Rapper busts out of behind-the-scenes role

Sunday, April 7, 1996

After work on TLC, Public Enemy albums, Busta Rhymes has own
releaseBy Meredith Ransburg

Daily Bruin Contributor

For rapper Busta Rhymes, hip hop is not just music ­ it’s a
lifestyle, a culture. "You know what’s the dope hip hop when you
understand it. Then you can represent," says Busta Rhymes smoothly.
"As long as you’re being true to your chemistry. You’re not trying
to change your shit."

Busta Rhymes has made a career out of being true to this
chemistry, having spent over a decade adding his own personal touch
to the albums of TLC, Craig Mack, Boys II Men and Public Enemy.
"The Coming," released in late March, marks his solo debut.

Due in part to heavy MTV and radio rotation, the first single
from the album "Woo-hah!! Got You All in Check," has launched him
into the homes of millions.

Regardless, Busta Rhymes’ focus remains unchanged. His music is
still his main priority ­ music that reflects the day-to-day
realities of the community around him.

The reality that he’s talking about may not be a reality the
world wants to know. "Hot Fudge" repeats the lines "numerals of
funerals everyday."

"A lot of people don’t identify with the truth. And sometimes
the truth ain’t so pretty," says Rhymes passionately. "When they
see the truth on an ugly level, they want to shun away from
that.

"I want people to start identifying with the reality in
life."

Unfortunately, Busta Rhymes emphatic message isn’t one that is
always heard. Rather than concentrate on the music he makes,
oftentimes a bigger deal is made over where he is from, the East
Coast.

To Busta Rhymes, the rivalry between coasts that began as a
problem between one man from the East Coast and one man from the
West Coast has been blown out of proportion.

"If you (the media) would just stay out of their motha fuckin’
business, there wouldn’t be nothing to create," Busta Rhymes argues
fervently. "I got love for Cypress Hill and they got love for
me."

"I’m representing the universe," boasts Busta Rhymes. "The media
is hyping some shit up unnecessarily. I ain’t never had no problems
out here," vents Rhymes.

Yes, Busta Rhymes transcends the stereotype of the rap artist
­ he’s not afraid to give props to rappers from coast to
coast, nor does he feel that he must stick to only one thing.

Busta Rhymes is both rapper and actor. The scowling face under a
mop of dreadlocks can be seen in John Singleton’s "Higher
Learning," Forest Whitaker’s "Strapped" and Ted Demme’s "Who’s The
Man."

But Busta Rhymes is not losing focus on what comes first,
however. "All of them opportunities derive from my music being
tight. My primary focus is the music," assures Busta Rhymes.

This should come as no surprise to those following Busta Rhymes
in the next few months. The rapper predicts more from LONS (Leaders
Of the New School), the group Busta Rhymes surfaced with, and
possibly more solo work. In his mellow whisper, Busta Rhymes utters
"I want the world to stay tuned."

Busta Rhymes