Editing Busta Rhymes (section)

==Career==
===1986–1995: Leaders of the New School and rising popularity===
{{Quote box
| quote = "They were performing with one mic, and it was three MCs, not four. Busta also did the beatbox. It was just ill. He was controlling the mic and certainly the star of the show. He was completely amazing."
| source = – A&R [[Dante Ross]], on the group's performance at Payday<ref name="Busta Rhymes The Ringer Interview">{{Cite web |last=Bell |first=Max |date=March 25, 2021 |title=How Busta Rhymes Harnessed the Dungeon Dragon on His Classic Debut |url=https://www.theringer.com/2021/3/25/22349157/busta-rhymes-the-coming-history-retrospective |access-date=November 11, 2023 |website=The Ringer |language=en}}</ref>
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In 1986, Smith, alongside fellow [[Long Island]] natives Charlie Brown, Cut Monitor Milo, and Dinco D, formed the [[East Coast hip hop]] group [[Leaders of the New School]].<ref name=ALLMUSIC>[{{AllMusic|class=artist|id=mn0000537548/biography|pure_url=yes}} Allmusic Biography]</ref>

Leaders of the New School released their debut album, ''[[A Future Without a Past...]],'' in June 1991 on [[Elektra Records]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Leaders of the New School Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/leaders-of-the-new-school-mn0000126771 |website=AllMusic |access-date=19 January 2024 |language=en}}</ref> Later that year, the group appeared on [[A Tribe Called Quest]]'s critically acclaimed [[posse cut]] "[[Scenario (song)|Scenario]]".<ref>{{cite web|last=Young|first=Kevin|url=http://www.bookforum.com/inprint/017_03/6320|title=Unwrapping the Message|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101026073417/http://bookforum.com/inprint/017_03/6320|archive-date=October 26, 2010|work=Bookforum|access-date=November 16, 2010}}</ref> In 1993, they released ''[[T.I.M.E. (The Inner Mind's Eye)]]''. Smith gained popularity from his advanced rhymes as well as his unique style that was not common of many New York rap artists at the time. Soon after, however, internal problems arose because of his increasing popularity, and the group broke up on the set of ''[[Yo! MTV Raps]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Mlynar|first1=Phillip|title=The Five Best Moments On Yo! MTV Raps|url=http://www.villagevoice.com/music/the-five-best-moments-on-yo-mtv-raps-6616077|website=The Village Voice|date=July 29, 2011 |publisher=Village Voice, LLC|access-date=March 24, 2016|archive-date=April 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407111453/http://www.villagevoice.com/music/the-five-best-moments-on-yo-mtv-raps-6616077|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Markman|first1=Rob|title=Busta Rhymes Recalls LONS' 'Yo! MTV Raps' Breakup|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1675036/busta-rhymes-lons-breakup-yo-mtv-raps/|publisher=MTV|access-date=March 24, 2016|archive-date=March 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317022312/http://www.mtv.com/news/1675036/busta-rhymes-lons-breakup-yo-mtv-raps/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

{{Quote box
| quote = "I was like the first artist to really start rhyming on everyone else's record. And I was doing that because it was a quick way to feed my kid. That's what was going on until, you know, I got to a place where I felt comfortable enough with doing a solo album."
| source = – Busta Rhymes<ref name="Busta Rhymes The Ringer Interview" />
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===1996–1999: ''The Coming'', ''When Disaster Strikes'', and ''Extinction Level Event: The Final World Front''===
In 1996, Busta Rhymes released his debut solo album, ''[[The Coming]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Busta Rhymes - The Coming Album Reviews, Songs & More {{!}} AllMusic |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-coming-mw0000185333 |website=AllMusic |access-date=19 January 2024 |language=en}}</ref> His single "[[Woo-Hah!! Got You All in Check|Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check]]" was a success, pushing the album into gold record status.<ref name=ALLMUSIC /> Later, he started work on his second album, ''[[When Disaster Strikes...|When Disaster Strikes]]'', which would not be released until September 1997.<ref name=ALLMUSIC />

In 1998, Busta Rhymes recorded ''[[Extinction Level Event: The Final World Front]]''.<ref name=ALLMUSIC />

===2000–2004: ''Anarchy'', ''Genesis'', and ''It Ain't Safe No More''===
[[File:Busta rhymes-06-mika.jpg|thumb|upright|Busta Rhymes in 2002]]
{{See also|Flipmode Squad}}

In 2000, Busta Rhymes released his final album for Elektra, titled ''[[Anarchy (Busta Rhymes album)|Anarchy]]''.<ref name=ALLMUSIC /><ref name="ALLMUSIC-discography">{{cite web |title=Busta Rhymes Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/busta-rhymes-mn0000537548#discography |website=AllMusic |access-date=19 January 2024 |language=en}}</ref> He released ''[[Genesis (Busta Rhymes album)|Genesis]]'' in 2001.<ref name=ALLMUSIC /> The album featured collaborations with [[Mary J. Blige]], [[Sean Combs|P. Diddy]], [[Kelis]], and others.<ref>{{cite web |title=Busta Rhymes - Genesis Album Reviews, Songs & More {{!}} AllMusic |website=[[AllMusic]] |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/genesis-mw0000006273 |access-date=19 January 2024 |language=en}}</ref>

In 2002, Busta Rhymes released his sixth studio album, ''[[It Ain't Safe No More...|It Ain't Safe No More]]''.<ref name="ALLMUSIC-discography" /><ref name=ALLMUSIC />

===2005–2009: ''The Big Bang'' and ''Back on My B.S.''===
[[File:Busta rhymes breaks it down for the mobile geeks.jpg|thumb|right|Busta Rhymes performing in 2006]]
His seventh studio album, titled ''[[The Big Bang (Busta Rhymes album)|The Big Bang]]'', became the first No. 1 album of his career. The album sold over 209,000 copies in its first week to earn the top spot on the U.S. [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-big-bang-mw0000569714|title=The Big Bang – Busta Rhymes – Songs, Reviews, Credits – AllMusic|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=October 5, 2017|archive-date=October 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006012854/https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-big-bang-mw0000569714|url-status=live}}</ref>

It was later revealed that Busta signed a deal with [[Universal Motown]], through which he released his eighth studio album, ''[[Back on My B.S.]]'', on May 19, 2009.<ref name="universalmotown">{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2008/09/17/exclusive-busta-rhymes-signs-with-universal-motown/|title=Exclusive: Busta Rhymes Signs with Universal Motown|website=Rap-up.com|access-date=October 5, 2017|archive-date=September 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916010838/http://www.rap-up.com/2008/09/17/exclusive-busta-rhymes-signs-with-universal-motown/|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to controversial content, the United Arab Emirates has banned the album.<ref name="thenational.ae" /> ''Back on My B.S.'' was released internationally, but because of one song, "[[Arab Money]]", it cannot be purchased as a CD there, although the album can still be purchased via iTunes.<ref name="thenational.ae" />  According to the National Media Council, the lyrics were considered to be offensive to Arabs and to Islam because it quoted the [[Quran]].<ref name="thenational.ae" />

In November 2008, when "Arab Money" was released as a single, DJ Dany Neville and the Iraqi rapper [[The Narcicyst]] responded by recording a reply. Rhymes later apologized.<ref name="thenational.ae" /> DJs in the country said they had not received an order banning the record from being spun in nightclubs, and they had mixed feelings on whether the record was offensive or not.<ref name="thenational.ae">{{cite web |url=http://www.thenational.ae/article/20090529/NATIONAL/705289848/1010 |title=Busta Rhymes album banned over track that quotes Quran – The National Newspaper |website=The National|location=Abu Dhabi |date=May 28, 2009 |access-date=September 6, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100830101551/http://www.thenational.ae/article/20090529/NATIONAL/705289848/1010 |archive-date=August 30, 2010 }}</ref> DJ Saif of Dubai said "I don't play 'Arab Money' because it's disrespectful [to] Arabs. I don't think there is a ban on playing it in clubs, but many here don't play it anyway."<ref name="thenational.ae"/>

[[File:Busta rhymes-03-mika.jpg|thumb|Busta Rhymes in 2005]]

[[DJ Bliss]], along with many other DJs in the UAE, refused to play "Arab Money" on Radio 1 in Dubai after it was banned in the UAE for offense to Arabs. He added, "I used to play the original version in the club, but out of respect for the laws here in my country, I haven't played it since."<ref name="thenational.ae"/> In 2010 the track's producer [[Ron Browz]] defended Busta Rhymes in a Dubai interview with journalist Awad Mustafa stating that the track was misunderstood.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music/rapper-says-arab-money-track-was-as-a-compliment-1.527562|title=Rapper says Arab Money track was as a 'compliment'|work=The National|access-date=January 19, 2018|archive-date=October 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006212451/https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music/rapper-says-arab-money-track-was-as-a-compliment-1.527562|url-status=live}}</ref> "For us, having 'Arab money' is a compliment understood like having 'Oprah money' or 'Tiger Woods money' – it's just street slang, and we were appreciating the amazing wonders that have been created here," Browz said.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music/rapper-says-arab-money-track-was-as-a-compliment|title=Rapper says Arab Money track was as a 'compliment'|website=The National|date=October 8, 2010 |location=Abu Dhabi|access-date=October 5, 2017|archive-date=November 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128134738/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music/rapper-says-arab-money-track-was-as-a-compliment|url-status=live}}</ref> Browz added that he had produced the track in a moment of inspiration while experimenting in his studio. "Growing up in Harlem I was always surrounded by Arabs and [[Islam and Hip-Hop in the United States|Muslims]], we embraced their culture and they embraced ours and we always joked with each other," he said.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mustafa |first1=Awad |title=Rapper says Arab Money track was as a 'compliment' |url=https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music/rapper-says-arab-money-track-was-as-a-compliment-1.527562 |website=The National |date=October 8, 2010 |access-date=July 15, 2018 |archive-date=July 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715093739/https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music/rapper-says-arab-money-track-was-as-a-compliment-1.527562 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===2010–2020: Collaborations and ''Extinction Level Event 2''===
In September 2009, Busta Rhymes had announced that he was working on his ninth studio album, alongside Canadian producer [[Boi-1da]], titled ''The Chemo''. At the time, he stated that the project was 80% finished.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rapbasement.com/busta-rhymes/090209-busta-rhymes-says-hes-80-percent-done-with-new-the-chemo-album.html |title=Busta Rhymes Brings Chemo To Hip Hop &#124; Busta Rhymes |publisher=Rap Basement |date=September 2, 2009 |access-date=September 6, 2010 |archive-date=July 13, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100713162713/http://www.rapbasement.com/busta-rhymes/090209-busta-rhymes-says-hes-80-percent-done-with-new-the-chemo-album.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2010, Busta Rhymes had reportedly changed the title of his ninth album from ''The Chemo'' to ''Extinction Level Event 2'', making his ninth effort a sequel to his 1998 album ''Extinction Level Event (Final World Front)''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rapbasement.com/busta-rhymes/051010-busta-rhymes-changes-title-of-new-album-from-chemo-to-extinction-level-event-2-watch-here.html |title=Busta Rhymes Changes Title Of New Album &#124; Busta Rhymes |work=Rap Basement |date=May 10, 2010 |access-date=September 6, 2010 |archive-date=July 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100715121803/http://www.rapbasement.com/busta-rhymes/051010-busta-rhymes-changes-title-of-new-album-from-chemo-to-extinction-level-event-2-watch-here.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Busta Rhymes contributed to the 2011 [[Tech N9ne]] album ''[[All 6's and 7's]]'', performing vocals on the single, "Worldwide Choppers", released on May 31.<ref>{{cite web|title="Worldwide Choppers" single on iTunes|date=May 31, 2011 |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/worldwide-choppers-feat-d/id438708422|publisher=iTunes Store|access-date=April 12, 2012|archive-date=June 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604181405/http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/worldwide-choppers-feat-d/id438708422|url-status=dead}}</ref> Canadian recording artist [[Justin Bieber]] featured Busta Rhymes on a song called "Drummer Boy" off Bieber's second studio album, ''[[Under the Mistletoe]]'', released on November 1, 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/10/05/justin-bieber-unwraps-mistletoe-tracklisting-with-mariah-carey-usher-busta-rhymes/ |title=Justin Bieber Unwraps 'Mistletoe' Tracklisting with Mariah Carey, Usher, & Busta Rhymes |website=Rap-Up.com |access-date=October 30, 2011 |archive-date=November 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107023049/http://www.rap-up.com/2011/10/05/justin-bieber-unwraps-mistletoe-tracklisting-with-mariah-carey-usher-busta-rhymes/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On November 11, 2011, a [[Heavy D]] tribute song titled "You Ain't Gotta Wait Till I'm Gone" was leaked.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/singles/id.17612/title.busta-rhymes-you-aint-gotta-wait-til-im-gone-heavy-d-tribute |title=You Ain't Gotta Wait Til I'm Gone (Heavy D Tribute) |website=HipHopDX.com |date=November 11, 2011 |access-date=November 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318173040/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/singles/id.17612/title.busta-rhymes-you-aint-gotta-wait-til-im-gone-heavy-d-tribute |archive-date=March 18, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On November 16, 2011, it was announced that Busta Rhymes signed to [[Cash Money Records]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rapradar.com/2011/11/16/new-music-busta-rhymes-x-chris-brown-why-stop-now/ |title=New Music: Busta Rhymes x Chris Brown 'Why Stop Now' |website=RapRadar.com |date=November 16, 2011 |access-date=November 16, 2011 |archive-date=November 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111119010307/http://rapradar.com/2011/11/16/new-music-busta-rhymes-x-chris-brown-why-stop-now/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

A song with Twista, titled "Can You Keep Up", was leaked. Busta Rhymes was featured on [[Fat Joe]]'s single "Pride & Joy" alongside [[Kanye West]] and [[Jadakiss]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2012/08/04/behind-the-video-fat-joe-f-kanye-west-jadakiss-miguel-busta-rhymes-pride-n-joy/ |title=Behind the Video: Fat Joe f/ Kanye West, Jadakiss, Miguel, & Busta Rhymes – 'Pride N Joy' |website=Rap-Up.com |access-date=December 24, 2012 |archive-date=October 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022071825/http://www.rap-up.com/2012/08/04/behind-the-video-fat-joe-f-kanye-west-jadakiss-miguel-busta-rhymes-pride-n-joy/ |url-status=live }}</ref> His ninth studio album, ''[[Year of the Dragon (Busta Rhymes album)|Year of the Dragon]]'', was released for free on [[Google Play]] on August 21, 2012. The album features guest appearances from [[Lil Wayne]], [[Rick Ross]], [[Trey Songz]], [[Robin Thicke]], [[Maino (rapper)|Maino]], [[Gucci Mane]] and more. He also released a music video for the track "Doin' It Again" which features [[Reek da Villian]] and includes a tribute to his manager [[Chris Lighty]], who committed suicide in 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2012/09/12/video-busta-rhymes-f-reek-da-villian-chanel-nicole-doin-it-again/ |title=Video: Busta Rhymes f/ Reek Da Villian & Chanel Nicole – 'Doin It Again' |website=Rap-Up.com |access-date=December 24, 2012 |archive-date=January 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127040605/http://www.rap-up.com/2012/09/12/video-busta-rhymes-f-reek-da-villian-chanel-nicole-doin-it-again/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

He was later featured on YMCMB label mate Shannel's single "Last Time".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2012/10/31/new-music-shanell-f-busta-rhymes-last-time/ |title=New Music: Shanell f/ Busta Rhymes – 'Last Time' |website=Rap-Up.com |date=October 31, 2012 |access-date=December 24, 2012 |archive-date=January 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127040558/http://www.rap-up.com/2012/10/31/new-music-shanell-f-busta-rhymes-last-time/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2011, it was announced that Universal Motown was going defunct, forcing Rhymes and other artists to move to [[Universal Republic Records]]. In mid-2012, it was announced that Universal Republic Records was also going defunct, forcing artists on the roster to move to [[Republic Records]], reviving the label.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.republicrecords.com/artists/artist_single.aspx?aid=7667 |title=Busta R |access-date=November 24, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030003039/http://www.republicrecords.com/artists/artist_single.aspx?aid=7667 |archive-date=October 30, 2012 }}</ref>

On December 21, 2012, members of The Conglomerate Ent., Busta along with J. Doe and Reek da Villan released a mixtape titled ''Catastrophic'', their first collective effort.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cooper |first=Roman |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22247/title.busta-rhymes-to-release-catastrophic-mixtape |title=Busta Rhymes & The Conglomerate "Catastrophic" Mixtape Download & Stream  |website=HipHopDX.com |date=December 16, 2012 |access-date=December 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318200916/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22247/title.busta-rhymes-to-release-catastrophic-mixtape |archive-date=March 18, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Busta Rhymes collaborated with [[Pharrell Williams]], who produced the first single off his Cash Money Records debut, "[[Twerk It]]", which was released on June 6, 2013. A video was shot in [[Flatbush, Brooklyn|Flatbush]] on June 3, 2013. The official remix was released featuring [[Nicki Minaj]]. On July 23, 2014, Busta Rhymes announced that he left Cash Money Records due to creative differences and he is no longer on Republic.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1876475/busta-rhymes-left-cash-money-peacefully/|title=Busta Rhymes Left Cash Money With No Hard Feelings, After Talking With Birdman|publisher=MTV|access-date=October 5, 2017|archive-date=September 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916010831/http://www.mtv.com/news/1876475/busta-rhymes-left-cash-money-peacefully/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

He was featured on "Devil", featuring [[Neon Hitch]] and [[B.o.B]], a song by [[Cash Cash]]. It was released in August 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2015/08/cash-cash-new-song-premiere-devil-feat-busta-rhymes-bob-and-neon-hitch|title=Premiere: Listen to Cash Cash's "Devil" f/ Busta Rhymes, B.o.B, and Neon Hitch|website=Complex.com|access-date=October 5, 2017|archive-date=September 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923003111/http://www.complex.com/music/2015/08/cash-cash-new-song-premiere-devil-feat-busta-rhymes-bob-and-neon-hitch|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2014, it was announced that Rhymes had amicably departed Cash Money Records due to creative differences.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1876475/busta-rhymes-left-cash-money-peacefully/|title=Busta Rhymes Left Cash Money With No Hard Feelings, After Talking With Birdman|first=Nadeska|last=Alexis|publisher=MTV News|access-date=July 23, 2014|archive-date=July 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725203916/http://www.mtv.com/news/1876475/busta-rhymes-left-cash-money-peacefully/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[File:Out4Fame-Festival 2015 - Busta Rhymes - 2.JPG|thumb|Busta Rhymes at Out4Fame Festival 2015 in Germany]]
In 2016, a movement to name a small, uninhabited lake island in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts after Busta Rhymes received viral publicity. The unofficial name of [[Busta Rhymes Island]] was chosen by a town resident because the island has "rope-swinging, blueberries, and ... stuff Busta would enjoy".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Grundhauser|first1=Eric|title=Busta Rhymes Island|url=http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/busta-rhymes-island|website=Atlasobscura.com|access-date=August 8, 2016|archive-date=August 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812071638/http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/busta-rhymes-island|url-status=live}}</ref> A formal proposal was made to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names to officially change the island's name, but it was not accepted due to regulations regarding the naming of geographic places after living people.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://99percentinvisible.org/episode/one-man-is-an-island/|title=One Man Is An Island – 99% Invisible|website=99percentinvisible.org|date=March 11, 2014 |access-date=October 5, 2017|archive-date=October 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001163732/http://99percentinvisible.org/episode/one-man-is-an-island/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Busta Rhymes was also a featured artist on ''[[The Hamilton Mixtape]]'', singing a remix of "[[My Shot]]", along with [[Black Thought]] of [[The Roots]] and [[Joell Ortiz]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/69537-listen-to-my-shot-feat-busta-rhymes-and-joell-ortiz-from-lin-manuel-mirandas-hamilton-mixtape/|title=Listen to 'My Shot' Feat. Busta Rhymes and Joell Ortiz from Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton Mixtape {{!}} Pitchfork|website=Pitchfork|date=November 4, 2016 |access-date=February 2, 2017|archive-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203075723/http://pitchfork.com/news/69537-listen-to-my-shot-feat-busta-rhymes-and-joell-ortiz-from-lin-manuel-mirandas-hamilton-mixtape/|url-status=live}}</ref> The trio performed the song on ''[[The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2016/music/news/busta-rhymes-hamilton-mixtape-my-shot-jimmy-fallon-watch-1201934765/|title=Busta Rhymes, the Roots and Joell Ortiz Perform 'My Shot' From the 'Hamilton Mixtape' on Jimmy Fallon (Watch)|last=Kelley|first=Seth|date=December 6, 2016|newspaper=Variety|access-date=February 2, 2017|archive-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203075757/http://variety.com/2016/music/news/busta-rhymes-hamilton-mixtape-my-shot-jimmy-fallon-watch-1201934765/|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 2, 2018, Rhymes released a new single "Get It", featuring [[Missy Elliott]] and [[Kelly Rowland]], through [[Epic Records]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Get-It-Explicit/dp/B079GXY83D/|title=Get It [Explicit] by Busta Rhymes feat. Missy Elliott & Kelly Rowland on Amazon Music|website=Amazon UK |access-date=February 2, 2018|archive-date=June 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614045051/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Get-It-Explicit/dp/B079GXY83D|url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 2019, Busta Rhymes confirmed he's "finishing touches" of his new album with longtime collaborator, Dr. Dre.<ref name="hiphopdx.com">{{Cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.50268/title.busta-rhymes-bearded-dr-dre-finishing-up-long-delayed-album|title=Busta Rhymes & Bearded Dr. Dre Finishing Up Long Delayed Album|date=February 12, 2019|website=HipHopDX|access-date=February 13, 2019|archive-date=February 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213061714/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.50268/title.busta-rhymes-bearded-dr-dre-finishing-up-long-delayed-album|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2020, Busta Rhymes competed in [[The Masked Singer (American TV series) season 4|season 4]] of ''[[The Masked Singer (American TV series)|The Masked Singer]]'' as "Dragon". He was eliminated in the first episode.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/TV/2020/09/23/Busta-Rhymes-dressed-as-a-dragon-eliminated-from-Masked-Singer/2941600897151/ |title=Busta Rhymes, dressed as a dragon, eliminated from 'Masked Singer' |access-date=September 24, 2020 |archive-date=September 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924103724/https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/TV/2020/09/23/Busta-Rhymes-dressed-as-a-dragon-eliminated-from-Masked-Singer/2941600897151/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On October 30, 2020, Busta released his album ''[[Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God]]''.<ref name="ALLMUSIC-discography" />

===2021–2024: ''Blockbusta'' and guest appearances===
In 2021, Busta Rhymes released the 25th Anniversary Edition of his debut studio album, ''[[The Coming]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/356700-busta-rhymes-reflects-on-debut-albums-25th-anniversary-news|title=Busta Rhymes Reflects On Debut Album's 25th Anniversary|website=[[HotNewHipHop]]|date=March 26, 2021}}</ref>

In late 2023, his eleventh studio album, ''[[Blockbusta]]'', which has many guest appearances, was released.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/busta-rhymes-set-to-drop-new-blockbusta-album-next-month-swizz-beatz-pharrell-timbaland-3520476|title=Busta Rhymes announces surprise release of new album 'Blockbusta'
|website=[[NME]]
|date=October 25, 2023}}</ref>

Throughout late 2024, he made two major guest appearances on his idol, [[LL Cool J]]'s "Huey in the Chair", a track from his fourteenth album, ''[[The FORCE]]'', the pair's first collaboration in nearly 27 years since 1997's "Starsky and Hutch".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sherman |first=Maria |date=2024-07-12 |title=LL Cool J relearned 'how to rap' on his first album in 11 years, 'The FORCE.' Here's how |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/jul/12/ll-cool-j-relearned-how-to-rap-on-his-first-album-/ |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=The Washington Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Inman |first=DeMicia |date=2024-07-12 |title=LL Cool J Details First Album In 11 Years: "I Wasn't Trying To Do Trendy" |url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/ll-cool-j-the-force-album-tracklist-1234895525/ |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=VIBE.com |language=en-US}}</ref> That November, he appeared on singer [[Ciara]]'s single, "Wassup".<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Zemler |first=Emily |date=2024-09-27 |title=Ciara Taps Busta Rhymes for High-Energy Single 'Wassup' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ciara-taps-busta-rhymes-wassup-single-1235113961/ |access-date=2025-01-29 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== 2025: ''Dragon Season'' ===
On January 17, 2025, Busta Rhymes released his EP, ''Dragon Season... The Awakening'', a precursor to his upcoming studio album, ''Dragon Season''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jon |title=Busta Rhymes brings the fire on 'Dragon Season... The Awakening' EP |url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/busta-rhymes-returns-with-dragon-season-the-awakening-ep |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=REVOLT}}</ref>