Behind the Music

Episode 164: Busta Rhymes

February 17, 2002 • 60 min

From his explosive rap style to his ever-evolving, outrageous looks, Busta Rhymes is a true original. With high octane performances and outlandish music videos he bumrushed the mainstream - and without sacrificing his raw edge or eccentric style. Busta first honed his bombastic style in the early 90s as a member of underground rap group Leaders of the New School. But after a family tragedy and the bitter break-up of his group, he would struggle to make a name for himself as a solo artist, and to keep his rap dream alive. A true hip hop survivor, he'd encounter everything from gun charges to paternity suits to record label drama - and emerge a complex, successful artist who continues to defy all boundaries.