Busta Rhymes is an old-school emcee who emerged in the mid-1990s and has remained relevant since his debut album, The Coming, in 1996.
With hits such as ‘Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See’ and ‘Woo-Hah!! Got You All in Check,’ the rapper also hit the charts in the 2000s with songs such as ‘I Know What You Want’ and ‘Touch It’.
Despite the release of his album Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God in 2020, the Brooklyn lyricist (real name Trevor Smith) still considers himself an onlooker concerning contemporary hip-hop, and although he still releases material, he is aware he is no longer part of the mainstream.
The emcee, who took a long hiatus during the mid-2010s, has still kept his eye on the culture and in an interview with Nevuary Rap Radio, spoke about who he is currently enjoying and who he respects concerning the new generation.
Opening up about his tastes, Smith declared, “My new artists, my new MC, that motivates me a lot. My number one is Kendrick Lamar, my number two is J Cole. Number three is Roc Marciano, number four is Stove God Cooks, number five, I would say Lil Baby, and number six Royce da 5’9″. This is no particular order. Who’s coming to mind I’m just saying.”
He concluded, “I’m gonna pick four more so I can make a solid Top 10.” Then he names Dave East, Roddy Ricch, Drake and Pop Smoke in his final four.” The New York rhymer named some relatively unknown artists as well as some big names.
You can see the official ten favourite new rappers in the list below.
Busta Rhymes’ favourite current rappers:
- Kendrick Lamar
- J Cole
- Roc Marciano
- Stove God Cooks
- Lil Baby
- Royce Da 5’9″
- Dave East
- Roddy Rich
- Drake
- Pop Smoke