J Records
J Records was an American record label, owned and operated by Sony Music Entertainment, and was distributed through the RCA Music Group.-Company history:...
. In 2004, he signed with Dr. Dre
Dr. Dre
Andre Romelle Young , primarily known by his stage name Dr. Dre, is an American record producer, rapper, record executive, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is the founder and current CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and a former co-owner and artist of Death Row Records...
's Aftermath Entertainment
Aftermath Entertainment
Aftermath Entertainment is an American record label founded by Dr. Dre. It operates as a subsidiary of, and is distributed through, Universal Music Group's Interscope Records. Current acts include Dr. Dre, Eminem, 50 Cent and Slim da Mobster, with former acts including Busta Rhymes, Game, Raekwon,...
.
The Big Bang (2006)
His eighth studio album, The Big BangThe Big Bang (album)
The Big Bang is the seventh studio album by American rapper Busta Rhymes.- Background :It was released on June 13, 2006. It is his only release under Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment record label. Full production of the album came from Dr. Dre, Swizz Beatz, Will.I.Am, Mr. Porter, Erick Sermon,...
, became the first #1 album of his career. The CD sold over 209,000 copies in its first week to earn the top spot on The Billboard Top 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
.
The album also became his highest charting album in the UK, peaking at #19. Some of the album was leaked on the Internet
Internet
The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite to serve billions of users worldwide...
, and as a result several songs were left off the album and new ones added. The Big Bang featured more production by Dr. Dre than Busta's previous releases, as well as appearances by Raekwon
Raekwon
Corey Woods , better known by the stage name Raekwon, is an American rapper and a member of the Wu-Tang Clan. He released his solo debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... in 1995, and has since recorded four solo albums, as well as work with Wu-Tang and an extensive amount of guest contributions with...
and Nas
Nas
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who performs under the name Nas , formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper and actor. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in hip hop and one of the most skilled and influential rappers of all-time...
. The singles that have been released from the album are, "Touch It
Touch It
"Touch It" is a rap/hip-hop song by Busta Rhymes which contains a sample from "Technologic" by the electronic band Daft Punk. Released as an official single on May 13, 2006, it was the first single from Rhymes' Aftermath/Interscope debut, The Big Bang...
", "I Love My Chick", featuring Kelis
Kelis
Kelis Rogers Kelis Rogers Kelis Rogers (born August 21, 1971 is an American musical artist. She is a BRIT Award, Q Award and NME Award winner and has been nominated for two Grammy Awards. She has had nine top 10 singles on the UK Singles Chart...
and Will.I.Am
Will.i.am
William James Adams, Jr. , better known by his stage name will.i.am and occasionally by his other stage name Zuper Blahq, is an American rapper, musician, songwriter, singer, actor and producer...
, "New York @#!*% ",featuring Swizz Beatz
Swizz Beatz
Kasseem Dean , better known by his stage name, Swizz Beatz, is an American record producer, DJ, rapper and painter. At the age of 17, he gained attention in the hip-hop world through his friendship with rapper DMX. Grady Spivey and rapper Cassidy helped launch his label Full Surface Records...
and "In The Ghetto
In the Ghetto (Busta Rhymes song)
"In the Ghetto" is the fourth and final single from Busta Rhymes' album The Big Bang, and features the late R&B singer Rick James. It was produced by DJ Green Lantern and Dr. Dre.-Song information:...
". Busta also had a stint opening for Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. She made her recording debut with the release of her eponymous studio album in 1990, under the guidance of Columbia Records executive Tommy Mottola, whom she later married in 1993...
's The Adventures of Mimi Tour
The Adventures of Mimi Tour
The Adventures of Mimi: The Voice, The Hits, The Tour was a 2006 concert tour of arenas by American R&B singer-songwriter Mariah Carey. It was one of a few tours in her then-sixteen year career and was named after a fan's "Carey-centric" diary of the same name...
. Also, Busta performed with Eminem
Eminem
Marshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...
on "Touch It Remix Part 5" and performed a verse on the aforementioned rapper's song, "I'll Hurt You". On July 17, 2008, Busta left Interscope/Aftermath due to a creative clash with Interscope head Jimmy Iovine
Jimmy Iovine
James "Jimmy" Iovine is an American music producer, entrepreneur and chairman of Interscope-Geffen-A&M.-Biography:...
.
Back on My B.S. (2007-2009)
He also made a song featuring Linkin ParkLinkin Park
Linkin Park is an American rock band from Agoura Hills, California. Formed in 1996, the band rose to international fame with their debut album, Hybrid Theory, which was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2005 and multi-platinum in several other countries...
called "We Made It
We Made It (song)
"We Made It" is a promo single by rapper Busta Rhymes' featuring the rock band Linkin Park. The song was to be on Busta Rhymes's eighth studio album Back on My B.S., but was then cancelled off the tracklist because the album was released on a different label as "We Made It" was Busta Rhymes's last...
". It was later revealed that Busta inked a deal with Universal Motown, who released his ninth studio album, Back on My B.S., on May 19, 2009. He also appeared on Asher Roth
Asher Roth
Asher Paul Roth is an American rapper.-Early life:Asher Roth was born and raised in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, a small town about 20 miles northeast of Philadelphia. His mother, Elizabeth , is a yoga instructor, and his father, David Roth, is the executive director of a design firm...
's debut album, Asleep in the Bread Aisle
Asleep in the Bread Aisle
-Chart positions:-Samples:*"As I Em"**"Geraldine and John" by Joe Jackson*"Fallin"**"Falling" by Ben Kweller**"Kissing My Love" by Bill Withers*"I Love College"**"Say It Ain't So" by Weezer **"Impeach the President" by the Honey Drippers...
. The album debuted at #5 on the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
, selling 56,000 copies, and was his first album to not receive an RIAA certification, selling 122,000 copies to date. The singles that have been released from the album are, "Arab Money
Arab Money
"Arab Money" is the first official single from Busta Rhymes' eighth studio album Back on My B.S. The song features and is produced by Ron Browz. It discusses the influx of wealth in the Middle East, particularly in Dubai...
", featuring Ron Browz
Ron Browz
Rondell Turner, better known by his stage name Ron Browz, is an American record producer and rapper. He has his own record label called Ether Boy Records.-Biography/career:...
, "Hustler's Anthem '09
Hustler's Anthem '09
"Hustler's Anthem '09" is a song written by Busta Rhymes. Produced by Ty Fyffe, it is the second single from Busta Rhymes' album, Back on My B.S.. It features T-Pain. The song was released in digital format on February 10, 2009 by Universal Motown....
", featuring T-Pain
T-Pain
Faheem Rasheed Najm , better known by his stage name T-Pain, is an American singer-songwriter, rapper, record producer, and actor, currently signed to Young Money Entertainment. His debut album, Rappa Ternt Sanga, was released in 2005. In 2007, T-Pain released his second studio album Epiphany,...
and "Respect My Conglomerate
Respect My Conglomerate
"Respect My Conglomerate" is a single off rapper Busta Rhymes' Back on My B.S.. It is also featured as a bonus track off of Jadakiss' The Last Kiss. The track features Jadakiss and Lil Wayne and features backing vocals by guest vocalist Debby Coda...
". The song "World Go Round
World Go Round
"World Go Round" is the fourth single from Busta Rhymes' album Back on My B.S. and is produced by Jelly Roll. The song featuring British singer Estelle, was released in France on April 6, 2009 by Universal Records due to the heavy rotation of a leaked version of the track on the French R&B/hip hop...
", featuring British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
singer Estelle
Estelle (musician)
Estelle Fanta Swaray commonly known as Estelle, and formerly as Est'elle, is an English R&B singer-songwriter, rapper and record producer.-Early Life:Estelle was born 18 January 1980 in Hammersmith, London, England...
, was released in France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
on April 6, 2009 due to the heavy rotation of a leaked version. The single was released in the UK on July 13, 2009.
Due to controversial content, the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates, abbreviated as the UAE, or shortened to "the Emirates", is a state situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman, and Saudi Arabia, and sharing sea borders with Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Iran.The UAE is a...
has banned the album. Back on My B.S. was released internationally, but because of one song, "Arab Money
Arab Money
"Arab Money" is the first official single from Busta Rhymes' eighth studio album Back on My B.S. The song features and is produced by Ron Browz. It discusses the influx of wealth in the Middle East, particularly in Dubai...
", it is not available to buy as a CD there (however, the album can still be purchased via iTunes
ITunes
iTunes is a media player computer program, used for playing, downloading, and organizing digital music and video files on desktop computers. It can also manage contents on iPod, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad....
). According to the National Media Council, the lyrics were considered to be offensive to Arabs and to Islam
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
, and permission for distribution was therefore denied. Some DJs, artists and fans have lambasted the track, saying it portrayed Arabs in a stereotypical way. The first part out of three of the remix by Rhymes contains verses from the Quran.
In November, when "Arab Money" was released as a single, DJ Dany Neville and the Iraqi
Iraqi people
The Iraqi people or Mesopotamian people are natives or inhabitants of the country of Iraq, known since antiquity as Mesopotamia , with a large diaspora throughout the Arab World, Europe, the Americas, and...
rapper The Narcicyst responded by recorded a reply. Busta later apologized. DJs in the country said they had not received an order banning the record from being spun in nightclubs, and they had mixed feelings on whether the record was offensive or not. DJ Saif of Dubai
Dubai
Dubai is a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates . The emirate is located south of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula and has the largest population with the second-largest land territory by area of all the emirates, after Abu Dhabi...
said:
The Emirati DJ Bliss, who has his own show on Radio 1 in Dubai, also says he no longer plays "Arab Money". He added:
Conglomerate Records & E.L.E. 2 (2010-present)
Busta announced that he was working on his tenth studio album, alongside Canadian producer Boi-1daBoi-1da
Matthew Samuels , better known as Boi-1da , is a Canadian hip-hop producer from Toronto, Ontario. He has produced for artists and groups such as Chip tha Ripper, Kardinal Offishall, Clipse, Drake, Eminem, Saukrates, k-os, G-Unit, and The Diplomats among others...
, entitled The Chemo. He says that his next project is 80 percent finished. Busta has reportedly changed the title of his forthcoming Chemo album to Extinction.Level.Event.2 (E.L.E. 2). Some new songs are being considered for the album, including "C'mon (Catch 'Em By Surprise) by Tiësto
Tiësto
Tijs Michiel Verwest, , known as Tiësto , is a Dutch musician, DJ and record producer of electronic dance music. Although he has used many aliases in the past, he is best known for his work as DJ Tiësto...
and Diplo and "Look at Me Now
Look at Me Now (Chris Brown song)
"Look at Me Now" is a "dirty south-inspired" hip hop song that features American rappers Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes. According to Chad Grischow from IGN, the song features "thumping bass, spacy synth and horn jam sounds." Electronic background mixes are also present in the song...
" alongside Chris Brown and Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne
Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. , better known by his stage name Lil Wayne, is an American rapper. At the age of nine, Lil Wayne joined Cash Money Records as the youngest member of the label, and half of the duo, The B.G.'z, with B.G.. In 1997, Lil Wayne joined the group Hot Boys, which also included...
.
The trend of album sequels continues with Busta adding another chapter to his 1998 opus E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event): The Final World Front. Busta's manager Chris Lighty sent out the message via Twitter. He said; "Extinction.Level.Event 2 ......prepare yourself." Like the first, E.L.E. 2 is inspired by movies of impending destruction on planet Earth, Lighty said; "From the Intro of the new Busta Album you're going to know you're in trouble and you just turned on 2012 the movie on warp speed,".
DJ Premier
DJ Premier
Christopher Edward Martin , better known by his stage name DJ Premier , is an American record producer and DJ, and was the instrumental half of the hip hop duo Gang Starr, together with emcee Guru...
, in an August 6, 2010 interview on Conspiracy Worldwide Radio said Busta Rhymes has received over eight beats which he didn't want to use but Premier hoped his next beat would be chosen for inclusion on the album. On DJ Premier's Live From Headqcourterz radio show Premier confirmed that one of his beats were to be included in E.L.E. 2. In 2010, Busta Rhymes formed his new label Conglomerate Records (With later on having rosters such as N.O.R.E.
N.O.R.E.
Victor Santiago, Jr., best known by his stage name N.O.R.E. or Noreaga , is an American rapper of Puerto Rican descent...
, and Spliff Star
Spliff Star
William A. Lewis Raised in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York, he is of Trinidadian descent, better known as Spliff Star, first appeared alongside Busta Rhymes as the Flipmode Squad in 1996 on his album The Coming....
). He was featured on C'mon (Catch 'Em By Surprise) by Tiësto
Tiësto
Tijs Michiel Verwest, , known as Tiësto , is a Dutch musician, DJ and record producer of electronic dance music. Although he has used many aliases in the past, he is best known for his work as DJ Tiësto...
and Diplo.
In 2011, Rhymes recorded "Look at Me Now
Look at Me Now (Chris Brown song)
"Look at Me Now" is a "dirty south-inspired" hip hop song that features American rappers Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes. According to Chad Grischow from IGN, the song features "thumping bass, spacy synth and horn jam sounds." Electronic background mixes are also present in the song...
" with Chris Brown and Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne
Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. , better known by his stage name Lil Wayne, is an American rapper. At the age of nine, Lil Wayne joined Cash Money Records as the youngest member of the label, and half of the duo, The B.G.'z, with B.G.. In 1997, Lil Wayne joined the group Hot Boys, which also included...
on Brown's fourth album, F.A.M.E.
F.A.M.E. (album)
F.A.M.E. is the fourth studio album by American recording artist Chris Brown, first released on March 18, 2011 by Jive Records. Brown worked with several record producers and songwriters for the album, including Kevin McCall, Jean Baptiste, Brian Kennedy, DJ Frank E, The Underdogs and The...
, the song has received favorable reviews regarding Rhymes guest verse on the song, and is his highest chart entry on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
, peaking at number six, while reaching number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States.The chart, initiated in 1942, is used to track the success of popular music songs in urban, or primarily African American, venues. Dominated over the years at various times by jazz, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, soul,...
chart, becoming his first #1 on that chart. On September 7, 2011, Rhymes received six nominations for the BET Hip Hop Awards
BET Hip Hop Awards
The BET Hip Hop Awards are an annual awards show, airing on BET, showcasing hip hop performers, producers and music video directors. The awards ceremony began in 2006, was held on November 12, 2006 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, was first aired November 15 and was hosted by comedian Katt...
, held on October 11, 2011.
On May 1, 2011 Rhymes appeared on the launch show for MNET's Big Brother Africa 6: Amplified and performed some of his songs.
In 2011, Busta Rhymes performed at the Gathering of the Juggalos
Gathering of the Juggalos
The Gathering of the Juggalos is an annual festival put on by Psychopathic Records, featuring performances by the entire label as well as numerous well-known musical groups and underground artists. It was founded by Robert Bruce, Insane Clown Posse , and their label in 2000...
.
Canadian recording artist Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber
Justin Drew Bieber is a Canadian pop/R&B singer, songwriter and actor. Bieber was discovered in 2008 by Scooter Braun, who came across Bieber's videos on YouTube and later became his manager...
will feature Busta on a song called "Drummer Boy" off Bieber's sophomore studio album, Under the Mistletoe
Under the Mistletoe
Note: denotes a co-producer-Charts:-Sales and certifications:...
, released on 1 November 2011.
On November 11, 2011, a Heavy D tribute song titled "You Ain’t Gotta Wait Till I’m Gone" was leaked.
On November 16, 2011, it was announced that Busta Rhymes signed to Cash Money Records
Cash Money Records
Cash Money Records is a record label founded by brothers Bryan "Birdman" Williams and Ronald "Slim" Williams. Today it operates as a subsidiary of Universal Music Group, and is distributed by Universal Republic Records as of 2011...
Personal life
Busta has three kids with his ex-girlfriend, Joanne Wood, T'Ziah (born 1993), T'Khi (born 1999), and Trillian (born 2000).Religion
Busta had been a member of The Nation of Gods and EarthsThe Nation of Gods and Earths
The Nation of Gods and Earths, sometimes referred to as NGE or NOGE, the Five-Percent Nation, or the Five Percenters is an American organization founded in 1964 in the Harlem section of the borough of Manhattan, New York City, by Clarence 13X, a former student of Malcolm X, who left his mosque...
since the age of 15.
On Sep-2-2007, a video was uploaded on Liveleak.com about Busta Rhymes having converted to Islam
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
. He himself has said that he lives his life by Islam, stating he is Muslim
Muslim
A Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad. "Muslim" is the Arabic term for "submitter" .Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable...
& loves Allah
Allah
Allah is a word for God used in the context of Islam. In Arabic, the word means simply "God". It is used primarily by Muslims and Bahá'ís, and often, albeit not exclusively, used by Arabic-speaking Eastern Catholic Christians, Maltese Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox Christians, Mizrahi Jews and...
.
Legal issues
On August 20, 2006, he was arraigned for charges of third-degree assaultAssault
In law, assault is a crime causing a victim to fear violence. The term is often confused with battery, which involves physical contact. The specific meaning of assault varies between countries, but can refer to an act that causes another to apprehend immediate and personal violence, or in the more...
after attacking a man who reportedly spat on his car in New York City on August 12 after the AmsterJam Music Festival on Randall's Island
Randall's Island
Randall's Island is situated in the East River in New York City, part of the borough of Manhattan. It is separated from Manhattan island on the west by the river's main channel, from Queens on the east by the Hell Gate, and from the Bronx on the north by the Bronx Kill. It is joined to Wards...
.
On October 24, 2006, he appeared at Manhattan
Manhattan
Manhattan is the oldest and the most densely populated of the five boroughs of New York City. Located primarily on the island of Manhattan at the mouth of the Hudson River, the boundaries of the borough are identical to those of New York County, an original county of the state of New York...
Criminal Court as the district attorney
District attorney
In many jurisdictions in the United States, a District Attorney is an elected or appointed government official who represents the government in the prosecution of criminal offenses. The district attorney is the highest officeholder in the jurisdiction's legal department and supervises a staff of...
's office attempted to amend previous charges against him to include weapons possession for a machete
Machete
The machete is a large cleaver-like cutting tool. The blade is typically long and usually under thick. In the English language, an equivalent term is matchet, though it is less commonly known...
found in his car. The judge, ShawnDya Simpson, refused to add the charge and adjourned the case.
On February 20, 2007, Busta refused a plea deal offered by the prosecutors office for the assault of his former driver, Edward Hatchett. The deal would have entailed six months in jail and pleading guilty to two assaults, the attack on Hatchett, and the attack on the former fan. The dispute with Hatchett is believed to have originated over back pay Hatchett felt he was owed. Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Becki Rowe offered Busta another option, pleading guilty to third-degree assault. The conditions of the proposed sentence would include five days of community service
Community service
Community service is donated service or activity that is performed by someone or a group of people for the benefit of the public or its institutions....
, two weeks of youth lectures and six months of anger management classes, as well as three years of probation
Probation
Probation literally means testing of behaviour or abilities. In a legal sense, an offender on probation is ordered to follow certain conditions set forth by the court, often under the supervision of a probation officer...
. On March 18, 2008 a judge in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
sentenced Busta to three years' probation, 10 days' community service
Community service
Community service is donated service or activity that is performed by someone or a group of people for the benefit of the public or its institutions....
, $1250 in fines (plus court costs), and to enroll in a drunken driving program.
On September 25, 2008, he was temporarily refused entry to the United Kingdom due to "unresolved convictions".
On October 14, 2009, a Brooklyn judge ordered Busta to pay a concert goer $75,000 in compensation for an assault which occurred in 2003.
Discography
- The ComingThe ComingThe Coming is the debut album by former Leaders of the New School member, Busta Rhymes, released in 1996 by Elektra Records. The Coming features rapping from Def Squad members Redman and Keith Murray as well as a guest appearance from Q-Tip and singing from Zhané and different future Flipmode Squad...
(1996) - When Disaster Strikes... (1997)
- E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event): The Final World Front (1998)
- Anarchy (2000)
- GenesisGenesis (Busta Rhymes album)- Singles :* "What It Is" * "Break Ya Neck"* "As I Come Back"* "Pass the Courvoisier, Part II"...
(2001) - It Ain't Safe No MoreIt Ain't Safe No MoreIt Ain't Safe No More... is the sixth studio album by American rapper Busta Rhymes, released in 2002 . The album eventually went Gold with 605,000 copies sold as of December 5, 2007.- Track listing :...
(2002) - The Big BangThe Big Bang (album)The Big Bang is the seventh studio album by American rapper Busta Rhymes.- Background :It was released on June 13, 2006. It is his only release under Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment record label. Full production of the album came from Dr. Dre, Swizz Beatz, Will.I.Am, Mr. Porter, Erick Sermon,...
(2006) - Back on My B.S. (2009)
- E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event) 2: End of the World (2012)
Awards and Nominations
Busta Rhymes has been nominated for 9 Grammy Awards during his 15 year solo career, but has yet to win one.Grammy Awards
| Year | Nominated work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 Grammy Awards of 1997 The 39th Grammy Awards were held on February 26, 1997. They recognized accomplishments by musicians from the previous year.- Award winners :*Record of the Year**Babyface & Eric Clapton for "Change the World"*Album of the Year... |
"Woo-Hah! Got You All in Check" | Best Rap Solo Performance | |
| 1998 Grammy Awards of 1998 The 40th Grammy Awards were held on February 25, 1998. They recognized accomplishments by musicians from the previous year. Rock icon Bob Dylan, Alison Krauss, and R... |
"Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See" | Best Rap Solo Performance | |
| 1999 Grammy Awards of 1999 The 41st Grammy Awards were held on February 24, 1999. They recognized accomplishments by musicians from the year 1998. Lauryn Hill was the nights big winner winning a total of 5 awards including Album of the Year and Best New Artist. Madonna won three awards while country musicians the Dixie... |
"Dangerous" | Best Rap Solo Performance | |
| 2000 Grammy Awards of 2000 The 42nd Grammy Awards were held on February 23, 2000. During the show, Santana won 8 Grammys, tying Michael Jackson's record for most awards won in a single night. Santana's album Supernatural was awarded a total of nine awards.... |
"Gimme Some More" | Best Rap Solo Performance | |
| 2000 Grammy Awards of 2000 The 42nd Grammy Awards were held on February 23, 2000. During the show, Santana won 8 Grammys, tying Michael Jackson's record for most awards won in a single night. Santana's album Supernatural was awarded a total of nine awards.... |
"What's It Gonna Be?" | Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group | |
| 2000 Grammy Awards of 2000 The 42nd Grammy Awards were held on February 23, 2000. During the show, Santana won 8 Grammys, tying Michael Jackson's record for most awards won in a single night. Santana's album Supernatural was awarded a total of nine awards.... |
E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event): The Final World Front | Best Rap Album | |
| 2001 Grammy Awards of 2001 The 43rd Grammy Awards were held on February 21, 2001. Steely Dan was the biggest winner winning three awards including Album of the Year for Two Against Nature. U2 was also a big winner winning three awards as well; including Record of the Year and Song of the Year for Beautiful Day. Dr... |
"Fire" | Best Music Video, Short Form | |
| 2003 Grammy Awards of 2003 The 45th Grammy Awards were held on February 23, 2003. Musicians accomplishments from the previous year were recognized. Norah Jones was the night's big winner winning five awards including Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Best New Artist, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and Best Pop Vocal... |
"Pass the Courvoisier Pt. 2" | Best Performance By a Duo or Group | |
| 2007 Grammy Awards of 2007 The 49th Annual Grammy Awards was a ceremony honoring the best in music for the recording year beginning September 15, 2005 and ending September 14, 2006 in the United States. The awards were handed out on Sunday February 11, 2007 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Dixie Chicks... |
"Touch It" | Best Rap Solo Performance |
Busta Rhymes has been nominated for 10 MTV Video Music Awards during his 15 year solo career, but has yet to win one.
MTV Video Music Awards
| Year | Nominated work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 1996 MTV Video Music Awards The 1996 MTV Video Music Awards aired live on September 4, 1996, honoring the best music videos from June 16, 1995, to June 14, 1996. The show was hosted by Dennis Miller at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.... |
"Woo-Hah! Got You All in Check" | Best Breakthrough Video | |
| 1998 1998 MTV Video Music Awards The 1998 MTV Video Music Awards aired live on September 10, 1998, honoring the best music videos from the previous year. The show was hosted by Ben Stiller at Gibson Amphitheatre in Los Angeles.... |
"Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See" | Best Rap Video | |
| 1998 1998 MTV Video Music Awards The 1998 MTV Video Music Awards aired live on September 10, 1998, honoring the best music videos from the previous year. The show was hosted by Ben Stiller at Gibson Amphitheatre in Los Angeles.... |
"Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See" | Best Male Video | |
| 1998 1998 MTV Video Music Awards The 1998 MTV Video Music Awards aired live on September 10, 1998, honoring the best music videos from the previous year. The show was hosted by Ben Stiller at Gibson Amphitheatre in Los Angeles.... |
"Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See" | Best Breakthrough Video | |
| 1999 1999 MTV Video Music Awards The 1999 MTV Video Music Awards aired live on September 9, 1999, honoring the best music videos from June 13, 1998, to June 11, 1999. The show was hosted by Chris Rock at Metropolitan Opera House in New York City.... |
"What's It Gonna Be?" | Best Hip-Hop Video | |
| 1999 1999 MTV Video Music Awards The 1999 MTV Video Music Awards aired live on September 9, 1999, honoring the best music videos from June 13, 1998, to June 11, 1999. The show was hosted by Chris Rock at Metropolitan Opera House in New York City.... |
"Gimme Some More" | Best Breakthrough Video | |
| 2002 2002 MTV Video Music Awards The 2002 MTV Video Music Awards aired live on August 29, 2002, honoring the best music videos from June 9, 2001, to May 31, 2002. The show was hosted by Jimmy Fallon at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City. It is most remembered for Michael Jackson's acceptance of a birthday statue, which he... |
"Pass the Courvoisier Pt. 2" | Best Hip-Hop Video | |
| 2003 2003 MTV Video Music Awards The 2003 MTV Video Music Awards aired live on August 28, 2003, honoring the best music videos from June 1, 2002, to June 9, 2003. The show was hosted by Chris Rock at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City... |
"I Know What You Want" | Best Hip-Hop Video | |
| 2006 2006 MTV Video Music Awards The 2006 MTV Video Music Awards aired live on August 31, 2006, honoring the best music videos from the previous year. The show was hosted by Jack Black at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.... |
"Touch It" | Best Rap Video | |
| 2006 2006 MTV Video Music Awards The 2006 MTV Video Music Awards aired live on August 31, 2006, honoring the best music videos from the previous year. The show was hosted by Jack Black at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.... |
"Touch It" | Best Male Video |