Net Worth Ranker
What Is Busta Rhymes’ Net Worth?
Busta Rhymes, born Trevor George Smith Jr. on May 20, 1972, boasts a net worth of $20 million as of 2025. This wealth has been accumulated over a career spanning more than three decades in the hip-hop industry, supplemented by acting roles and other ventures. Busta Rhymes’ career began in the late 1980s, and he quickly rose to prominence with his unique rapid-fire rapping style and complex lyrical content.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Trevor Smith Jr.’s journey into the music industry started in Brooklyn, New York City. During his formative years, his family moved to Long Island when he was about 12 years old. Briefly, the family also lived in Liverpool, United Kingdom. Upon returning to the United States, Smith attended George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School, where he was classmates with future hip-hop icons The Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z. Smith later graduated from Long Island in 1991.
Before graduating from high school, Smith joined the hip-hop group Leaders of the New School in 1990. The Long Island-based group gained recognition as an opening act for Public Enemy. It was during this period that Chuck D, from Public Enemy, gave Smith the moniker “Busta Rhymes,” naming him after NFL player George “Busta” Rhymes. Busta Rhymes stood out in the group, recognized for his Jamaican-influenced rapping style and vibrant public image. By 1992, Leaders of the New School had disbanded, prompting Busta Rhymes to embark on his solo career.
His initial solo efforts involved collaborations with established artists like Notorious B.I.G., KRS-One, and A Tribe Called Quest. In 1996, Busta Rhymes released his debut solo album, “The Coming,” which featured the hit single “Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check.” This album marked his breakthrough as a solo artist, demonstrating his unique rapid-fire lyrical flow and innovative music video concepts.
His second album, “When Disaster Strikes…” in 1997, included the hit single “Fire It Up.” The success of this track, combined with his earlier achievements, cemented his position as one of hip-hop’s most successful artists. The follow-up album, “E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event): The Final World Front,” was released in 1998 and featured the hit track “What’s It Gonna Be?!” featuring Janet Jackson. These early albums established Busta Rhymes as a prominent figure in the hip-hop world.
Continued Success and Album Sales
In the 2000s, Busta Rhymes continued to release successful albums. “Genesis,” released in 2001, featured collaborations with artists such as Pharrell and P. Diddy. In 2006, “The Big Bang” debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. In 2020, Busta Rhymes released his tenth studio album, “Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God,” after a gap of more than a decade.
While specific figures for individual album sales and streaming revenue are not publicly available, the success of these albums contributed significantly to Busta Rhymes’ net worth. An exact breakdown of earnings from music sales versus other sources, like touring or endorsements, isn’t readily accessible. However, his consistent presence on the charts and high-profile collaborations suggest a steady income stream from his music career.
In 2011, Busta Rhymes featured on Chris Brown’s track, “Look at Me Now” along with Lil Wayne. The single reached number six on the charts. After Universal Motown ceased to exist, Busta Rhymes moved to Universal Republic, and subsequently to Republic Records after Universal Republic also folded.
Acting Career
Busta Rhymes’ foray into acting began in 1993 with the film “Strapped.” He followed this with roles in “Higher Learning” in 1995 and “Finding Forrester.” He also appeared in “Halloween: Resurrection” and “Breaking Point.” While his acting career has not been as commercially successful as his music career, these roles have added to his overall earnings and net worth.
Financial Issues and Legal Troubles
In May 2014, reports surfaced that Busta Rhymes owed $789,577 in back taxes. The IRS claimed that he failed to pay $611,000 in taxes for 2008 and $178,000 for 2012. The rapper did not comment on these reports, so the specific outcome of this situation remains unclear.
Over the course of his career, Busta Rhymes has been involved in several legal issues. In 2006, he was arrested for allegedly assaulting a man in New York City. In 2007, he was arrested for assault again, this time involving an incident with his former driver, allegedly over back pay. That same year, he was also arrested for driving while impaired. Busta Rhymes was subsequently sentenced to three years of probation, community service, fines, and mandatory enrollment in a drunk driving program.
Personal Life and Interests
Busta Rhymes has six children, born between 1993 and 2006. He is also a member of The Five-Percent Nation, a group with specific beliefs. The specifics of his lifestyle, such as the addresses of any properties he owns or the exact makes and models of any luxury cars or private planes, are not publicly available.
Endorsements and Business Ventures
Information regarding Busta Rhymes’ specific endorsements and business ventures is limited. While he has been a prominent figure in the hip-hop industry for many years, details about endorsement deals or investments have not been widely publicized.
Net Worth Summary
As of 2025, Busta Rhymes’ net worth is estimated to be $20 million. This figure reflects his successful music career, acting roles, and various ventures in the entertainment industry. While financial challenges and legal issues have arisen throughout his career, he has maintained his position as a successful and influential artist.
