Busta Rhymes Opens Up About Spontaneous Journey to Rapper, Reflects on Awkward First Rap Moniker
By Sara Gaini
![Busta Rhymes takes us on a nostalgic ride, revealing the twists that led him to rap stardom and the cringe-worthy origins of his initial rap identity. Busta Rhymes takes us on a nostalgic ride, revealing the twists that led him to rap stardom and the cringe-worthy origins of his initial rap identity.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3869,h_2176,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/289/01hgtwja1yjpe1dksk0b.jpg)
In a recent interview on The Diary of the CEO, Busta Rhymes shared insights into his unexpected journey to becoming a rapper. Initially drawn to hip-hop culture, Busta harbored dreams of becoming a DJ. However, despite his attempts, he admitted to never mastering the technical intricacies required to become a standout DJ during that era.
Busta's path took an unexpected turn when he found himself on Long Island after facing legal challenges in Brooklyn. There, he connected with Charlie Brown, who would later become his fellow group member in Leaders of the New School. However, their friendship faced a turning point when Busta, fueled by a desire to reclaim respect, wrote his first rhyme at the age of 13.
Recalling a pivotal moment during a school cypher, Busta explained how Charlie Brown, the prominent rap figure in school, disrespected him while beatboxing. As the energy in the cypher shifted, Busta found himself torn between retaliating physically or maintaining the positive atmosphere. Ultimately, Brown stopped rapping, gaining praise from their peers, and Busta chose not to appear as a sore loser.
This incident served as the catalyst for Busta's decision to write a rhyme that night, vowing to return the next day and showcase his newfound skills. This transformative moment marked the beginning of Busta Rhymes' journey as a rapper, overcoming challenges and evolving from an aspiring DJ to a prominent figure in the world of Hip Hop. Through this candid revelation, Busta provides a unique perspective on the twists and turns that shaped his remarkable career.