by Jamil Weeks

You can make the argument that you are really not a fan of hip-hop until you get into a spirited debate over top 10 rappers' lists. Whenever this topic has surfaced throughout the years, the common denominator amongst these lists are who I call the "usual suspects" (Pac, Big, Nas, Jay, etc.). In all the lists compiled over the years from various media outlets and fans alike, I have noticed one omission, which I always found puzzling. Trevor Tahiem Smith, Jr. a.k.a. Busta Rhymes.

Busta Rhymes first burst on the scene in the early 90's, before anyone knew who Biggie, Jay-Z, or Nas were. His stage name was given to him by legendary MC, Chuck D. As part of the group, Leaders of the New School, Busta Rhymes would instantly stand out as the star of the group with his "dungeon dragon", animated style of rapping. Even back then, he managed to have the standout verse in the classic posse cut "Scenario" with A Tribe Called Quest.

After the group dissolved, Busta embarked upon a solo career in a time when East Coast hip-hop was experiencing a renaissance. Competition was abundant and fierce. And not just in the tri-state area. You had the Dungeon Family, Death Row, Mobb Deep, Wu-Tang, Bone, 2Pac, Scarface, and countless other acts sprinkled throughout the 90's. Busta faced the ineviable task of having to redefine himself as a solo artist amongst his peers, who some would go on to become the greatest we have ever heard. He would go on to have a legendary career as a solo artist, reaching such heights as having million-dollar budget videos with big stars like Janet Jackson.

So why is Busta not even in the discussion for top 10? He has hit records. He has broken other artists in the game, most notably Rah Digga, Roc Marciano, and Spliff Starr. He had his own crew of spitters in Flipmode. His music videos were so creative and innovative with his cartoon-ish like imagery, that would only be rivaled by Ludacris and Missy. He sold platinum albums. He is highly respected amongst his peers. Let us also not forget that he is one of the greatest, most energetic live performers ever (remember MCing is all about stage presence and how you get the crowd moving). He has longevity, celebrating decades of remaining relevant in the revolving door that is the music industry. So what gives?

Well one reason might be the lack of a clear-cut classic album. Wow you can make the argument that his first three solo albums were big enough and have enough quality material to be considered classics, the bottom line is nobody celebrates these albums every year like we do the true classics, like Paid in Full or Death Certificate. I do not doubt some people might consider any one of Busta's 90's offerings as personal classics. But without the masses of hip-hop as a collective recognizing an artist's album(s) as true definitive classics, then Busta's albums might not have had that impact that changed the game for generations after him. Most of the rappers who enjoy top 10 consideration have at least one to two definitive classics in their catalogue.

Another reason Busta might be left out of top 10 discussions is because of subject matter. The greats all have one thing in common…versatility. They can make us dance or make us think. Make us laugh or make us cry. They can tell stories or be introspective. Busta is known for his high-energy bars that raise your adrenaline and make you want to dance or bop your head. But what else is he known for in his music. Can you name a classic Busta song that did not talk about the streets or was a radio friendly song? Do hip-hop fans take Busta’s music as seriously as a Pac or Nas or Big or Rakim? We know the talent and skill level Busta raps about. But I do not think most rap fans feel Busta can rap about ANYTHING and make it hot like the true greats.

Last, the true greats do not follow trends, but set the trends. What also might be hurting the case for Busta being a top 10 MC is his identity as an artist. The greats always have a great story to tell about themselves. They carve out their own legacy. Earlier in Busta’s career, nobody sounded like him. His style was unique from fashion to slang to imagery. However at some point, Busta succumbed to the music industry and started portraying a lifestyle of a “Coke rapper”, the drug dealer turned rapper formula that worked for so many. This is when Busta’s career started to lose momentum. There was nothing about him that stood out. The fanfare went, as did the frequency between projects as well as the public’s interest. With no true classic and demand dying down for a new Busta project, that had to have an effect on the way Busta ranked amongst his peers.

Busta Rhymes to me is arguably a top 25 MC, which actually still makes him one of the greatest. To be that high amongst the countless rappers who came before him and after him is quite the accomplishment. Maybe he is not a true top 10 MC but make no mistake about it. Trevor gets busy. He has rapped amongst the greatest lyricists of all time and held his own. He still continues to make music today and remains a relevant force in the music business. We salute Busta Rhymes for all his contributions to hip-hop.