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Busta Rhymes in the UK

Since way before his massive solo hit 'Woo Hah!', the ex-Leaders of The New School member has wormed his way into our collective brains with his onslaught of hip hop catchphrases, one after the other, and unmistakeable ragga-style gravel voice, helped also by his regular appearances on the silver screen in films such as Shaft, Finding Forrester and Full Clip to name but a few.

With five platinum albums, one platinum single and three gold singles to his name so far, Busta Rhymes has also been one of rap's most bankable stars.

As the lone rapper on the Area 2 tour with Moby and David Bowie, Busta Rhymes saw that the patrons of the genre-bending extravaganza enjoyed listening to music that makes them move. That's why regardless of the tempo or the subject matter, Busta is always able to connect with listeners, whether they are familiar with his music or not.

'Vibe is priceless,' Busta states. 'You just have to be able to communicate in a way that can help them relate to what you specifically want them to relate to. If people see you smiling, they're going to smile with you.'

Busta has established himself as one of hip-hop's most steady and uplifting figures. A member of legendary rap group Leaders of the New School, Busta Rhymes in the early 1990s emerged from the Long Island-based rap group as one of hip-hop's hottest new talents thanks to his fiery appearances on songs with A Tribe Called Quest, Craig Mack and others.

With his first album, 1996's 'The Coming', Busta Rhymes showed that his unyielding energy, inventive beats and impeccable imagery would set him apart from any other artist. In fact, the vibrant, colorful 'Woo Hah!! Got You All In Check' video established Busta as the most creative hip-hop personality, someone who would sport outrageous outfits, contort his face for effect and still rock rhymes of the highest caliber. 'I set standards visually with the videos,' Busta mentions. 'From the special effects to the kind of concepts.'

Each of Busta's subsequent albums were certified platinum and demonstrated that the wiry rapper was a pillar of consistency in a genre in which heroes are discarded as quickly as they are crowned.

Busta used his musical success to branch out into film and as a pitchman (he's been the face of everything from Mountain Dew to Miller Lite). As he amassed acclaim and wealth, the multi-media star made sure to share his good fortune with others.

'I live for this stuff,' Busta continues. 'This is the fun for me. I'm not gonna do nothing that ain't exciting and challenging. I already know what I could do with the music. I wanna know what I could do up against anything. The statement is made the loudest when you are a survivor. I've survived every turning point.'

Busta Rhymes' new album 'Blessed' is out in July.

Get Busta tickets from ticketmaster NOW!

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