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Busta Rhymes

Busta Rhymes' debut single, the 1996 hit "Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check," helped turn the New York City native into one of hip-hop's most beloved MCs. Born to Jamaican parents on May 20, 1972, he created a unique sound that blended dancehall, ragga rhythms, and a love of early hip-hop into a refreshing antidote to the warring gangsta rap stars of the day. Originally a member of the Leaders of the New School crew, Busta released his platinum-selling solo debut, The Coming, in 1996. His next four albums — When Disaster Strikes (1997), E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event): The Final World Front (1998), Anarchy (2000), and Genesis (2001) — all achieved platinum status, as well. Meanwhile, Busta Rhymes showcased his artists range by collaborating with diverse artists like P. Diddy, Kanye West, Mariah Carey, and nu-metal act Linkin Park, and scored the biggest hit of his career with his Janet Jackson, What's It Gonna Be?, in 1999. Still a highly popular star during the 21st century, he scored a pair of Top 40 rap singles with his 2006 album, The Big Bang, and returned to the Top 10 with 2008's "Arab Money." In 2020, he released a companion album to 1998's E.L.E. with Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God, featuring cameos by Mary J. Blige, Anderson Paak, and more than a dozen additional guests.